Slow Web Orthodoxy
Slow Web Apps:
LeechBlock is an add-on for Firefox. You can turn off web access at certain times of day or after a certain period of use. You can choose which websites to cut off, or stop all *.com sites etc. It is free. This is great software for Firefox users, and the only helpful Slow Web software I've found for Linux users. It may even be worth switching to Firefox just to be able to use it.
Freedom (also known as MacFreedom) is paid software that lets you restrict internet usage during certain times of day. Unlike LeechBlock, this software will work with Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and virtually any browser. It also works on Android and IOS, and so, if you are overusing your smartphone, this may be your best choice. The cost is not high.
From the makers of Freedom, Anti-Social allows you to restrict social media sites. If you are struggling with facebook, twitter, or similar sites, but want other web usage to remain open, this may be a good choice. It is paid software.
SelfControl will block all internet usage, including e-mail, for a set period of time. It cannot be reversed until the period of time is up.
f.lux adjusts the colour and brightness of your monitor according to the time of day. This can help with computer induced sleep problems, eye problems, and over-stimulation.
As Orthodox Christians we know that we are meant to serve God alone--not a computer or a smartphone.
Often, though, we feel enslaved to our own technology.
Those of us who cannot eliminate screens and devices from our lives completely must become conscious of what they are doing to us, and take back control. The Slow Web movement is about using technology more mindfully. We, as Orthodox Christians, can use Slow Web techniques to turn our awareness back to God, the Trinity.
Here are some things to try.
General Internet Usage
1) Set the "Prayer Before Use of the Internet" on this site as your homepage. Do not do anything online before saying this prayer. Having this prayer as a homepage is the primary reason that I built this site.
2) Do the daily scripture readings before going anywhere else on the web. There is a button link at the bottom of the "Prayer Before Use of the Internet" to remind you.
3) Put the "Prayer After Use of the Internet" in your bookmarks. Click your link and read the prayer before you sign off. Click the button and read some of the saints lives for the day as the last thing you do online.
4) Use some of the "Slow Web Apps" listed here to cut off all or part of your own internet access at certain times of day, or after a certain period of time. Set the "Prayer After Use of the Internet" from this site to appear when your time is up.
5) Check your e-mail, social media, etc. only at appointed times of day. Never check more than three times a day unless required by work.
6) Find better ways of taking a break when you have down-time at work. Let things go and try the Jesus Prayer for a while. It isn't a chore.
7) Don't eat your lunch, or any other meal, in front of the computer screen. If you are eating alone, sit quietly and enjoy your food. It is a gift from God.
8) Eliminate or vastly reduce all voluntary internet usage on Wednesdays and Fridays. You can use some of the "Slow Web Apps" on the left to help with this.
9) Subscribe to a few of the best publications that you read regularly and have them delivered (preferably on paper, but e-reader will work as well). Try, for instance, your local newspaper, and a few magazines. Restrict your news and information intake to these sources. Avoid reading news and articles on the web unless the piece has been specifically recommended to you.
10) Most of all, examine your thoughts. Ask if what you are doing online is purposeful. Ask how it is affecting your mood, your mind, and your soul. Ask if you really need to know what you are reading about, really need to write what you are writing, or really need to see what you are watching. Ask if you are serving God right now. Talk about it in confession.
Smartphone Prayer Apps:
Other Resources:
Smartphone Usage
1) Use some of the "Slow Web Apps" listed here to cut off your smartphone usage at certain times or after a certain length of use.
2) Use the same apps to eliminate Wednesday and Friday use.
3) Use some of the "Smartphone Prayer Apps" listed here to make your smartphone a mobile prayer book and bible. Put these apps on your main screen, or anywhere else you will be sure to see them. Do not do anything on your smartphone until you have done your readings and prayers first.
4) Put the phone away when waiting for something. Pray the Jesus Prayer instead of using games and apps.
Contact
If you have more ideas about how Orthodox Christians can take control of their internet usage, or know of other good apps and resources, please do not hesitate to share them with me.