7 Technology Resolutions to Keep You on Track in 2018
January 12, 2018
New Year’s resolutions often sound pretty predictable—and if you ask us, going on a crash diet isn’t the most inspiring way to kick off 2018. Instead, if you’re looking to get your life in order—and try something new—then consider taking on these seven technology resolutions. From tips that are designed to ensure you remain safe and secure on the internet to recommendations for some of the year’s coolest apps, here’s how to be the best digital citizen you can be in 2018.
1. FIX YOUR PASSWORDS: If you’ve been procrastinating changing your password from 'starwars' or 'password123' now's the time to listen up. Simply put, this is among the biggest and most important technology resolutions to make in the new year. Download a password manager (Dashlane and Keeper are both well respected), or work on making long, unique, unpredictable passwords for each and every site where you have an account. It might sound like a pain, but it's worth it when you avoid being hacked.
2. GO ANONYMOUS: Internet privacy is increasingly a fraught subject. Luckily, for those who are wary about keeping their communications between friends, there are a few clever ways to prevent digital snooping. Browsers like Tor are designed to combat surveillance, while messaging service Signal lets you make calls, texts, and video chats without other people crashing the party.
3. TURN ON THE TWO-FACTOR: If your email or Facebook has ever been hacked, you know how frustrating it is when your account turns into a mini spam factory. That's why turning on two-factor authentication is such a good (and simple) move. Every time someone logs into your account, a text will be sent your way with a special, one-time code to verify your identity. Take that, spammers.
4. RESIST EMAIL TRACKING: One of the latest fronts in the digital privacy wars: email trackers, which, at their most basic level, tell senders when you've opened their messages-and at worst, can mine huge amounts of personal data from your devices. Brush up on the basics before downloading a service like Ugly Email to help reclaim your digital turf.
5. MUST-DOWNLOAD APPS: Security is an important aspect of 2018's technology resolutions-but that doesn't mean there isn't room for some fun, too. Wired's round-up features the cream of a recent crop of apps, from Simmer (which lets you make like a Great British Baking Show star and film your culinary adventures) to uMake (which lets you sketch 3D objects). It's the perfect, low-key way to try your hand at a new hobby.
Image courtesy of uMake
6. PRODUCTIVE TECH: Tech can entertain, but it can also encourage you towards fulfilling your goals. If mastering procrastination is one of your 2018 resolutions, kill two birds with one stone and give these clever to-do list apps a spin. Worst case, you can ante up to a web blocker like Freedom for those times when you really want to stay on track.
7. TAKE A BREATHER: One of the year's most important technology resolutions: Don't forget to take a break sometimes. Limiting your tech time every day (and taking occasional longer fasts) is good for your eyes, good for your mental health, and good for your lifestyle, too. Challenge yourself to some phone-free urban exploration to make a real adventure of it.
1. FIX YOUR PASSWORDS: If you’ve been procrastinating changing your password from 'starwars' or 'password123' now's the time to listen up. Simply put, this is among the biggest and most important technology resolutions to make in the new year. Download a password manager (Dashlane and Keeper are both well respected), or work on making long, unique, unpredictable passwords for each and every site where you have an account. It might sound like a pain, but it's worth it when you avoid being hacked.
2. GO ANONYMOUS: Internet privacy is increasingly a fraught subject. Luckily, for those who are wary about keeping their communications between friends, there are a few clever ways to prevent digital snooping. Browsers like Tor are designed to combat surveillance, while messaging service Signal lets you make calls, texts, and video chats without other people crashing the party.
3. TURN ON THE TWO-FACTOR: If your email or Facebook has ever been hacked, you know how frustrating it is when your account turns into a mini spam factory. That's why turning on two-factor authentication is such a good (and simple) move. Every time someone logs into your account, a text will be sent your way with a special, one-time code to verify your identity. Take that, spammers.
4. RESIST EMAIL TRACKING: One of the latest fronts in the digital privacy wars: email trackers, which, at their most basic level, tell senders when you've opened their messages-and at worst, can mine huge amounts of personal data from your devices. Brush up on the basics before downloading a service like Ugly Email to help reclaim your digital turf.
5. MUST-DOWNLOAD APPS: Security is an important aspect of 2018's technology resolutions-but that doesn't mean there isn't room for some fun, too. Wired's round-up features the cream of a recent crop of apps, from Simmer (which lets you make like a Great British Baking Show star and film your culinary adventures) to uMake (which lets you sketch 3D objects). It's the perfect, low-key way to try your hand at a new hobby.
Image courtesy of uMake
6. PRODUCTIVE TECH: Tech can entertain, but it can also encourage you towards fulfilling your goals. If mastering procrastination is one of your 2018 resolutions, kill two birds with one stone and give these clever to-do list apps a spin. Worst case, you can ante up to a web blocker like Freedom for those times when you really want to stay on track.
7. TAKE A BREATHER: One of the year's most important technology resolutions: Don't forget to take a break sometimes. Limiting your tech time every day (and taking occasional longer fasts) is good for your eyes, good for your mental health, and good for your lifestyle, too. Challenge yourself to some phone-free urban exploration to make a real adventure of it.
