The lost art of logging off: Why disconnecting is a design problem, not a willpower one
By
Wira Indra Kusuma
Sat on the counter overnight. Well past its best.
Summary
This article reflects on the lost ritual of "logging off" from the internet — a deliberate action that once separated online life from physical reality. It contrasts the past, where disconnecting was a clear, intentional act (symbolized by the dial-up modem's disconnection sound), with the present, where the internet is always-on, persistent, and designed to keep users engaged. The piece argues that the inability to stop is not a personal willpower failure but a product design choice, especially relevant in the age of AI and endless scrolling.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledLogging off was an action. It had a verb.
After the click, the internet left. Not minimized. Not pushed to the background. Gone, somewhere else.
Why stopping is a design responsibility, not a willpower problem, in the age of AI.
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