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Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

wired.co.uk

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Re: Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

#101

Post by tpkj »

rock_hard wrote: post #78
agitator wrote: post #71

I don't get why people think that this is apple's problem. Do a better job of parenting. Have some self discipline. There are so many products in this world that take advantage of our biology. The iPhone is just one. And it's currently being obsessed over by media outlets. What about all the processed foods making people fat and unhealthy? What about Starbucks selling addictive drugs on every corner and getting away…

I also think generalizing smartphone use as “addiction” is a misrepresentation! I have no doubt that some people are addicted to their phones...but just as some people are addicted to Siracha sauce The media needs to chill the fuck out and move on to the next hype cycle...or better (but unrealistic): stop the hype around anything and just go back to reporting actual news

Ah, but without the 24x7 hype cycle, the media cannot feed addiction to media.

Re: Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

#102

Post by exabrial »

I think I disagree, but in a good way. Apple needs to protect privacy. Google, FB, et all are pushing devices that upload as much information about users as possible. The most recent Apple update resounded with me in that it said 'privacy is a fundamental right'. What Apple needs to tackle is the issue of becoming an advertisement agency.

Re: Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

#103

Post by rdiddly »

flyGuyOnTheSly wrote: post #95

I've been struggling with addiction in various forms for my entire adult life, so I have a decent understanding of it imho. When I first learned what a smartphone was, I knew immediately that I would become addicted to it if I let myself. I simply chose not to get addicted to smartphones by never purchasing one, and it's working out quite well so far. I know they're awesome little nuggets of technology, but I just do…

Kind of funny that they finally found something to hook the rest of 'em - all the strait-laced people as you say. Many people would never be caught by any of the typical addictions -- Smoking is socially stigmatized, drugs are illegal, alcohol addiction is kinda sorta alittlebit mostly "hereditary" in the loosest sense of the word, gambling for most people requires a long car trip. But a smartphone has none of those limitations.

EDIT: I suppose the most widespread addiction is coffee. Still king.

Re: Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

#104

Post by rock_hard »

tpkj wrote: post #101
rock_hard wrote: post #78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I also think generalizing smartphone use as “addiction” is a misrepresentation! I have no doubt that some people are addicted to their phones...but just as some people are addicted to Siracha sauce The media needs to chill the fuck out and move on to the next hype cycle...or better (but unrealistic): stop the hype around anything and just go back to reporting actual news

Ah, but without the 24x7 hype cycle, the media cannot feed addiction to media.

Bingo! You win Hackernews!

Re: Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

#106

Post by soulnothing »

Is this shifting the blame? It seems people are addicted to smartphones because it's what they want. Or put another way what else draws interest in their life. Which goes to a quality of life aspect.

The onus should not be on the manufacturer to address addiction. But instead, provide means to combat addiction. Apple has that notification toggle. What more do we want, auto lock after X hours of usage. This will probably be harsh but how about learn some self-discipline. If a stepping program is needed, then implement that. Like to ween people off. But it shouldn't be a constant. Why are you checking your phone so much? Why aren't you out doing something, or talking to someone? If you don't want to do that, why are you complaining about checking your phone so much.

That is to say some people are introverts. They don't want to talk much. The smartphone allows them to better socialize, and keep to their habits.

I've noticed since I upgraded to a pixel. I find myself subconsciously pressing the fingerprint authentication while it's in my pocket. Not looking at it, but just pressing it feeling it unlock. I came to this realization the other day. I was reminded of some of my other addictive behaviors. I'm looking at dumber phones now actually.

I've recently downgraded in a way. My biggest use of my phone was for music. I grabbed an old iPod nano and put Rockbox on it. Largely leaving my phone in my backpack. I've also eyed the recent Nokia phones.

Re: Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

#108

Post by malloryerik »

soulnothing wrote: post #106

Is this shifting the blame? It seems people are addicted to smartphones because it's what they want. Or put another way what else draws interest in their life. Which goes to a quality of life aspect. The onus should not be on the manufacturer to address addiction. But instead, provide means to combat addiction. Apple has that notification toggle. What more do we want, auto lock after X hours of usage. This will proba…

Subconsciously pressing the fingerprint authentication in your pocket is reminiscent of... the One Ring...

I can relate to your iPod story. For me, smartphone has been mostly for reading. I used Kindle among other apps on my phone. Having recently bought a Kindle my iPhone sits untouched in my pocket.

Re: Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

#109

Post by Broken_Hippo »

brandon272 wrote: post #13

I have to wonder - what is staring at our phones all day doing to our necks? And are we going to have an epidemic of debilitating cervical spine issues pop up 10 or 20 years from now?

Likely something similar to staring at artwork all day... or paperwork, a book, badly-positioned television. Or a car engine (especially if you generally do work from above instead of below). Or anything else you look down at for hours at a time.

Re: Apple needs to tackle the issue of smartphone addiction

#110

Post by merinowool »

agitator wrote: post #71

I don't get why people think that this is apple's problem. Do a better job of parenting. Have some self discipline. There are so many products in this world that take advantage of our biology. The iPhone is just one. And it's currently being obsessed over by media outlets. What about all the processed foods making people fat and unhealthy? What about Starbucks selling addictive drugs on every corner and getting away…

People like to blame someone for their own failures and this is why often socialist parties are so popular, because they are good at creating false sense of security.
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