> I don't think my HN problem is quite bad enough to want to quit entirely, but I do want to read it less
For me, social media is a problem when I'm pulling out my phone to use it when I'm on vacation or in the presence of other people.
I have no problem going weeks without checking HN if I'm on vacation, and I don't think I've ever checked HN while at lunch with friends.
By contrast, I check FB more when I'm around other people — it's as if there's a social element to it, and some popularity signaling. If everyone else around the table is checking their notifications, then it makes me look like I've got nothing going on if I'm not checking my notifications also.
For me, social media is a problem when I'm pulling out my phone to use it when I'm on vacation or in the presence of other people.
I have no problem going weeks without checking HN if I'm on vacation, and I don't think I've ever checked HN while at lunch with friends.
By contrast, I check FB more when I'm around other people — it's as if there's a social element to it, and some popularity signaling. If everyone else around the table is checking their notifications, then it makes me look like I've got nothing going on if I'm not checking my notifications also.