Discussions about too much smartphone usage and social media usage has become more prominent in the last few years.
You probably became more aware about the power your phone has over you and how hard it is not to have your phone on you constantly.
Now with the corona lockdown, it’s highly probably any tracking apps, Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Digital Wellbeing will painfully show you how many hours you’ve spent in front of your device.
Since we are confined to our homes, it has become much more complicated to talk about how much we use our screens, because it’s pretty much a given that how much equates to a lot.
Know that it is fine to use your smartphone and screens a lot (heck even I use screens more in the house!), nevertheless the emphasis should be now on:
How do I use my screens?
Now you have more time to reflect on the type of activities you take on while using smartphones, laptops, smart TVs etc.
If you want to improve your relationship with your device, this is the moment to analyse when you use your phone or want to use your phone and why.
You have more time now to reflect on your screen related actions at home and ask yourself:
- Am I happy with my activities like swiping and scrolling?
- Am I merely consuming or producing?
- Am I escaping specific feelings when going for my phone?
- Am I triggered by boredom, a ping, sadness, FOMO?
And then most importantly: am I OKAY with that?
So, the main question is: are you happy with the way you are using your devices?
If the answer is no, use the pandemic and the extra time it provides to do some introspection and to pause and think before you reach for your phone.
So, when you are triggered to grab your phone, introduce a pause before you act. Just ask yourself first:
Do I understand why I go for my phone, is this a good moment to reach for my phone and am I OKAY with that?
That’s a great start to combat any form of phone and social media addiction.
I would like to know how you feel about your current screen usage. Are you satisfied or do you want to unchain yourself more from social media and screens?
Image by Annalise Batista from Pixabay