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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 5, 2025 12:32:52 GMT
I thought some of you might want to read this article because it has some pretty solid suggestions: How to Break Free of Your Smart PhoneI listened to Cal Newport's podcast several weeks ago titled "Do You Need an App Blocker?" (#361) and he ran through various ways you could limit app usage. I have paid absolutely no mind to my app usage leading up to this. But I have been paying attention to my use of social media lately just to see where I stand before I put any kind of app timer on my phone. I honestly *feel* like I am tied to my phone, but I kept saying to myself that I really have a lot of hobbies that I do regularly so surely I'm not wasting too much time. Basically, I've been going back and forth. Well, I've been tracking since then. I don't track email or Google or Spotify (because that's just audio/music) or anything like that. But I have been tracking Facebook and Threads. Because this is where I feel like my time is being wasted. What I have found is that I use somewhere between 1.5 to 3 hours a day on these apps. Yesterday was a pretty typical day for me with 43 minutes on Facebook and 1 hr 13 minutes on Threads. And I think about that. I think about what I would have done with that time back in the 90s/00s. It kind of makes me a little bit ill. And I've been trying to justify it in my head like I do so many other things that are productive surely it's fine to waste this much time. Or I'm certain others spend way more time that I do so I'm not as bad as others. Or, I'm an empty nester, what's 2 hours of my time? But reality slaps me down. 2-3 hours a day! I could manage a quilt square a day. I feel a bit sick about it. Anyway, I think that my personality lends itself to addictive behaviors and not that I'm trying to excuse it, but I feel like I might be prone to being sucked into overuse of my phone. Plus, I'm social. I like to interact with people (you never would have guessed that about me, right?) so these apps allow me to do so on days when it's not feasible to see family or friends. Basically, I shared this article because I cannot be the only person who struggles with this issue. ETA: note too that I was really having a problem about a month ago with a pretty persistent headache that my doc suggested was computer eye strain. So I did take a break outside of work hours and that did help my eyes. So, it's not good for me on many levels. |
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Aug 5, 2025 12:45:45 GMT
Thank you for sharing the article. I'm very strict during the week with my phone usage. I give myself 1 hour 6pm-7pm to scroll whether it's IG or TT. Then it gets put down and my blue light blocking glasses go on and I read from 7pm-9pm then it's lights out. I've found this is the only way that allows me to not toss and turn falling asleep. On weekends I may scroll for 2 hours but, again, the glasses go on and I read then go to bed.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,539
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Post by iowgirl on Aug 5, 2025 13:00:04 GMT
But reality slaps me down. 2-3 hours a day! I could manage a quilt square a day. I feel a bit sick about it. I am sure I am more than that by a bit! It weights on my mind, thinking of the time lost. I was just talking about how much more I got done back in the 90's with three little children underfoot. The reason is my PHONE! I do listen to podcasts and audio books, and I am not going to count that as a distraction, because I get a lot more done with that happening. I am mowing 5 big farm sites this year, and that takes a considerable time each week (SO much rain this year) and I would go nuts without listening to a book while doing that. But I find myself sitting down to work on the NYT puzzles every so often during the day. I can also get sucked into Instagram and TikTok easily. I very much try to not look at those until evening. But I used to get a lot done in the evening. Now, by 7 I am in my chair doing nothing but scrolling. I don't watch any TV and I console myself by saying scrolling is fine since I would have probably been watching TV. But I used to spend most evenings in the summer working on my yard. I am SO glad I did not have a phone when raising my kids. I see my kids raising their own, and they are very good at leaving the phones alone. Their kids are under the age of 7 - but the kids get zero screen time as far as phone/tablets. The do watch some TV in the evenings, but basically none during the day. We didn't watch much daytime TV when my kids were little, except on those lousy cold winter days. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 5, 2025 13:00:23 GMT
Then it gets put down and my blue light blocking glasses go on and I read from 7pm-9pm then it's lights out. I read after dinner until 9 (bedtime) too. I don't understand the blue light blocking glasses. I have blue light blocking on my computer glasses and my bifocals but I can't figure out why I'd need blue light blocking for reading. Can you tell me why? |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 5, 2025 13:04:27 GMT
I do listen to podcasts and audio books, and I am not going to count that as a distraction, because I get a lot more done with that happening. I don't count this either because I'm usually multitasking while I'm listening to podcasts or music. I am SO glad I did not have a phone when raising my kids. Me too. I'm afraid it would have really been a problem. |
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,539
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Post by iowgirl on Aug 5, 2025 13:14:31 GMT
Thank you for posting the article! It has some great suggestions to leave the phone alone. I keep mine on me all day, because I get texts from DH needing help or rides on the farm.
I find myself looking at my phone when we are out to eat, etc - even DH does it. Ugh! Gotta stop that!
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,317
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Aug 5, 2025 13:46:49 GMT
I read Cal Newport's book last year, it was pretty interesting. He is one of the suggestions, scroll like it's 2006. The article reminded me I am still a work in progress. Ironically, I listened to Cal Newport's book ok on my phone while stuck in the car waiting to pick up kids from activities  I don't have social media on my phone, and I don't have any games on there on purpose. Most of my phone use is audiobooks, email and the camera. I think I am going to do some sort of screen free day on the weekend once school starts this year (August 25th) though. I need to spend less time on my computer and doomscrolling, on Facebook (my only social media) and on this board. I have been thinking I need to get back into writing (one of my hobbies) instead of reading the news and Peaing but that doesn't exactly help me get off the computer Yes, I guess I could hand write my novel... Thanks for the discussion, I'm interested in what other Peas think about the article. I keep seeing phone blocker thingie ads on Facebook, does anyone use one? I'm hesistant to physically lock up or block my phone because I have children who could need to contact me in an emergency... and I don't have a phone problem, I have a computer problem, but I wonder if they work. |
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Post by pantsonfire on Aug 5, 2025 14:18:40 GMT
Timely article jeremysgirl Easy read and I liked the broken up sections highlighting key points. I have been thinking about my phone use for awhile now and am slowly coming up with ways I want to reduce usage. Like you and many others, it has become a source of anxiety, tension, and sometimes anger. I also feel more restless during the day and have trouble falling asleep when my phone usage is too high. I love chatting about scrapbook products and baking/cooking. Love to watch cute and silly videos of dogs and other animals. Or listen to another mom talk about her meal plan and grocery haul. Those things bring me joy. But then other areas of social media do not. I got rid of Twitter/X awhile ago. I don't use Threads. I only check Facebook for my Le Creuset group. I unfollowed a lot of accounts on my personal Instagram account (mainly political based and local groups). I do play 2 or 3 games of Yahtzee in the morning and of course Alphaguess. But I got rid of all the other games and apps I had. But I will never be free from my Smart Phone. I need it for MyChart, to sign in to appointments, register for events, sign documents, etc. I've been thinking of what I can do instead of be on my phone. Here is what I came up with so far to break the habit: Swim during the school day. Go for walks (when this horrible summer heat is gone) during school day. My city has lots of parks with walking paths and nature trails. Try one of the many saved recipes for yummy treats I have saved. Piano lessons. Craft - scrapbook, cards, embroidery Take the dogs on more walks (again when heat is gone) |
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Post by pantsonfire on Aug 5, 2025 14:23:12 GMT
I do listen to podcasts and audio books, and I am not going to count that as a distraction, because I get a lot more done with that happening. I don't count this either because I'm usually multitasking while I'm listening to podcasts or music. I am SO glad I did not have a phone when raising my kids. Me too. I'm afraid it would have really been a problem. I will say I am glad I did. It made 16-18 hour days at the hospital more bearable. When your child is on life supportive equipment and not really with it, the days a very long. I would nap, eat, play sudoku or word search games on paper, read to ds, help with care but there are long stretches of surgeries or procedures or tests or him just being and it was an escape to be on 2 peas or FB or watch YouTube. It also connected me to other moms in similar situations. And I could quickly research whatever the team was discussing to help me understand and figure out a game plan or change it. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 5, 2025 14:46:00 GMT
I keep seeing phone blocker thingie ads on Facebook, does anyone use one? I'm hesistant to physically lock up or block my phone because I have children who could need to contact me in an emergency... Cal talks about various options on the podcast I recommended. But I have my phone on do not disturb during my work day. I have it set that I get a picture notification if Jeremy or Chloe text me (no one else) and it will ring through if either of them call me. When do not disturb is off, the only thing I get any ping for is texts and then my ringer on a phone call is open to anyone. Like you and many others, it has become a source of anxiety, tension, and sometimes anger. This is especially true of the political posts. I feel like I need to get rid of Threads for sure. I transitioned there after Elon took control of Twitter. But the arguing and the manufactured controversy is way too prevalent. And I find myself getting annoyed by people selling things/professional influencers/life & diet coaches. Sometimes it feels like a big advertisement. And that's why I'm not on Instagram (maybe once a week) a whole lot either. I also feel more restless during the day and have trouble falling asleep when my phone usage is too high. I feel depressed. Like it's laziness (physical and mental) breeds laziness. I always feel terrible when I waste too much time on social media. I will say I am glad I did. It made 16-18 hour days at the hospital more bearable. I get why you would feel this way. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Aug 5, 2025 14:58:09 GMT
I use my phone a lot for passive activities, things like it auto connects to my car any time I’m driving for the GPS map, listening to a podcast or YouTube video while I’m doing something else, using it as a timer, etc. About the only times I use it to scroll Facebook or Instagram is when I’m a passenger in the car, while I’m sitting in a parking lot waiting to give my kid a ride somewhere, waiting in a doctor’s office (with the phone on silent, because to watch something with the sound on and no headphones in a place like that is so annoying), that kind of thing. I don’t typically have it out at the dinner table or if I’m having a conversation with someone.
I spend much more time online on my iPad, but even that is somewhat deceptive. There are times I’ll use it to follow along with a DIY tutorial where I might have to go back and rewatch the same part 3-4 times, or I listen to a video or podcast while I’m doing office work, use it to follow along recipe that I’m not sure I want to print until I’ve tried it, or maybe I’ll use it with my projector to decorate cookies, or sometimes I’ll watch a bunch of similar tutorial videos to decide which one is right for a project I want to tackle. And then there are times like the last two months where I’ve been stuck in physical recovery mode and couldn’t actually do anything BUT sit and read or scroll and it’s helped to keep me sane.
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Post by katlady on Aug 5, 2025 15:44:40 GMT
If you have an iPhone, and go to Battery in your settings, you can see your usage by app and time. And when you tap on a time, you can see which apps you are using at that time. My biggest screen time is while I am in bed. I do need to stop that.
IG and Safari are my biggest usage, which is no surprise. IG is my biggest “problem” and I have been trying not to go to IG during the day. But instead I binge scroll through it as I am in bed.
When I wear my iwatch it helps cut down on how often I look at my phone and cuts down on dooms day scrolling.
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Post by voltagain on Aug 5, 2025 18:46:32 GMT
I keep seeing phone blocker thingie ads on Facebook, does anyone use one? I'm hesistant to physically lock up or block my phone because I have children who could need to contact me in an emergency... and I don't have a phone problem, I have a computer problem, but I wonder if they work. These are phone sized faraday cages. They protect phones from being zapped by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). This is like invisible lightening that can zap electronics to destroy their functionality. An EMP can be man made used to disrupt the power and communication in a region or the sun sends out EMPs. You can google the Carrington Event for a historic view. Most the sun has sent out don't hit earth but like a meteor is possible so are sun related EMPs. These are big in the prepper community for putting extra phones into safe storage to use after an EMP event. There are also people concerned about govt surveillance and the faraday cages stop your phone from being tracked until you pull it out. They do work but aren't really a good fit if you use your phone for erratic incoming calls. They aren't really meant to help people cut down on their phone usage. |
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Post by voltagain on Aug 5, 2025 18:52:15 GMT
Phone use isn't an issue. My phone has very little memory so I don't have apps for social media, email or what have you. It is pretty much limited to calls, texts and a few business apps like WM ap because I use their online pick up. I don't shop from the ap but it helps to let them know I am coming to pick up and where I parked. I use my full out computer for everything else. Since it isn't as convenient or comfy as sitting on the couch or laying in bed to use that goes a long way to mindless usage.
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,926
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Aug 5, 2025 18:52:54 GMT
Then it gets put down and my blue light blocking glasses go on and I read from 7pm-9pm then it's lights out. I read after dinner until 9 (bedtime) too. I don't understand the blue light blocking glasses. I have blue light blocking on my computer glasses and my bifocals but I can't figure out why I'd need blue light blocking for reading. Can you tell me why? It's supposed to help with lights/my kindle, not to stimulate me and wreck my circadian rhythm. I do notice a difference if I wear them, fall asleep faster HOWEVER I also cop to it may all be in my head |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 5, 2025 19:13:23 GMT
I read after dinner until 9 (bedtime) too. I don't understand the blue light blocking glasses. I have blue light blocking on my computer glasses and my bifocals but I can't figure out why I'd need blue light blocking for reading. Can you tell me why? It's supposed to help with lights/my kindle, not to stimulate me and wreck my circadian rhythm. I do notice a difference if I wear them, fall asleep faster HOWEVER I also cop to it may all be in my head You are not reading a book. LOL! That's what threw me off. I read with my glasses off because the distance I hold my book doesn't work with any of the pairs of glasses I have. So I read your post and I was thinking that there might be some benefit I was missing and I would have to read with my glasses on. LMAO. I'm so dumb. Hahaha.. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 5, 2025 19:14:26 GMT
When I wear my iwatch it helps cut down on how often I look at my phone and cuts down on dooms day scrolling. A lot of comments said exactly this. It seems like a very reasonable idea. |
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Post by pantsonfire on Aug 5, 2025 19:17:50 GMT
When I wear my iwatch it helps cut down on how often I look at my phone and cuts down on dooms day scrolling. A lot of comments said exactly this. It seems like a very reasonable idea. I will say though that is causes you to look at your wrist. Dh wants to break his habit of that (looking at his wrist). He has a Samsung watch to go with his android phone. And it does make him grab his phone. He brings up his wrist, looks, and most of the time grabs his phone So I would say it isn't any better. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 5, 2025 19:22:27 GMT
A lot of comments said exactly this. It seems like a very reasonable idea. I will say though that is causes you to look at your wrist. Dh wants to break his habit of that (looking at his wrist). He has a Samsung watch to go with his android phone. And it does make him grab his phone. He brings up his wrist, looks, and most of the time grabs his phone So I would say it isn't any better. Well I'm not doing it for a variety of reasons.  But also, I had a Fitbit and I hated it. I couldn't wear it on my right hand because of mousing. And on my left wrist I have a cool tattoo.  LOL! That's a perfectly valid reason. I'm still laughing from the above comment so forgive my silliness. |
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Aug 5, 2025 20:27:03 GMT
It's supposed to help with lights/my kindle, not to stimulate me and wreck my circadian rhythm. I do notice a difference if I wear them, fall asleep faster HOWEVER I also cop to it may all be in my head You are not reading a book. LOL! That's what threw me off. I read with my glasses off because the distance I hold my book doesn't work with any of the pairs of glasses I have. So I read your post and I was thinking that there might be some benefit I was missing and I would have to read with my glasses on. LMAO. I'm so dumb. Hahaha.. Sometimes I am reading an actual book vs. my kindle and if I'm using any type of light, I'm wearing those glasses. |
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Post by don on Aug 5, 2025 21:25:05 GMT
I only use my phone for calls. I do use the camera to photo a problem to show the hardware guy. I also get text messages and the flashlight has come in handy quite a few times.
I don't consider myself old, but I am beyond my use by date.
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Post by papersilly on Aug 5, 2025 21:58:12 GMT
i KNOW i am tied to my phone. sure there is wasted time but laundry on a hot day can wait. LOL more important, there are tons of time and money SAVED because of google, youtube, and hobby specific groups. i believe my hobbies and interests have been enhanced by my ability to research and learn more about things. and lets not get into all the money i have saved learning how to fix things on my own and doing time saving hacks. nope, i am happily tied to my phone. there are people who have wasted more of my time and money than my phone ever will. LOL |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Aug 5, 2025 22:48:00 GMT
I am the opposite. I am not tied to my phone. My phone is my source for communication, but it's also at my convenience. I don't use my phone for social media, message board or shopping (unless there is a good "app only" deal), or conducting any of my personal business(paying bills, making appointments, etc..). I do this type of stuff, from my desktop computer. It is annoying, at the expected "instant gratification" that others want....immediate response to text, calls, emails, etc... I personally think within two hours (or even three or fours hours) is an acceptable time frame response. Though I do respond quicker, if I am not doing anything. I've had people that will call repeatedly >> every five minutes or text repeatedly, wanting me to respond >> NOW. Especially over things that are not urgent. Other people's sense of urgency, is not my priority. I've observed people that won't get off their phone, when it's their turn at the counter, cashier, reception desk. I've observed people who are on their phones during a meal with others. I think it's rude and inconsiderate. ![]() |
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Post by chaosisapony on Aug 6, 2025 1:19:11 GMT
About 15 years ago I quit social media in all forms cold turkey. Like the OP I found myself wasting hours of every day just scrolling (back then on a laptop, I didn't have a smart phone). I just got to where I hated the habit so I set myself a goal of 7 days with no social media of any form. No FB, Myspace, Reddit, Peas, nothing. I barely even checked my email. The first couple of days were hard but after that I felt so free.
Taking that week off reset my brain and I still don't have as much usage as I used to. The main culprit for me now is when I get bored at work and I just start scrolling or reading random articles because I just need to do something other than work lol. Sometimes I fall into the doomscrolling trap before bed still but for the most part I can recognize that I need to not pick up my phone or laptop and do something else. If it's bedtime I'll read usually, if it's during the day I make myself go outside and sit on my garden swing and watch the birds or just enjoy the fresh air. I might pull weeds or pick veggies. Something about outside time is very good for me.
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Post by Zee on Aug 6, 2025 2:21:12 GMT
Nothing is "not getting done" by me being on my phone. I'm no longer watching soap operas or news cycles or leafing through magazines like I did in the 90s, I'm no longer lost when driving in a new place, I'm able to quickly find pretty much anything I need rather than just wondering or having to find an encyclopedia or specialty magazine, I can listen to any music I want without having to be next to a CD/tape/record player. I can make appts the minute I remember (most places) with a scheduling app. I don't have to wait until an appropriate time to call anyone bc I can just send a text or email. I don't even need a stamp for that! I can watch a huge variety of quality TV instead of whatever crap is on the networks, I don't have to tape it or pay for DVR service, I don't need an answering machine, I don't have to sit by the phone when expecting an important call. I can easily keep up with family and friends spread across the country without having to pay for long distance calls or wait for actual letters. If I see something cool, I can snap it and send it to my husband or kids or whoever without needing my camera, and film, and getting it developed, and bringing it or sending it to that person. I did crosswords and word searches in the paper or a book in the past--now they just live on my phone. Ditto the paper and magazines. If I see a house or piece of property while driving with DH I can look it up right away instead of later trying to figure it out. Bills and bank info can be figured out immediately and taken care of. And, I'm always free to leave my phone at home when I want to, so it's just a win-win for me. I'm never going back |
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Aug 6, 2025 3:27:50 GMT
I’m tied to my phone. I use it for Facebook and peaing more than I care to admit.
One thing I’ve found since school has been in for the last 3 days and I was forced to switch from a MacBook Pro to a piece of crap under powered dell… I don’t get on social media during the school day. The MacBook was “my” computer so I used it as such with SM and iMessage set up. If I was working on the computer my texts popped right up. With the Dell, that doesn’t happen. I wear a Fitbit that vibrates when I get a message but I generally ignore it if I’m instructing or I glance to be sure it isn’t DH or kids or my secretary/principal. We have 85 min periods and in an attempt to keep the kids in class, we do a break 40 minutes into class- everyone can get their phone and go outside to the bathroom and then, after the 5 min, they come in and get 5 more min. We have less time out of class and are more productive because we only go for 40 min and then take a 10 min break. I’ve decided that I will also limit my phone use to the time the kids get. It’s good and I’m modeling good behavior by not checking texts. I do use my phone for our bells since we don’t have any so it’s always on me.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 6, 2025 15:42:43 GMT
I just want to make clear that I wasn't talking about giving up things like email and mobile banking or as I said above, podcasts, audiobooks or music.
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Post by pantsonfire on Aug 6, 2025 15:44:09 GMT
I just want to make clear that I wasn't talking about giving up things like email and mobile banking or as I said above, podcasts, audiobooks or music. I took it as wasteful times on the phone. Doom scrolling. Scrolling just to scroll and forget what needs to be done. Disconnecting from the world around you. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 6, 2025 15:48:06 GMT
I just want to make clear that I wasn't talking about giving up things like email and mobile banking or as I said above, podcasts, audiobooks or music. I took it as wasteful times on the phone. Doom scrolling. Scrolling just to scroll and forget what needs to be done. Disconnecting from the world around you. That's exactly what I was talking about. I don't for a minute think a smartphone isn't a handy tool. It is the only way I even have to access my email or pay my bills. I love having maps/navigation. I need it for a lot of transactional things/coupons/passes/tickets. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 6, 2025 16:04:18 GMT
I just want to make clear that I wasn't talking about giving up things like email and mobile banking or as I said above, podcasts, audiobooks or music. I took it as wasteful times on the phone. Doom scrolling. Scrolling just to scroll and forget what needs to be done. Disconnecting from the world around you. I read a question that asked the other day what did we do in the little in-between moments before smart phones were invented? And an answer was smoke cigarettes. Maybe that's my problem. I quit smoking in April of 2024. Now it feels like all the little moments I'd be sneaking outside to smoke, I am still wanting the break but I'm scrolling instead. And that doesn't feel good to me. There's totally a me problem here. But when I read articles like this I think, maybe it's not just me. |
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But also, I had a Fitbit and I hated it. I couldn't wear it on my right hand because of mousing. And on my left wrist I have a cool tattoo. 
LOL! That's a perfectly valid reason. I'm still laughing from the above comment so forgive my silliness. 
