Mind Coach NOLA on Freedom from Digital Addiction

I love digital devices as much as the next person. Here I am with my Apple Watch, which helps me track my runs and stay on top of my busy schedule. But I also understand how addictive these helpful devices can be, and I'm dedicated to helping clients block those distractions. I just read an article in the New York Times called "It's Time For Apple to Build a Less Addictive iPhone," by Farhad Majoo, who suggests that Apple should develop and sell a less addictive smartphone: 

Imagine if, once a week, your phone gave you a report on how you spent your time, similar to how your activity tracker tells you how sedentary you were last week. It could also needle you: “Farhad, you spent half your week scrolling through Twitter. Do you really feel proud of that?” It could offer to help: “If I notice you spending too much time on Snapchat next week, would you like me to remind you?”

But is it Apple’s responsibility to give us feedback about how we are using our devices? Is it the manufacturer’s responsibility to help us curb our addiction? Is it realistic to expect a slot machine to shut down when you’ve been gambling too long? Or for a vape shop to refuse to sell you a product if you’ve purchased too much?

What is realistic, though challenging, is to curb your own addiction. Instead of allowing the device to control your behavior, you can allow your own behavior to control your device. Perhaps you use an app, like Forest or Freedom, or perhaps you simply turn it off for a designated amount of time. You will survive. And you will be free.