How to prevent smartphone and tablet addiction
Smartphones and tablets are an essential component of everyday life for many people. They serve as portable communication devices, sources of entertainment, and personal assistants. While there are many obvious benefits that come with having access to these devices, they also come with some drawbacks. Having instant access to an unlimited stream of information can easily create a dependency or addiction for some users. Smartphone addiction can drastically affect productivity, waste time, and, in some cases, cause mental and physical health issues if used excessively for long periods of time.
Below are a few methods to help combat the prevalent issue of smartphone and tablet addiction.
Using time-management apps
Several apps are available for download to help prevent smartphone addiction. These apps help users stay more aware of their smartphone usage habits, restrict functions of the phone during specified time periods, or lock apps after defined time limit. For parents, these apps can also be used to limit the screen-time of children. Here are a few popular apps for digitally solving addiction problems.
- Screen Time - A proprietary feature included with Apple iOS and iPadOS devices.
- Moment - An app for iOS allowing users to view device usage statistics, and create restrictions for multiple connected devices.
- Offtime - An app for Android and iOS allowing users to stop use of selected apps for a defined time range.
Physically locking away devices
If software-based solutions are not effective, you may want to try preventing smartphone use via physical means. It is helpful to physically separate yourself from the device if the temptation of using it becomes too strong. Below is a link to a container that you can lock for customizable intervals of time to prevent smartphone use and increase productivity.