What is one of the best computer hacks you can integrate? Uninstall Chrome and start using Safari instead. Why? Some reasons:

1. Benefits of Safari

1. Safari is faster, cleaner, simpler, more lightweight, and more beautiful. Safari is like a beautiful Braun appliance, Chrome is like a Pez Dispenser.
2. If you use a MacBook, Safari is optimized for it. Superior battery life on Safari vs Chrome.
3. Safari is optimized for the best web-browsing experience. You have the EXTREMELY useful “Reader” mode, which strips websites of clutter, crap, annoying advertisements, etc. Google Chrome’s ultimate goal is to collect the maximum amount of browsing behavior from you in order to deliver you the most accurate advertisements.
4. Google Chrome is optimized for you to have a billion tabs open. Very bad for focus.
5. If you use Google Chrome on your phone, there isn’t a good way to block advertisements. Safari on iPhone allows for ‘content blockers’, which gives you a more beautiful web-browsing experience.

2. Why did I ditch Chrome?

I ditched Google Chrome because this is what I started to notice:

When using Google Chrome, I couldn’t focus.

Whereas when using Safari I could focus.

I’m not sure the difference, but my theory is that Google Chrome is colored like candy, in order to have you use the internet as much as possible [The more you use Google and browse the internet, the more money Google makes]. Safari doesn’t really care [Apple makes money by selling you more devices].

For myself, I would rather be addicted to buying more devices than being addicted to the internet.

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3. Increasing skepticism in technology

I tested the Google Pixel and really liked it. In-fact, I think the Google Pixel has a superior camera (in terms of image quality, low-light) to the iPhone. But why am I very suspicious about owning a Google Pixel? I’ve already given Google insane amounts of personal data. I’m concerned that if I had a Google Pixel, my everyday behavior will slowly be modified, distracted, with less focus.

For example, if you have a Google Pixel [or any Android phone], Chrome comes pre-installed. When you open Google Chrome on a mobile phone, there is the extremely distracting “suggested articles” on the home page. While you can hide this, there is always a nagging distraction at the back of your mind:

I really want to click this to check my suggested articles.

Even using that tiny bit of brainpower to PREVENT yourself from opening it will deplete some of your focus and willpower.

4. A new digital caste system

This is what I notice:

If you are poor, or from a developing country, you are more likely to buy an Android phone or Windows computer.

But the problem is that with Android, Windows (Chrome is the best browser on Windows), you have a more cluttered, distracting, and ad-ridden existence.

5. The new technological elite

This is my practical view on the future of humanity (at least from a technological perspective):

1. The rich will be privileged with a cleaner, simpler, more beautiful existence. More focus, concentration, and ability to pursue philosophical and artistic aims.
2. The poor will have access to all these “tools of mass distraction” (Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Video, smartphone games, video games, VR games), and they will live a happy yet extremely fragmented, distracted, and “basic” existence.

6. Questions to ask yourself

Essentially, before purchasing any digital tools, or by using any services, ask yourself:

1. Who is the company who built this?
2. What does the company want you to use this?
3. What are the upsides/downsides of this service I’m going to use?
4. What do I personally value in my life? Will using this service hinder or promote my own personal interests?

7. Experiments

As of right now, some things I am experimenting with:

1. Stop using Google Maps, and start using Apple Maps instead: Google Maps is the superior product, but is starting to get extremely slow and cluttered. I simply prefer Apple Maps for the speed, simplicity, and more beautiful UI.
2. Stop using YouTube as much as possible: The sidebar is the worst distraction known to mankind. If I want to listen to new music, I will try to go directly to Spotify instead. If I want entertainment, I prefer to read ancient literature, watch a John Wick film, or go lift weights.
3. Transition away from Gmail: I think Gmail is the superior email web-based/cloud client, but once again, I am a little worried about long-term “lock-in” with gmail.