Summarizer

Social Acceptability

The humorous notion of 'coding at the club' mentioned in the article draws specific reactions. Commenters joke about or criticize the anti-social nature of pulling out a phone to code in social settings like parties or bars. This overlaps with the 'doom scrolling' comparison, with some users suggesting that using a phone for work in social spaces is just as rude or 'gross' as using it for social media.

← Back to Stop Doom Scrolling, Start Doom Coding: Build via the terminal from your phone

Commenters react to the notion of "coding at the club" with a mix of humor and disdain, largely viewing it as an anti-social "security blanket" used to avoid genuine human connection. Many find the practice of technical work on a mobile device to be physically taxing and immature, with some comparing public phone use to the private nature of using toilet paper. While a few admit that "doom coding" provides a familiar, albeit unhealthy, sense of comfort compared to mindless scrolling, the consensus remains that if you would rather be tinkering than socializing, you should simply stay home. To combat this digital intrusion, users suggest creative solutions ranging from hosting events in signal-free caves to implementing "phone stack" games that force guests to remain present and engaged.

14 comments tagged with this topic

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> Great for parties where you rather be home tinkering. I know this is probably in jest, but when someone invites you to a party it's not because they just want your atoms in the same room as them. In regards to doom coding: I would chop off my arms before coding/prompting on a phone. Also, think about your cervical, neck etc! I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!
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I host weekly friend-of-friend open events where some people show up most weeks, find a nice comfortable spot to doom scroll in for a couple hours, maybe take a nap, leave, sit in their car for a bit, scroll some more, then go home. I am just hoping they actually took a break from doom scrolling while driving as then at least I can say I had some non zero positive impact on their lives. 5 years phone-free and I do not miss it. People use them as security blankets to avoid having to be present for more than 5 minutes at a time with other people or even just exist in their own heads. I now find this behavior immature and gross but avoiding it would mean not having friends. A smartphone is like toilet paper. No one wants to watch you use it.
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Maybe host your event in a cave if you can, no cell coverage, no Wi-Fi. There is a bar like that where I go sometimes, it is in a cave, some people got Wi-Fi from the staff, and you have some reception if you stand near the front door, but it is mostly a network-free zone and it is great. Another thing we did from time to time at the restaurant is to put all our phones stacked in the middle of the table, anyone who picks up his phone before the end of the meal for any reason pays the bill for everyone. So far, no one did.
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Suddenly the one good use case for lead paint becomes clear.
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Get better friends! Not everybody does this.
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I'm with you... just with gesture input as it is, I hate using my phone for much beyond a quick comment or two. I can't imagine trying to do anything technical with a phone's onscreen keyboard. Even through an AI prompt... nope, just nope. At worst, put your ideas into a notes app and then go back to where you are... this is just anti-social and borderline psychotic imo.
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Yes to the last two 100% - hence the "doom" in doom coding! I wrote the post more as a replacement to TikTok scrolling - it feels like a worse evil, but it's still not healthy. The UI isn't as good as a laptop but maybe it's all my years of swiping, liking, and navigating between apps. In a very sad and concerning way, phone time feels like home.
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Please hire me when you make this happen! The tinkering started because I wanted to go outside to code but sitting with your laptop in the park is too strange.
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> sitting with your laptop in the park is too strange. Why should that be strange?
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Thank you! My wife was concerned, I'm glad someone out there appreciates the humor
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"Even code at the club!" haha if you're coding at the club, just go home! but also, I really wish Sony still made their micro Vaio laptops (Sony Vaio P, for instance).
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"Even code at the club!" ... Great idea for my next rap song! LOL
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I might just be old fashioned but in a party with a couple of drinks in me I don't trust my ability to even vibe code well.
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You can't bring a laptop to the club! Truthfully I haven't tried so I will keep you posted.