Overcome The Pull
This entry is part of a series on “The Pull”: Preface. The Pull. Intro. Overcome The Pull. 1. The Road. 2. The Fronts. 3. The Tools. 4. The Practice. Conclusion. Beyond The Pull.
I have been exploring the phenomenon of The Pull (here and here)—the pulling sensation that comes from being addicted to the internet. The screens (computer and phone) are the physical source, and it is best understood through images:
The following premises summarize The Pull:
It is an unconscious force.
It negates your consciousness when you succumb to it.
No real choices are made without consciousness.
Most people fall prey to The Pull and actively know it. Others may think they are not affected, but they lie to themselves, lacking the awareness to know the difference. They normalize the unconscious impulse, excusing it by claiming that their degree of screen time is necessary to make money, stay informed, or stay connected.
The Pull can be overcome. Overcoming it does not mean ridding oneself of the internet, but rather developing conscious agency when using it—so that it does not use you.
This entry serves as the introduction to a provisional guide based on everything that has personally helped me. I argue that collective wisdom will remain inaccessible if we cannot overcome The Pull and remain unconsciously drawn into the screen. This collective wisdom is essential if we are to address the existential risks posed by accelerated technology.
This guide will consist of four parts:
The Road
The Fronts
The Tools
The Practice
If you find this series useful, do not restack it. (I’ve tried to block this feature, but some people still manage to do it.) Instead, send it privately to a friend or family member with a thoughtful note, encouraging both of you to overcome The Pull of the screen together.
"How we do one thing is how we do everything," as the saying goes.
If you have any questions, insights, feedback, or criticism on this entry or more generally, message me below (I read and respond on Saturdays) …
*** Overcome The Pull *** If this post spoke to you, please do not restack it or share it on social media. Instead, sense a person who might resonate with it and share it with them directly. Bonus: invite them out for coffee or tea and discuss it in person.