2026-10-31 / Signal #2
Vitalik Buterin Ran 100 Days of Airplane Mode and Switched to AI Command Lines
“The guy who helped invent the always-on crypto internet just spent 100 days with his phone in airplane mode—and thinks AI will let the rest of us do it too.”
The Story
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin published “Digital Minimalism,” arguing AI lets people reclaim attention from algorithms and web UIs. He spent 100 days with his phone in airplane mode (Wi-Fi only), replaced X’s native feed with the Firefly aggregator, and started using local AI/CLI tools instead of websites for ENS and payments. He kept the airplane-mode default.
Why It Matters
Internet culture and identity in the AI era—using the same technology that floods us to build quieter, more intentional interfaces. Concrete personal experiments, not punditry; builder-relevant (local AI, modular tools vs. platforms).
Evidence
Vitalik’s own post plus crypto/tech recaps. Primary URL: https://vitalik.eth.limo/general/2026/10/31/digital_minimalism.html
Sources
Daily scan: 2026-10-31