Singer Lily Allen, 39, values her creative energy so much that her husband, actor David Harbour, 49, monitors her smartphone apps. This arrangement, which some might consider a relationship no-no, is something Allen requested to help her maintain her artistic inspiration.
By Sadie Watkins
Mutual Monitoring for Creativity
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Allen shared that she believes smartphones have a detrimental effect on creativity. She discussed this with her friend, Miquita Oliver, saying, “The creative side of my brain has been ruined by my smartphone. I believe this is true for everyone.” Allen noted that she doesn’t know anyone who feels their life has improved because of smartphones, suggesting that they have made people addicted and less creative.
A Unique Solution
To combat this, Allen and Harbour decided to help each other avoid the negative impacts of smartphones. Allen now uses a children’s phone called Pinwheel, which doesn’t allow internet browsing or social media but supports apps like Uber and Spotify. Harbour monitors the apps she can use, and in return, Allen monitors his phone. She humorously described this dynamic: “He’s my parent, and I’m his.”
Parenting and Technology
Allen also applies these principles to her parenting. She has taken away the smartphones of her daughters, Ethel, 12, and Marnie, 11, after reading that children should not use such devices before the age of 14. This decision reflects her commitment to minimizing the distractions and potential harms of smartphones for her family.
Balancing Fame and Family
Since mid-March, Allen and Oliver have been releasing episodes of their podcast “Miss Me?” twice-weekly, recording from their homes in Brooklyn and London. Their discussions on sensitive topics regularly land them in the top ten of the UK podcast charts. Oliver praised Harbour in the interview, noting how he makes Allen laugh and appreciates his kind energy. Allen and Harbour, known for his role in “Stranger Things,” have been married since September 2020.
Lily Allen’s approach to technology reflects her desire to preserve creativity and maintain focus in both her personal and professional life. By limiting smartphone usage and implementing mutual monitoring with her husband, she aims to foster a healthier, more creative environment for herself and her family.
Based on content from www.gala.de