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I was addicted to my phone – but one screen time hack actually made a difference

I was addicted to my phone – but one screen time hack actually made a difference

Summary

The article discusses phone addiction and ways to reduce screen time. The writer shares personal experience using an app and a device called Brick, which physically makes it harder to open distracting apps, helping them regain focus and reduce unnecessary phone use.

Key Facts

  • The writer was spending about eight hours per week on their phone browsing social media apps like Reddit and Instagram.
  • Experts say warning signs of phone addiction include checking the phone first thing in the morning and last before bed.
  • Behavioral scientists design apps to capture users’ attention, making phone overuse common.
  • Techniques to reduce phone use include keeping the phone out of reach and limiting access to certain apps.
  • The writer found a device called Brick, which locks certain apps by requiring extra physical effort to unlock them, helpful in cutting down screen time.
  • Brick costs £54 and attaches magnetically to metal surfaces, working by blocking access until intentionally unlocked.
  • Apps like WhatsApp and Gmail remain unlocked because they are needed for work, while social media apps are locked most of the day.
  • Using Brick helped the writer feel more focused and calm, reducing the urge to “doomscroll” (scroll endlessly through bad news or social media).
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