Anime_irl

Boosting men's morale

Oh well atleast I'm her #1 fan

You’re scrolling. You see something. You click. You scroll more. Another notification pops. You switch tabs. Rinse. Repeat. Five minutes later, you’re lost down a rabbit hole, feeling vaguely unsatisfied, and completely unsure how you got there. Sound familiar?

The internet moves at light speed. Your brain? Not so much. This mismatch isn't just an inconvenience; it's a fundamental problem for your focus, your well-being, and your ability to think deeply. It's time to talk about deliberately slowing things down.

### Quick take

*   **The default state of the internet is overwhelming.** It bombards you faster than you can process.
*   **Your brain isn't built for constant, high-speed input.** It needs time to digest.
*   **This leads to shallow attention, decision fatigue, and often, anxiety.** We mistake input for understanding.
*   **The solution isn't necessarily disconnection, but intentional friction.** Make it harder to get distracted.
*   **Tools can help, but mindset is key.** Design your digital environment for focus, not speed.
*   **You reclaim mental space by choosing slowness.** It’s a deliberate act of resistance.

## The Problem: Cognitive Overload, Instant Gratification

We live in a world where speed is synonymous with efficiency. Gigabit internet. Instant search results. Notifications pinging from every app, device, and platform. But this relentless pace, while impressive technologically, often short-circuits our own cognitive processes. We’re drinking from a firehose, then wondering why we’re perpetually thirsty.

### The "Always On" Trap

Think about your typical morning. Before your first coffee, your phone probably offered you a dozen headlines, five work emails, and three social media updates. By 9 AM, you’ve consumed more information than someone a century ago might have in a week. Your brain attempts to keep up, scanning, filtering, reacting. But this constant input stream leaves little room for reflection, synthesis, or genuine insight. We mistake information *access* for information *processing*. The result? A mind that feels busy but rarely feels productive.

### The Cost of Speed

The hidden cost of this warp-speed digital life is profound. I used to find myself opening a browser for one specific task – check a definition, look up an address – and within minutes, be six tabs deep, scrolling through unrelated articles, completely having forgotten my original intention. This isn't just wasted time; it's a constant drain on your mental energy. Each click, each new piece of information, demands a micro-decision. Over a day, these thousands of tiny decisions add up to significant decision fatigue. Our focus becomes fragmented, our attention span shrinks, and the capacity for deep work—the kind that truly moves the needle—evaporates.

## My Setup / Context

To give you some perspective, my work involves a lot of writing, research, and collaborative document editing. I have a fiber internet connection at home (think 500 Mbps download, 200 Mbps upload), so speed is never an issue. My primary devices are a MacBook Pro and an iPhone, both capable of doing essentially anything instantly. I used to operate with every notification on, multiple browser windows open, and the constant urge to "just check" something. My "fast habits" meant I spent more time *managing* information than *using* it. This experience, feeling perpetually behind despite having all the tools, is what pushed me to fundamentally rethink my approach to digital speed.

## Strategies for Deliberate Slowness

This isn't about ditching the internet entirely; it's about reclaiming your brain's pace in a hyper-fast world.

### Building Friction Back In

Sometimes, the best solution is to simply make it harder to fall into the rabbit hole.

1.  **Scheduled "Internet Breaks":** Instead of constant connectivity, block out specific times for "internet work." This includes email, social media, news, and even non-critical research. Outside these windows, the internet is for *output* only (writing, coding, focused work).
2.  **Physical Barriers:** My phone often lives in another room, or at least out of arm's reach while I’m doing focused work on my laptop. Out of sight, out of mind. Even turning it upside down can make a difference.
3.  **App Blockers / Website Filters:** Tools exist that allow you to block distracting websites or apps for set periods. I use one during my writing blocks. It’s not about willpower; it’s about architecting an environment where willpower isn’t constantly tested.
4.  **Analog First:** Before opening a browser for research, I grab a notebook. Outline ideas, jot down questions, map out my thoughts. This pre-computation helps refine what I *actually* need from the internet, making my searches more targeted and less prone to distraction.
5.  **Single-Tasking Rules:** When I'm online for a specific task, only that tab and related documents are open. No side quests. No "just checking Twitter." This takes conscious effort but pays off immensely in focus.

### Choosing Tools Wisely

Not all digital tools are created equal when it comes to fostering focus. Some inherently slow you down (in a good way).

*   **E-readers vs. Tablets:** An e-reader like a Kindle is designed for reading, and little else. A tablet, with its full web browser, app store, and notification capabilities, is a distraction machine masquerading as a productivity tool.
*   **Minimalist Apps:** Seek out apps that do one thing well, without endless features, notifications, or social feeds. Text editors that strip away formatting options, simple note-taking tools, or calendar apps that just show your schedule.
*   **"Dumb" Phones (or Smart Phones Set Dumb):** Many people find relief in using a basic phone for calls and texts, or by stripping their smartphone of all but essential apps, turning off notifications, and using grayscale mode.
*   **Curated Feeds (RSS):** Instead of letting algorithms dictate what you see, use an RSS reader to subscribe only to the blogs and news sources you truly value. You pull information when you want it, rather than it being pushed to you constantly.
*   **Dedicated Devices:** For deep creative work, consider a device specifically for that purpose, ideally with no internet connection at all. An old laptop configured purely for writing, for example.

## Tradeoffs and Who This Is For

Embracing slowness isn't without its challenges.

### The Downside of Disconnecting

*   **Potential for Isolation:** You might miss out on real-time news, social conversations, or urgent updates. There’s a balance to strike between focus and staying informed.
*   **Initial Productivity Hit:** Changing habits is hard. The first few days or weeks of deliberately slowing down can feel frustratingly inefficient as you retrain your brain.
*   **Learning Curve for New Habits:** It takes effort and consistency to establish new routines and resist old temptations. The urge to "just check" is powerful.
*   **Not for Everyone:** Certain roles (e.g., social media managers, emergency responders) require constant, high-speed monitoring. This advice is for those who *can* dictate their digital boundaries.

### Who Benefits Most

This approach is highly beneficial for:

*   **Knowledge Workers & Creatives:** Writers, designers, programmers, researchers – anyone whose job requires deep, sustained concentration.
*   **Students:** To improve learning, retention, and the quality of academic output.
*   **Anyone Feeling Overwhelmed:** If you constantly feel behind, anxious, or like your brain is "full."
*   **Individuals Struggling with Focus:** If you notice your attention span shrinking or find yourself easily distracted from important tasks.

## Comparison: Fast vs. Slow Internet Habits

| Aspect                | Fast Habits (Problem)                                  | Slow Habits (Solution)                                   |
| :-------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Information Consumption** | Endless scrolling, notification-driven                   | Curated feeds, scheduled checks, intentional pull        |
| **Decision Making**   | Impulsive clicks, reactive responses                   | Deliberate choices, reflective thought before action     |
| **Focus**             | Fragmented attention, shallow engagement               | Sustained concentration, deep work blocks                |
| **Tool Use**          | Multi-tasking, all-in-one apps, constant switching     | Single-tasking, specialized tools, dedicated periods     |
| **Mental State**      | Overwhelmed, anxious, perpetually busy                  | Calm, clear, engaged, genuinely productive               |

## What I’d Recommend Instead

Instead of letting the internet pull you along at its frantic pace, push back. Start small. Pick one digital habit you want to slow down this week. Maybe it's checking email only twice a day. Maybe it's leaving your phone outside the bedroom. Instead of letting the algorithm choose your next piece of content, actively seek out what you *intend* to consume. Think of it as a mental diet, where you're mindful of every byte you ingest.

Don't see the internet as a default. See it as a powerful tool to be used with precision and purpose. The goal isn't to be less connected, but to be more intentionally connected, ultimately giving your brain the breathing room it desperately needs to truly thrive.

The Internet Is Faster Than Your Brain (And That’s a Problem)

The internet loves a good trend, and "building in public" is one that’s sticky. Everywhere you look, people are tweeting their daily progress, sharing loom videos of half-baked ideas, and documenting every single decision. It feels like everyone is on stage, shouting about their process.

But here’s the thing: after watching this play out for years, I'm starting to wonder if the show has overshadowed the actual construction. Are we really *building* things, or are we just really good at *talking about building*? Because often, it looks like a lot of performance and very little tangible output.

## Quick take

*   "Building in public" often prioritizes performance over genuine creation.
*   The constant need to share can derail deep work and focus.
*   It creates an illusion of progress without necessarily leading to tangible products.
*   Your "audience" probably cares more about results than daily updates.
*   Authentic transparency is valuable; performative transparency is draining.
*   Sometimes, the best way to build is to simply… build, quietly.

## The Performance Trap

There’s a powerful pull to share every step. It promises community, feedback, and maybe even early customers. But for many, it morphs into something else: a performance. You’re no longer just working; you’re working *for an audience*.

This subtle shift changes everything. You start polishing drafts you’d normally scrap. You explain basic decisions just to fill airtime. The focus moves from "how do I solve this problem?" to "how do I present myself solving this problem?" It's a mental tax on top of your actual work, draining energy better spent elsewhere.

### Why we get sucked in

1.  **Validation:** Instant feedback loops can feel good, like a digital pat on the back.
2.  **Visibility:** Hoping to catch the eye of investors, partners, or future users.
3.  **Accountability (perceived):** Thinking public commitments force you to follow through.
4.  **Community:** The desire to connect with like-minded individuals.

All valid desires, but the "how" matters. If the *how* involves constant, uncritical sharing, the downsides often outweigh the upsides. You spend more time crafting the narrative of your journey than actually taking meaningful steps on that journey. The "building" becomes secondary to the "public."

## What Does "Building" Actually Mean Anymore?

When I hear "build in public," I picture someone literally assembling something piece by piece, inviting people to watch. What I often see is someone talking about *planning* to assemble something, then talking about *finding the pieces*, then talking about *organizing the pieces*, and then… silence, or a pivot to a new "build in public" project.

Real building involves:

*   Deep, uninterrupted focus.
*   Messy, ugly first drafts.
*   Failed experiments nobody ever sees.
*   Long stretches of silent iteration.

These aren't glamorous. They don't make for good social media threads. So what gets shared? The easy stuff. The "I just created a landing page!" or "Look at my new brand colors!" These are components, sure, but not the core *creation*.

## My Setup / Context

I’ve been involved in various "creator economy" adjacent spaces for years, both personally and professionally. I’ve launched tiny projects, worked on bigger initiatives, and watched countless others do the same. I've fallen into the trap myself, believing that consistent public updates would somehow accelerate things.

My experience comes from trying to launch a small software tool, writing a short ebook, and even just trying to learn a new skill like coding. In each case, the urge to "show my work" often coincided with procrastination on the actual work. I’d spend an hour formatting a tweet about my progress instead of spending that hour *making* progress. It was a subtle, insidious form of self-sabotage, masquerading as productivity.

I learned that for me, the crucial stages of deep work and problem-solving required quiet. They required obscurity. When the audience was implied, my brain was split: half on the problem, half on how I'd explain the problem-solving process later. It rarely led to better solutions.

## Who Is This For (and Not For)?

"Building in public" isn't inherently bad. It just has specific use cases where it genuinely shines.

| Good Fit For                               | Less Ideal For                                      |
| :----------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------- |
| Open-source projects (community contribution) | Early-stage product development (rapid iteration)   |
| Learning a *specific* skill (e.g., coding challenge) | Deep creative work (writing a novel, composing music) |
| Transparent company culture (internal processes) | Developing proprietary IP (competitive advantage)    |
| Post-mortem analysis / sharing lessons learned | Initial problem discovery / user research           |

If your core goal is genuinely collaborative, or if the "product" *is* the process (e.g., documenting a complex scientific experiment), then by all means. But for most solopreneurs and small teams trying to bring something new into the world, it's often a distraction.

## What I’d Recommend Instead

Instead of broadcasting every twitch, consider a more strategic, results-oriented approach. Focus on the actual building, then share the *outcomes* and *insights*.

### Build in Silence, Share with Purpose

1.  **Prioritize Deep Work:** Schedule uninterrupted blocks of time where you are simply *creating*. Turn off notifications. Close social media. Don't even *think* about how you'll explain it later. Just do the work.
2.  **Define Milestones:** Instead of daily updates, set clear, internal milestones. A launched feature, a completed chapter, a user-tested prototype. These are actual points of progress.
3.  **Share the "What," Not the "How":** Once you hit a milestone, then you can share. "We launched X!" "Chapter 3 is done!" "Here's what we learned from our first 10 users."
4.  **Offer Post-Mortems, Not Live Streams:** After shipping, reflect. What went well? What went wrong? What would you do differently? *This* kind of sharing is incredibly valuable and honest. It's built on actual experience, not speculation or ongoing performance.
5.  **Curated Transparency:** If you *do* want to build a community, share behind-the-scenes glimpses strategically. A weekly summary, a monthly update, or a specific "lessons learned" thread. Make it additive, not performative.

It’s about understanding the difference between genuine transparency and incessant chatter. One builds trust and provides value; the other often creates noise and slows you down. Your job isn't to entertain with your process; it's to deliver a valuable product or idea. Focus on that, and the rest will follow.

Everyone Is “Building in Public” and Nobody Is Building Anything

Alright, let's cut the crap and talk about privacy. Or the ghost of it, anyway. You clicked on this, so you're either worried, already checked out, or just morbidly curious. Good. Let's get into it.

---

### Privacy: We Already Gave It Up, Didn't We? (Or Do We Still Need It?)

Hey there. Let's be real for a second. That word, "privacy." It feels… quaint, right? Like a rotary phone or a landline. Something from a bygone era, before every single facet of our lives became a data point for some algorithm in a server farm in Ohio.

Most days, I feel like we already held the funeral for privacy. We mourned for about five minutes, then signed up for another 'free' app that tracks our every move because, hey, **convenience, baby!**

---

### The Grand Surrender: How We Handed Over the Keys

Let's just look at the evidence. The receipts, if you will.

*   **Social Media:** We voluntarily broadcast our lives. Our breakfasts, our kids' first steps, our political rants, our relationship statuses, even our *moods*. We give Facebook, Instagram, TikTok (and a dozen others) a constant, real-time feed of who we are, what we like, and who we're connected to. And we do it happily, for the likes.
*   **Smart Devices:** "Alexa, play my favorite song." "Hey Google, what's the weather?" We've invited always-listening microphones into our living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. Because it's cool. And sometimes, genuinely helpful. But make no mistake, it's listening. Always.
*   **The "Free" Stuff:** Every app you download for free, every website that asks you to accept cookies, every service that only requires an email login (and then asks for your location, contacts, and camera access). **You are the product.** Your data is the currency. We signed that contract years ago, probably without reading the fine print.
*   **Data Breaches? Yawn.** Remember when a massive data breach would be front-page news for weeks? Now? It's Tuesday. Another 50 million accounts exposed. We just sigh, change the password we'll forget by next week, and move on. We're numb.

So yeah, from that perspective, we gave up. We traded the messy, analogue, private existence for a slick, interconnected, hyper-personalized digital one. And for the most part, we don't regret it. We like the recommendations, the targeted ads that *sometimes* hit the mark, the ease of logging in with one click.

---

### But Wait, Do We Still Need This Ghost Called Privacy?

Okay, so we're deep into the digital age. Most of us aren't going off-grid. But here's the kicker: **Just because we've given a lot away, doesn't mean it's worthless, or that we don't still need some of it.**

*   **It's Not Just About Hiding "Bad" Things:** This is the biggest load of bullshit. "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." Oh, really? Tell that to someone who gets denied a job because an algorithm flagged their social media for "potential risk factors" based on some vague correlation. Tell that to someone who gets their insurance premium hiked because their smart health tracker showed an irregular sleep pattern. It's not about hiding illicit activities; it's about **autonomy and preventing manipulation.**
*   **The Power Imbalance is Real:** The more data these companies (and governments) have on you, the more power they have. Power to influence your decisions, your purchases, your vote. Power to profile you, label you, and potentially discriminate against you, all based on data you didn't even know they had or collected.
*   **The "Chilling Effect":** When you know everything you say or do online is being logged, analyzed, and stored forever, you self-censor. You think twice before expressing a truly unpopular opinion. You conform. And that, my friends, is how vibrant public discourse dies.
*   **Security (Actual Security):** If all your data is out there, your identity is easier to steal. Your accounts are easier to compromise. Your digital life is a giant open book for anyone with enough skill (or just plain luck) to exploit.

---

### So, What Now? Are We Screwed, Or Is There a Fight Left?

Look, no one's suggesting we go back to carrier pigeons. That's not happening. But we also shouldn't just shrug and accept that our digital lives are essentially public property.

1.  **Be Aware:** The first step is to simply *know* what you're giving away. Read the permissions. Understand the "free" cost. Ask yourself if that convenience is *really* worth the data trade.
2.  **Use the Tools:** VPNs, privacy-focused browsers (Brave, Firefox Focus), ad blockers (uBlock Origin), strong, unique passwords (use a manager!). These aren't perfect, but they're a hell of a lot better than doing nothing.
3.  **Demand Better:** From companies. From governments. Support legislation that protects data. Vote with your wallet. Choose products and services from companies that actually *try* to respect your privacy, even if they're a bit more expensive.
4.  **Think Before You Share:** This is the simplest one. Do you *really* need to broadcast that? What's the benefit versus the potential downside?

---

### The Bottom Line

Did we give up privacy? Yeah, a lot of it. We traded it for convenience, connection, and those sweet, sweet algorithm-driven dopamine hits. But do we still need it? Absolutely. It's the difference between being a free individual and being a data point in someone else's spreadsheet.

The fight for privacy isn't about hiding secrets; it's about maintaining control over our own lives, our identities, and our future. It's about not letting the algorithms decide who we are and what we're allowed to be.

So, what's it gonna be? Are we just going to let it all go, or are we going to at least try to reclaim some ground? Your move.

Do We Still Need Privacy, or Did We Give Up Already?

Doing our part. Done by me with ink and watercolors.

Carmine Cyclone by Fragan Tanguy

Richard Teschner, Downpour, 1907

https://v.redd.it/4yis799uh1mg1/CMAF_720.mp4

I replaced the lyrics of Africa (Toto) with every country in Africa

https://v.redd.it/8ovkwb4738mg1/CMAF_720.mp4

Fashion imitation show

https://v.redd.it/tf5xy3rea5mg1/CMAF_720.mp4

I wish I hadn't known

British Army Private Carl Hineatt, 19, leaves his IFV after it was set ablaze by petrol bombs in Basra, September 19, 2005. He suffered burns to almost 40% of his body and underwent 25 operations over five years.

Thanks to the low crime rate, i feel so free here in Singapore (1996)

Skeletonized corpse of a German soldier outside a trench dugout near Beaumont Hamel, November 1916.

https://www.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/1rh9jdm/rworldnews_discussion_thread_us_and_israel_launch/

/r/WorldNews Discussion Thread: US and Israel launch attack on Iran; Iran retaliates (Thread #2)

Iran struck the US naval base in Bahrain with ballistic missiles. Qatar intercepted two Iranian missiles. Explosions reported in Abu Dhabi

https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/iran-strikes-us-naval-base-in-bahrain-as-retaliatory-missiles-hit-across-persian-gulf-3215284

Iran strikes US naval base in Bahrain as retaliatory missiles hit across Persian Gulf

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/pmx16zge8

Israeli Defense minister: We have launched preemptive strike against Iran

https://www.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/1rgvngq/rworldnews_discussion_thread_explosions_heard_in/

/r/WorldNews Discussion Thread: Explosions heard in Tehran as Israel's defense minister confirms Israel has attacked Iran (Thread #1)

https://www.intellinews.com/afghan-taliban-leader-killed-in-pakistan-airstrikes-unverified-social-media-posts-claim-428571/

Sources report the leader of the Taliban and Emir of Afghanistan may have been killed by a Pakistani air strike

Foreign Office has told Britons to avoid "all but essential" travel to Israel and Palestine and Britain's embassy in Tehran is "temporarily closed".

https://news.sky.com/story/uk-government-staff-have-been-withdrawn-from-iran-13512938

Tech, News, History, Wallpapers & Anime — NoShitBlog

The Internet Is Faster Than Your Brain (And That’s a Problem)

NEWS >

/r/WorldNews Discussion Thread: US and Israel launch attack on Iran; Iran retaliates (Thread #2)

Iran strikes US naval base in Bahrain as retaliatory missiles hit across Persian Gulf

Israeli Defense minister: We have launched preemptive strike against Iran

/r/WorldNews Discussion Thread: Explosions heard in Tehran as Israel's defense minister confirms Israel has attacked Iran (Thread #1)

Sources report the leader of the Taliban and Emir of Afghanistan may have been killed by a Pakistani air strike

UK government staff have been withdrawn from Iran

BLOG >

The Internet Is Faster Than Your Brain (And That’s a Problem)

Everyone Is “Building in Public” and Nobody Is Building Anything

Do We Still Need Privacy, or Did We Give Up Already?

HISTORY >

British Army Private Carl Hineatt, 19, leaves his IFV after it was set ablaze by petrol bombs in Basra, September 19, 2005. He suffered burns to almost 40% of his body and underwent 25 operations over five years.

Thanks to the low crime rate, i feel so free here in Singapore (1996)

Skeletonized corpse of a German soldier outside a trench dugout near Beaumont Hamel, November 1916.

WALLPAPERS >

ITAP of Edinburgh

A canyon in the rain, Australia, 1365x2048 OC

Pink Skies Over Turquoise Silence

FUNNY >

I replaced the lyrics of Africa (Toto) with every country in Africa

Fashion imitation show

I wish I hadn't known

ANIME >

Anime_irl

Boosting men's morale

Oh well atleast I'm her #1 fan

CREEP >

Doing our part. Done by me with ink and watercolors.

Carmine Cyclone by Fragan Tanguy

Richard Teschner, Downpour, 1907