When you check your screen time and discover that you didn’t just “use your phone a bit too much” and you experience a certain type of anxiety. That’s where this story begins.
’13 hours per day’ It’s the kind of number that makes you laugh because it seems unreal, as if it can not . Because it never seems like thirteen hours. But I actually did and then made the decision to try using my phone less and see what it felt like.
Photo by: Damith Priyankara, Source: Unsplash
The Unexpected Silence
Focus and productivity were not the first things I experienced. There was quietness.
The absence of continuous noise, such as notifications, videos, and background scrolling, rather than actual silence. It seemed odd, almost uncomfortable. It was as if something was absent.
I would unconsciously go for my phone while sitting on my bed, only to realize that I had already made up my mind not to. It felt longer to walk somewhere. It felt slower to wait. I felt like I should be doing something else at the same time, even when I was preparing coffee.
I realized then that I wasn’t using my phone because I had to. I didn’t know what to do without it, so I was using it.
Why We Spend So Much Time on Our Phones
Although blaming “lack of discipline” is easy, it’s not the reason.
The purpose of apps is to keep you there. Short movies, endless scrolling, and frequent updates, there’s always something new, yet it never truly ends. You simply keep going as the algorithms are also made for this.
Many of us, particularly students, now automatically turn to our phones for everything:
Are you bored? Scroll. Are you anxious? scroll.
Staying away from work? Without a doubt, scroll.
It deals with uncomfortable situations and even feelings we don’t want to deal with. It also feels normal because everyone else is doing the same thing.
Until you see how long it’s actually taking.
Is a Detox Really Necessary?
“Detox” sounds drastic. It’s as if you had to cut yourself off entirely and transform into someone else all of a sudden.
Really, it isn’t the purpose.
It’s more about observing. recognizing how automatic your habits have become and determining if you accept that. Thirteen hours could be a wake-up call for some of us.
However, even seemingly insignificant adjustments, like setting your phone aside during meals, walking without it, or not checking it first thing in the morning, can seem significant.
Because screen time isn’t the only factor. It has to do with focus. Where it goes and how quickly it disappears.
What Does That Mean for Us?
I don’t want to make everything better overnight. I still pick up my phone mindlessly. Scrolling still takes up time for me. That hasn’t vanished overnight.
However, I’ve noticed it now. It’s also more difficult to ignore once you recognize it.
Perhaps that would be a good place to start, asking a straightforward question instead of erasing every app or requiring a total detox:
How much of my day do I truly choose, and how much is it just habit?
Shorts Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/is0xTZvS4BY?is=5mnFrPGqA5f2tbiC
