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There’s a clear disconnect between our want for privacy and the actions we’re taking. Convenience is the immediate benefit that puts a chokehold on our ability to regain any sense of a private life.  This week, we take a look at privacy in the digital age. Is there a genuine desire for it still, and if so, is it even achievable? As always, thanks for listening and supporting the podcast.  If you like Things We Use, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy

Smartphones are addictive. But is it our fault for using them so much?  In this episode, the second instalment of this three-part podcast, we take a look at how our phones are designed to be so enticing; and just how apps like Instagram use tricks to keep us hooked.  If you like the Things We Use podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy And be sure to check out Catherine's book: phonebreakup.com

Most of us have them and most of us use them every single day, but just how much of an impact do our smartphones have on us? If you're like me, there are moments where you feel at the mercy of your backlit screen, frantically checking a host of apps, only to check them again minutes later. Our relationship to the smartphone can be problematic at the best of times - but why is that? And what can we do about it?  In 2018, author and award-winning journalist Catherine Price gave the world How To Break Up With Your Phone: a book covering a 30-day plan to "take back your life". Join me in this three-part podcast as I discuss our relationship to the smartphone, take a look at the truth behind our addiction, and finally challenge myself to take on Price's 24-hours of zero tech.  If you like the Things We Use podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy And be sure to check out Catherine's book: phonebreakup.com

Are we losing the ability to focus in the digital age? It's a fair question and one that highly respected author and journalist Johann Hari delves into in his latest book Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention. We look at Johann's third visit to Steven Bartlett's A Diary of a CEO, and discuss the state of our attention in the age of social media.  If you like the Things We Use podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy Johann's new book: waterstones.com/book/stolen-focus/johann-hari The Diary of a CEO episode 114: youtube.com/watch?v=kNOX7a7-kwQ

Identity. What does it mean to have one in the digital age? In this episode, we look at the idea of building identity and the extension of the self. We address some great points made by Chris Delia on his widely-adored podcast Congratulations, and look at our relationship to our things, with a little help from the writing of Dr Christian Jarrett. Note: For educational purposes, an audio clip has been taken from Chris Delia's Congratulations podcast (episode 226). Please support Chris here: www.congratulationspod.com And, if you like the Things We Use podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy

In this episode, we look at my encounter with the Heavyweight Champion of the World: Mr Tyson Fury. But, more importantly, cover the topic of memorabilia. What is it? And why in the digital age do we continue to funnel money into it?  If you like the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy

Physical Christmas cards or digital Seasons Greetings? That is the question. In this episode, we look at the difference between the two, how recent events have affected both, and what certain stars think.  If you like the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy Tiktok.com/@thingsweuse

In this episode, we discuss Unpacking: the new game that represents the perfect crossover between the digital and the physical. Please consider supporting the team over at: www.unpackinggame.com *Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the game or the team that made it. I just enjoyed it!  If you like the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy Tiktok.com/@thingsweuse

Digital and physical news - who do these types of news serve and what does the future hold for both? The newspaper industry has been in steady decline, triggered by a loss in readership and advertising revenue. In fact, in 2020, circulation actually reached an all-time low.  Many would argue going digital has driven a stake through the heart of physical journalism; but what is the main difference between reading news on your smartphone or picking up a newspaper?  If you enjoy the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy Tiktok.com/@thingsweuse

In the digital age, we've simplified a lot of things. We've shortened the time it takes to do stuff - like locating and listening to our favourite music. But at what cost? In this episode, we look at the changing face of processes, the beauty of using physical formats, and the human qualities attached to rituals. If you enjoy the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy Tiktok.com/@thingsweuse

In this episode, we take a look at the cassette in the media. What are the latest figures, and what do they suggest about the future of the format? If you enjoy the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy Tiktok.com/@thingsweuse

In this episode, we look at the case of repairing or replacing objects. Do we as consumers hold the responsibility of slowing our 'throwaway' culture down? Or is the onus on manufacturers to build and deliver products that prioritise longevity?  Taking a look at ITV's Tonight show, we delve into the world of repair cafes and all things restoration. Watch the episode with Chris Choi here: www.itv.com/hub/tonight/1a9757a0118  If you enjoy the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy Tiktok.com/@thingsweuse