The Case for a Digital Detox w/ Casey Johnston

In this episode of "Tech Won't Save Us," host Paris Marx interviews Casey Johnston, creator of the "She's a Beast" newsletter and author of "A Physical Education," about her transition from tech journalism to fitness writing, her critique of social media's impact on body image, and her decision to reduce her reliance on smartphones and social media platforms. They discuss the evolution of Instagram, the pressures of conforming to social media trends, and the importance of real-world connections. Johnston shares her experiences of creating a "dumb phone" by stripping down her smartphone to essential functions and advocates for more in-person interactions as a way to counter the negative effects of technology. She also discusses her new book, which combines her personal story with the science behind fitness and its impact on mental and emotional well-being.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and Career Transition

Part 2: Tech Journalism, Social Media, and Mental Health

Part 3: Reducing Social Media Use

Part 4: Alternative Marketing and In-Person Connections

Part 5: Book Promotion and Conclusion

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Tech Won't Save Us

Part 1: Introduction and Career Transition

Introduction to Casey Johnston and the Intersection of Tech and Fitness

Transition from Tech Writing to Fitness Writing

Part 2: Tech Journalism, Social Media, and Mental Health

Reflections on Tech Journalism and the Power of Tech Companies

Fitness Content on Social Media and the Shift in Instagram's Culture

The Impact of Algorithms and the Uncanny Valley of Social Media

Navigating Social Media as a Fitness Writer and the Focus on Aesthetics

The Tragedy of Surveillance and the Impact on Mental Health

Part 3: Reducing Social Media Use

The Decision to Reduce Social Media Use and the Unsatisfying Nature of Digital Consumption

Implementing a "Dumb Phone" Strategy and Addressing the Fear of Missing Out

The Annoyances of App Requirements and the Benefits of Decisive Action

Part 4: Alternative Marketing and In-Person Connections

Marketing Without Social Media and the Value of In-Person Connections

The Difficulty of In-Person Interaction and the Importance of Personal Experience

Part 5: Book Promotion and Conclusion

Conclusion and Promotion of "A Physical Education"

The Case for a Digital Detox w/ Casey Johnston

Tech Won't Save Us

Part 1: Introduction and Career Transition

00:00Introduction to Casey Johnston and the Intersection of Tech and Fitness

Introduction to Casey Johnston and the Intersection of Tech and Fitness

02:53Transition from Tech Writing to Fitness Writing

Transition from Tech Writing to Fitness Writing

Part 2: Tech Journalism, Social Media, and Mental Health

06:21Reflections on Tech Journalism and the Power of Tech Companies

Reflections on Tech Journalism and the Power of Tech Companies

11:54Fitness Content on Social Media and the Shift in Instagram's Culture

Fitness Content on Social Media and the Shift in Instagram's Culture

15:01The Impact of Algorithms and the Uncanny Valley of Social Media

The Impact of Algorithms and the Uncanny Valley of Social Media

19:13Navigating Social Media as a Fitness Writer and the Focus on Aesthetics

Navigating Social Media as a Fitness Writer and the Focus on Aesthetics

25:11The Tragedy of Surveillance and the Impact on Mental Health

The Tragedy of Surveillance and the Impact on Mental Health

Part 3: Reducing Social Media Use

29:50The Decision to Reduce Social Media Use and the Unsatisfying Nature of Digital Consumption

The Decision to Reduce Social Media Use and the Unsatisfying Nature of Digital Consumption

32:08Implementing a "Dumb Phone" Strategy and Addressing the Fear of Missing Out

Implementing a "Dumb Phone" Strategy and Addressing the Fear of Missing Out

37:54The Annoyances of App Requirements and the Benefits of Decisive Action

The Annoyances of App Requirements and the Benefits of Decisive Action

Part 4: Alternative Marketing and In-Person Connections

42:29Marketing Without Social Media and the Value of In-Person Connections

Marketing Without Social Media and the Value of In-Person Connections

46:04The Difficulty of In-Person Interaction and the Importance of Personal Experience

The Difficulty of In-Person Interaction and the Importance of Personal Experience

Part 5: Book Promotion and Conclusion

52:29Conclusion and Promotion of "A Physical Education"

Conclusion and Promotion of "A Physical Education"