The Burden of Modern Devices: A Reflection on Simplicity

In a world where devices demand constant attention, the simplicity of a Casio F-91W watch stands in stark contrast. This watch, unchanged since 1989, simply tells time without needing updates or attention. In contrast, modern smartwatches and devices, like a $400 Apple Watch, require ongoing interaction, from tracking health metrics to managing notifications, creating a relationship rather than a mere product ownership.

Over the past two decades, our possessions have evolved from static objects to dynamic entities that require our attention. From thermostats to cars, everything now has opinions, needs updates, and demands our time. This shift has turned ownership into a never-ending cycle of maintenance and management, where nothing is ever truly complete.

Screen Time, introduced by Apple in 2018, was marketed as a tool for understanding our device usage. However, it subtly shifts the blame for excessive screen time onto users, suggesting a lack of self-control rather than acknowledging the design of devices that demand constant attention.

The industry profits from this cycle by selling solutions to the problems it creates, such as wellness apps and digital detox programs, which only add to the burden. This cycle of dependency was not deliberately designed but has accumulated over time, leaving users with what is known as 'technical debt'—a backlog of unresolved digital tasks and obligations.

The author challenges the narrative that the problem lies with the user, advocating instead for recognizing the systemic nature of this exhaustion. The guilt and pressure to manage these digital relationships are manufactured by an industry that benefits from user engagement and a wellness culture that profits from user shame.

In contrast, the Casio watch represents a rare luxury: an object that fulfills its purpose without demanding anything in return. Its simplicity and completeness offer a respite from the constant demands of modern technology, reminding us of a time when ownership did not equate to ongoing obligation.