💔 The Break Up: How I Escaped Algo’s Toxic Grip

We’ve all been there—stuck in a relationship we know isn’t good for us. It drains us, manipulates us, and keeps us coming back with just enough sweet moments to make us forget how bad it really is.

Sound familiar?

Now, what if I told you your phone is doing the exact same thing? Meet Algo—the Algorithm. It tracks, listens, and watches every tap, pause, and like. And just like a toxic ex, it’s designed to keep you coming back. No, Algo isn’t a real person—but if it were, you’d have blocked it by now.

Your phone isn’t just smart—it’s your toxic ex on steroids, backed by an army of psychologists, master manipulators, and bot-driven influencers. Every interaction teaches Algo more about you so it can adjust in real-time to keep you hooked.

It knows almost everything—what makes you laugh, what upsets you, what sparks your curiosity, what makes you feel valued, and what keeps you scrolling for just one more minute... It’s not random—it’s intentional. Algo is studying you, adapting, and getting better at keeping you engaged.

So if we have the strength to walk away from toxic relationships, why do we struggle to break up with our phones?

The good news? You have the power to confuse it, ghost it, and set yourself free.

Here’s how:

Golden Trifecta Freedom from Algo

1️⃣ Stop Feeding the Obsession

Toxic exes thrive on attention. So does Algo. Stop feeding it.

💡 Action: Scroll less, click less, interact less. If you really want to know how an old friend is doing, call them or meet for coffee.

2️⃣ Disrupt the Pattern

If you keep going to the same places, you’ll run into your ex. Stop giving Algo the same signals.

💡 Action: Follow new, unexpected accounts. Search for things outside your usual habits. Crash Algo's echo chamber!

3️⃣ Reclaim Your Attention

An ex keeps power by commanding your focus. Control your attention with intention. Want a quick weight-loss trick? Leave your iPhone Max on the table.

💡 Action: Create “no phone” zones—walks, meals, workouts. When you're with real people, put the phone away. Turn off social media notifications—let presence, not pings, dictate your focus.

Maya Angelou said, "When you know better, you do better." With awareness comes power. When you recognize that your phone is a designed-to-be-addictive trap, you take the first step toward freedom.

So, the question is:

If you can leave an unhealthy relationship, why not walk away from Algo—your phone’s toxic grip?

Break up. Take back your time. Live on your terms.

Show your phone it's not the only smart one.

Disclaimer: "Algo" refers to the Algorithm, not any real person. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

© Nuri Dimler 2025