Devices are tools. Different devices serve different purposes. I am easily distracted, so I try to segment the use of the different apps; they all serve unique purposes.

My iPhone is my main device to respond to time-sensitive notifications and immediate reference lookups (ie-“Hey Siri, When did Charles get his head chopped off”. The iPhone communication systems I use are the phone, SMS, and iMessage. Every other messaging app I couch in social media playtime, which is on the iPad. For boredom, I have the NY Times and BBC app. They are my guilty pleasures. I try to limit time on them. On the iPhone, I also check my calendar and set alarms/timekeeping. I’ll also look up references on the internet, and directions, and play podcasts or audiobooks when I’m in the car. Every now and then I’ll jot down notes on my Notion or send myself items to do when I get to a different device. I reserve Email for the iPad and computer because I notice eye strain and cramped fingers happen when I’m writing emails on the iPhone. Also, I don’t want my work following me around everywhere, so Slack isn’t on my iPhone either. (The exception is when I’m traveling and don’t have easy access to my other devices.)

@Matthew Cheney bought me an iPad. The iPad is a great tool for browsing social media and killing time. All social media playtime happens on the iPad. I usually leave the iPad in a closet, so I’m on it infrequently. I also have a bunch of stickers and a googley eye on the iPad, so I know not to take its presence that seriously (play is vital!) Random apps will be downloaded on the iPad. Experimentation happens there.

My MacBook Air is my workhorse. I code, respond to emails, design ideas, post on Slack, hold meetings, and write on my laptop. I can focus on a single task on my MacBook Pro more than any other device.

For additional info on my screen time, see mySchedule.