DOhmscroll is the best thing for us. Algorithms across social platforms are finely tuned to serve content and posts that keep users locked up. Even when you’re bombarded with news about world events online, it can be difficult to detach from yourself.
While we’re not encouraging people to turn away from the news, we also understand that it’s important to take a break. recent MIT research We discovered that social media can create negative feedback loops. People who are already struggling with their mental health are more likely to consume negative content, which worsens their mental health.
Unplugging is easier said than done. There are dozens of apps customized for that purpose. A new feature built into iOS and Android aims to make it harder to mindlessly scroll your phone endlessly. But what actually works?
We asked our readers to tell us what they use to avoid being glued to their phones. Among the more than 200 responses, some people said they used an app that locks them out of their phone after a certain amount of time. Some people just deleted all social media. Some people always use a “dumb” phone. Respondents ranged in age from 24 to 69 years old from California to Morocco. Here are some apps, tricks and tips suggested by Guardian readers. These answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Delete the app
I deleted the news app from my phone and started checking the news by forcing myself to enter the BBC and Guardian news URLs (once a day). This extra step helped me resist the urge to constantly check. Also,[設定]>[アプリ]>[ニュース]>[今日のフィード]in[今日のストーリーを制限する]You could also turn Apple News into a classic URL feed by selecting . Now you’ll only see articles from channels and topics you choose to follow. We also carefully select only non-news content (music, movies, TV, etc.) to keep you inspired. I also took a break from social media and read more physical books. I started reaching for my cell phone when I had a moment to spare, such as when I was waiting for my children or for an appointment, but now I carry a book with me everywhere.
William, 43, Santa Cruz, California
I don’t use the service. I just deleted all apps. Everyone who spoke to me before now speaks to me via text only.
Anthony Callisto, 24, California
I feel like the fundamental problem with people trying to avoid doomscrolling with other apps and services is the methodology itself. They all still give you Please take a look and use your phone. I simply deleted all the apps that caused me to doomscroll in the first place, and the results were great for my mental health. My phone is just a tool again, no longer a chaotic machine fueled by buzzing sounds and notifications.
Samuel Cross, Madison, Wisconsin
Actually use another app
I discovered the Roots app a few years ago for meditation, and they recently added the ability to limit scrolling. It seems easy to do it alone, but in reality, your brain gets so wrapped up in it that it’s almost impossible to do it alone.
Stacey, 65, Georgia
I use the Roots app. I like that I have the option to lock the app myself after a certain amount of usage, and that I can see how well I’m doing towards achieving the goals I set for myself.
Remy Jean, 28, New York
What I use is freedom An app that blocks websites for a specified time. I primarily use it on my work laptop, but the app allows you to block apps and websites on multiple devices that are linked to your account. I peek on Facebook for a few minutes in the morning and block it for the rest of the day. If you casually access Facebook during this time, your screen will fill with a quiet lime green color reminding you that you’re blocked. In effect, it’s like telling them to do something else with their time.
Jared Bates, 52, Hanover, Indiana
We use opal. I have very extreme settings because I tend to get addicted to scrolling. You can completely block Instagram for 10 hours a day, and then unlock it five times for 10 minutes each. I still find myself overriding locks, which is frustrating, but this is the only way that consistently works for me. Since I’m a student, I check my Instagram messages on my laptop and encourage my friends to contact me through other means.
anonymous
Libby, a library app. It is linked to your library card and allows you to check out e-books and audiobooks for free. I’m currently reading a few Agatha Christie books and plan on buying a few other titles as well. And if you really need to scroll, you can flip through the pages of the books provided to find the next book to read. Highly recommended.
Lena Carlson Rasmussen, 47, Minnesota
Turn off your cell phone. seriously
There’s nothing stopping me from getting distracted by all kinds of shiny things on my smartphone (I was recently diagnosed with ADHD). So the only way to stop my doomscrolling is to turn off my phone and do something else.
Tim Rutter, Hathersage, UK
After newsletter promotion
Use a “dumb” phone or make your phone look like a “dumb” phone
I use Smile App Launcher and it makes my phone look totally boring. I set it up to look like a light phone or dumb phone, so to speak.
Alex B., 38, Ontario, Canada
There is no app per se, but I bought a “dumb phone” and found it useful. I don’t understand why no company makes a cheap smartphone that only has access to podcasts, chats, photos, etc.
Mike, UK, 41 years old
While I was in Amsterdam this summer, my phone broke. My first impulse was to replace it immediately. I’ve done that every time my old cell phone has been broken or stolen. However, this time I decided to see how I would manage without a phone for a while. Of course, it’s less convenient. I go to the bank to pay, not online. I have a landline phone, but I haven’t used it much until now. My friends can actually only contact me via email, but this was an adjustment. But overall, I haven’t forgotten my phone yet. I’m rereading books instead of basically scrolling through news apps and short videos on YouTube, including this one. I’m not sure if “service” includes “theft.” Nevertheless, I feel like the theft has brought time back into my life.
thomas, edinburgh
Use iPhone and Android features to limit screen time
The best way to combat doomscrolling is screen time on your Apple products. For the past year, I’ve blocked Facebook, Instagram, 9gag, and YouTube on my phone. Thankfully, the overall screen time has been significantly reduced. By completely blocking these apps, my life returned to normal. You can still utilize these on your laptop if you need to send a message or do some occasional browsing, but you won’t be as crazy about it on your desktop. I’m waiting for the day when society decides to stay away from social networks forever. Nothing good can come from them anymore.
Adam Woolman, 29, Bordeaux, France
The built-in Digital Wellbeing app on your Android smartphone allows you to place a Screen Time widget on your home screen. When you unlock your phone and are faced with the hours and minutes you’ve spent staring into the abyss, you’ll have second thoughts about succumbing to digital junk food.
Rob, 33, Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
Sort your phone or use a browser instead of an app
News and social media apps have been moved off the front screen of your phone and relegated to a second or third screen. The front screen has apps like Duolingo, Bolinda Audio, a podcast app, DailyArt, Notes, Lists, and Google Maps. The goal is to do something productive, such as learning a language, learning about art, or listening to a book. Or you could listen to a history podcast instead of Doomscrolling.
Nicola Rees, 69, Essaouira, Morocco
The most effective method I’ve found is to delete the phone app versions of the most scroll-inducing apps (like Facebook and Instagram) and only access them on your laptop. Laptop browser layouts are very clunky and not conducive to infinite scrolling, but you can still maintain an account and keep your friends and family up to date with what’s going on. . I was scrolling through Instagram for hours a day. Now I open it on my laptop for 10 minutes, check my friends’ posts and messages, and then close it. The layout of Instagram on my web browser is so clunky that I don’t feel like scrolling.
anonymous
Delete apps (like Instagram) from your mobile and only access their content on your desktop browser. Of course, it’s not optimal, but that’s why it’s effective. You can accomplish your goals without getting too drawn into doomscrolling.
Pauline, London
Source: www.theguardian.com
