The internet has ruined none of those things, you've just let yourself believe that it has. Just because you are unable to sit down and focus for 5 minutes does not mean something other than yourself is at fault.
Upon further introspection, you are right. It’s natural to blame it on the internet / social media. Ultimately, it’s my fault to consume it and get addicted to it. These things are notoriously designed for addiction and constantly attention seeking behavior, even if I am self aware of it.
I’ve turned off all notifications on my phone. Made a habit of leaving the phone docked on the charger and not checking it every now and then.
That's a bit reductionist. Like in a sense it's literally true but the constant availability of limitless entertainment for every level of "attention energy" has changed reward expectation for our brains. Like how modern candy flavor puts Necco's to shame.
I realize that my having ADHD kinda throws the whole "relatable personal anecdote thing" off but still. There are plenty of things I can focus on even to the point of not sleeping or eating. But I can't focus on music at all. Even in the absence of other stimulus or distractions I will drift into my own thoughts. Music is relegated to a background activity because it has to be layered with something else for me to be able to listen and not get bored.
I’ve turned off all notifications on my phone. Made a habit of leaving the phone docked on the charger and not checking it every now and then.
Still suffer from HN addiction :-) though!