Body doubling utilizes the presence of another person, either virtually or in-person, to enhance focus and productivity, particularly for tasks that individuals find challenging to initiate or complete independently. This technique leverages accountability and shared work sessions to combat procrastination and maintain motivation, particularly beneficial for those with ADHD, autism, or other conditions impacting executive function. The website, BodyDoubling.com, offers resources and a platform to connect with others for body doubling sessions, highlighting its effectiveness in overcoming procrastination and fostering a sense of shared purpose while working towards individual goals.
The author describes how they inadvertently trained themselves to equate effort with negative outcomes. Starting with a challenging physics class, they developed a belief that trying hard and still failing was worse than not trying at all. This self-protective mechanism spread to other areas of their life, leading to procrastination and avoidance of difficult tasks. Eventually, they recognized this pattern of self-sabotage and began the process of unlearning it by reframing failure as a necessary step in learning and growth, and focusing on the process rather than solely on outcomes. They began tackling challenging tasks, celebrating small victories, and gradually rebuilding their self-confidence.
HN commenters largely agreed with the author's premise that negative self-talk and a focus on potential failure can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Several shared similar experiences of psyching themselves out or developing learned helplessness. Some suggested techniques to combat this, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), positive self-talk, and focusing on small wins. One commenter pointed out the link between the article's concept and the idea of "locus of control," emphasizing the importance of feeling agency over one's actions. Another questioned the framing of "conditioning," suggesting it implied a more passive process than the conscious, albeit negative, choices described. A few comments also discussed the potential evolutionary basis for negativity bias and its role in risk avoidance.
TabBoo is a browser extension designed to deter procrastination by injecting random jumpscares into websites the user designates as distracting. It works by periodically displaying startling images, chosen from a curated selection or uploaded by the user, on blacklisted sites. This aims to create a negative association with those sites, making them less appealing to visit and thus boosting productivity. The extension offers customization options for jumpscare frequency and image selection, allowing users to tailor the experience to their needs.
Hacker News commenters generally found TabBoo's concept amusing, but impractical for serious self-control. Several pointed out the ease with which one could simply disable the extension or avoid the targeted sites altogether if motivation was truly lacking. Some suggested alternative approaches like website blockers, while others joked about the potential for misuse or the psychological implications of negative reinforcement. A few expressed interest in the technical implementation, particularly the use of AI-generated jumpscares. Overall, the comments lean towards seeing TabBoo as a novelty rather than a robust solution for procrastination.
The author describes their struggle with doomscrolling, driven by a combination of FOMO (fear of missing out) and a desire to stay informed. They acknowledge the negative impact it has on their mental health, leading to increased anxiety, sleep disruption, and a distorted perception of reality. Despite recognizing the problem, they find it difficult to break the cycle due to the addictive nature of the constant information stream and the ease of access provided by smartphones. They express a desire to find strategies to manage their doomscrolling habit and reclaim control over their attention.
HN users largely agreed with the author's experience of doomscrolling, sharing their own struggles and coping mechanisms. Several suggested techniques like website blockers, strict time limits, and replacing the habit with other activities like reading physical books or exercising. Some pointed out the addictive nature of infinite scrolling and the algorithms designed to keep users engaged. A few commenters debated the definition of "doomscrolling," arguing that simply reading negative news isn't inherently bad if it leads to positive action. Others highlighted the importance of curating information sources and focusing on reliable, less sensationalized news. A recurring theme was the need for greater self-awareness and intentional effort to break free from the cycle.
Summary of Comments ( 9 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43257927
Hacker News users discussed the effectiveness of body doubling, with many sharing personal anecdotes of its benefits for focus and productivity, especially for those with ADHD. Some highlighted the accountability and subtle social pressure as key drivers, while others emphasized the reduction of procrastination and feeling less alone in tackling tasks. A few skeptical commenters questioned the long-term viability and potential for dependency, suggesting it might be a crutch rather than a solution. The discussion also touched upon virtual body doubling tools and the importance of finding a compatible partner, along with the potential for it to evolve into co-working. Some users drew parallels to other productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method, and there was a brief debate about the distinction between body doubling and simply working in the same space.
The Hacker News post titled "Body Doubling" with the ID 43257927 generated a significant discussion with a variety of perspectives on the practice. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about the effectiveness of body doubling, highlighting its utility for tackling procrastination and maintaining focus. One user described using Focusmate, a platform designed for virtual body doubling, and praised its structured approach. They emphasized how the scheduled sessions and the presence of another person create accountability and help them overcome inertia. This sentiment was echoed by another commenter who mentioned using a similar service and finding it beneficial for staying on task.
The discussion also delved into the underlying reasons for body doubling's efficacy. Some users speculated that it combats feelings of isolation and provides a sense of shared purpose, making tasks feel less daunting. The simple presence of another person, even virtually, can create a sense of camaraderie and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. This social aspect was highlighted as a key factor contributing to increased motivation and productivity.
However, not all comments were entirely positive. Some users expressed skepticism, questioning whether the benefits were genuine or simply a placebo effect. They suggested that the structure and accountability could be achieved through other means, such as setting personal timers or using productivity apps. One commenter argued that body doubling might become a crutch, hindering the development of self-discipline and independent work habits.
Another thread of the conversation focused on the potential drawbacks and limitations of body doubling. Some users pointed out that finding a suitable body double, whether in person or virtually, can be challenging. Scheduling conflicts and personality clashes could make the experience less effective. The cost of using dedicated body doubling platforms was also mentioned as a potential barrier for some individuals.
Finally, the discussion touched upon the broader implications of body doubling and its relevance to remote work. Some users suggested that it could be a valuable tool for combating the isolation and distractions that often accompany working from home. The structured nature of body doubling sessions could help individuals maintain a sense of routine and improve focus in a remote work environment.
In conclusion, the comments on the Hacker News post present a nuanced view of body doubling, acknowledging its potential benefits while also raising valid concerns about its practicality and long-term effectiveness. The experiences shared by users offer valuable insights into the diverse ways in which body doubling can be implemented and the potential challenges that may arise.