The Philosophy Behind Good Tips

Not all tips are created equal. The technology space is full of advice that sounds useful but doesn't hold up under scrutiny — tips that work in very specific conditions but not in general use, tips that solve a problem most people don't have, or tips that were accurate two software versions ago.

We try to hold our tips to a higher standard. Before we publish something, we ask whether it actually works as described, whether it applies broadly, whether there are downsides worth mentioning, and whether the benefit is worth the time investment required to implement it.

Learning Technology vs. Being Used by It

There's a meaningful difference between using technology and being used by it. Most of the design choices in consumer technology — the notifications, the algorithms, the default settings, the dark patterns — are optimized for engagement and data collection, not for your productivity or wellbeing. The default experience is rarely the best experience for you personally.

Taking the time to learn your tools — to customize them, understand them, and make deliberate choices about how they fit into your life — is one of the most consistently high-return investments you can make.

Start with What Frustrates You Most

The best place to start is wherever you're most annoyed. Is there a task you do every day that feels slower than it should be? A setting that's been bothering you for months? A feature you've heard exists but never managed to find?

Start there. Search our Tips & Tricks section for the platform or software you're frustrated with. Technology is supposed to make your life easier. We're here to make sure it actually does.