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Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

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Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#21

Post by teserodo »

jklein11 wrote: post #16
teserodo wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you advise a bank account? I have three, currently, and they all require a smartphone to use them. My GitHub account now also requires a smartphone to log in for 2fa, which I was required to setup on my account (they do have SMS functionality, but not in my country). More and more, a smartphone is simply inescapable as a form of identity. It sucks - but the backup form of identity is a phone number, which sucks e…

What country are you in? In the US I am beyond happy with Charles Schwab. I’ve been using them for ~10 years and I can’t think of a reason why I would switch.

Ireland. There are strict regulations around 2fa for online banking.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#22

Post by NoPicklez »

In an effort to not repeat some of the great comments already, I think it would be beneficial for you try to find things to do that don't involve your phone.

Try to find something to do that you find more interesting than being on your phone, sports (Running/Cycling), hobbies, walks etc.

I'm as guilty as anyone for looking at my phone too often, its usually only when I have nothing better to do, because of that it makes it worse.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#23

Post by _carbyau_ »

I say this honestly without snark.

Visit a library if you can and "waste days" reading books instead. You don't have to borrow the book, just take it off the shelf, read some, and put it back.

I only reacquainted myself with my local library recently, and it is amazing to find a space that provides you with free utility, without any ads and without any attempts to pry money from you.

I have to consciously lower my "cynic/suspicion" filter whenever I get there.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#25

Post by ntnlabs »

Daily20 wrote: post #6

You can use Screen Time to prevent yourself from installing new apps. First, delete all applications aside from your banking apps. Next, go to Settings - Screen Time - Content and Privacy Restrictions - iTunes & App Store Purchases. From here, you can disable installing apps, which hides the App Store on your phone. You can also disable Safari from Screen Time. If you find yourself turning off Screen Time, have someb…

I have locked down one of my phones this way and it's working really nice.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#26

Post by pototo666 »

My dumb method: Physical separation.

I live in my parents home, which is at third floor. I work at their garage, which is not a garage for car, but for bikes. It is at first floor.

When I work, I put my phones at home. When I need to sleep, I put my phones at garage.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#27

Post by swen-rekcah »

Daily20 wrote: post #6

You can use Screen Time to prevent yourself from installing new apps. First, delete all applications aside from your banking apps. Next, go to Settings - Screen Time - Content and Privacy Restrictions - iTunes & App Store Purchases. From here, you can disable installing apps, which hides the App Store on your phone. You can also disable Safari from Screen Time. If you find yourself turning off Screen Time, have someb…

Thanks for the suggestion re:screen time - I have attempted this multiple times, and even got my partner to set the passcode. However I just bypass it and reset it via forgot passcode and my Apple ID password

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#28

Post by swen-rekcah »

pkrotich wrote: post #24

Great suggestions already given on how to limit your phone use... But I can only imagine that it leaks into other areas of your life. Have you’ve looked into treating the causes you mentioned? Perhaps behavioral therapy.

Thank you. I am undergoing CBT and Exposure Therapy for my contamination based OCD (this isn’t linked to the phone usage) however in times of anxiety caused by the compulsions I head straight for my phone, and will get into it any way possible

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#29

Post by swen-rekcah »

stabilite wrote: post #4

1. Settings —> Screen Time —> App Limits 2. Make your App Store/Apple ID password something needlessly complex and give someone else the paper with it on so they need to read it to you over the phone when you need it. 3. Send a screenshot of your app usage to a third party every week and if you exceed limits get them to donate some money you give them to a cause you hate in your name 4. Put your phone on grayscale

Thanks for the suggestion I have turned on the grayscale filter, and I think it may dull my interest in the device re:screen time - I have attempted this multiple times, and even got my partner to set the passcode. However I just bypass it and reset it via forgot passcode and my Apple ID password

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#30

Post by swen-rekcah »

teserodo wrote: post #19

Buy a shitty phone. Also, this technique from dealing with cigarette addiction would help: change your brand. If you use iPhone, buy a budget $100 android with the smallest screen possible. If you use Android, buy an old iPhone 5. It'll work for banking apps but should be annoying enough that you won't use it so much. Next, what is the website/app you most want to quit? Make quitting that your keystone. Fully commit…

Great suggestions here thank you. The anxiety caused by my OCD is so great that I will find my way into my phone, and getting it back to “normal” ASAP - screen time I just reset passcode, or override via ‘forgot passcode’ feature. I’ve used my phone as a crutch for my anxiety for soo long that in times of “need” or even when things are going great and I think I can allow myself a bit of freedom with the device. It always ends up running away from me
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