You'll be happy to know that Ascutney is going through a bit of a revitalization at the moment! Countless volunteers at both Ascutney Outdoors and Asctuney Trails have put in a huge amount of work to add over 50 miles of mountain bike and running trails, a free rope tow, and access rights to the entire mountain (got a few GREAT backcountry ski days in this winter). If you're still in the area, its definitely worth checking out.

http://ascutneyoutdoors.org/story/ http://ascutneytrails.com/about/

The problem is that these technologies are increasingly necessary to function within normal society. Do we somehow regulate the allowable behaviors of apps? Is it on us to improve our self control so we can act as engaged, but distant participants?

There's also the ethical question around people not being aware of their obsessions/addictions (especially in the mobile gaming space)

One thing that has helped me is a "digital purge." I do mine on New Years Day, and I go through every app and ruthlessly un-follow/unfriend anyone who doesn't isn't contributing positively to me in some way (sometimes deleting entire apps).

At the end of the day I'm offering these people direct access to me multiple times daily. If I don't get a positive outcome from these interactions, why keep them around?

That's something I do consistently but I've not really consciously thought it through. I just delete any apps or "unfriend" people that I determine to be a negative force in my life even in a small way. This one everyone should do even if they don't want to get into the digital 12 step program. I'm waiting to hit digital rock bottom before I quit.

I agree, a purge is a good step, although it's not a total solution. It feels like spring cleaning.

The privacy/notification tools on each site update over time and so do our interests in people and topics, so it makes sense to go in and jig things around every once in a while.

Sounds like a great idea. I am going to try this!

I fully enjoy "knowing" how to code (hacky js/html/css/sql, mostly from stackoverflow). It helps me understand and communicate problems in my day to day job, it's fun to mess around with for creative projects outside of work. I don't think I'd enjoy it as a full time job. I do think the analytical aspects, along with the ability to create something from "nothing" makes it worthwhile to learn for most people.