A group of Stanford students including computer science majors have started a group called “Stanford Students Against Addictive Devices.” This group held a protest at Apple store in heart of Silicon Valley over the weekend, according to the Stanford Daily and Pablo Alto Online.
The group is being led by computer science majors, people who are learning the skills needed to build systems that are to blame for device addition. The Stanford students explained why they’re protesting Apple specifically in a pamphlet on their website. At this time, it’s unclear how many people attended the protest. Pablo Alto Online said a “steady stream of friends and supporters” joined the protest through the afternoon.
“iPhones are our gateway to addictive services (read: Facebook and company), so Apple is uniquely capable of helping us curb our dependence,” they explained. “Even though Apple’s business model does not rely on device addiction, they fail to take common sense steps to address the issue.”
The group outlines a way for Apple to “take phone addition seriously.” They’re requesting Apple build new features into the iPhone that includes one that tracks phone usage, more control over notifications, and even proposes an “essential mode” that will allow only calls, texts, and photos.
At this time, students recommend users turn their notifications off and try to use their phone in a grey mode “to minimize dopamine hits.”
