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Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

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Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#31

Post by swen-rekcah »

NoPicklez wrote: post #22

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 ma…

Thank you. I do run and this is another trigger, because I’m “feeling good” I will download apps like Strava, Nike running, Garmin app (linked to running watch) - I also illustrate and not being able to have apps like Instagram to promote work is annoying

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#32

Post by ranguna »

teserodo wrote: post #20
ALittleLight wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have only ever used one bank (Wells Fargo) my entire life, so I am not a good candidate to suggest banks. I am satisfied with Wells Fargo though, for what it's worth. I can log in through the browser.

I'm from Europe. There's all kinds is new regulations around 2fa for banking apps that came out last year, logging in seems to absolutely require a phone now, and all my accounts use an app to do it.

2fa through SMS? You don't need a smartphone for that.

I don't know about Ireland, but in Portugal most banks have a Web app and not just a mobile app.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#33

Post by ranguna »

I'd say, get professional help.

From what I see, you want a cure all dumb and easy method to stop you from using your phone. Forget it, it's not gonna happen, there is no easy way anymore with the behaviour you are showing: reseting your girlfriend's password on your phone without feeling guilt is just beyond healthy right now.

Even if you somehow switch to another bank with a Web app, you'll probably switch from scrolling tweeter on your phone to scrolling on your laptop.

Get a therapist and talk it out.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#34

Post by robotmay »

swen-rekcah wrote: post #29
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

If you trust your partner, encourage them to be stricter with you and to further restrict access to your device.

Create a new Apple ID that only they have access to and reset your phone to that ID, then lock it down again. You can also go further with other settings then like using a DNS server that allows you to block the domains of problem sites, stopping you from bypassing the lack of apps with websites.

Also, maybe consider an iPad and throwing away the iPhone. It's bigger and harder to compulsively check and you can't carry it in your pocket. Do your banking on that, bin the iPhone, carry a dumbphone all day instead. If you can break the habit of pulling out your phone to check it you'll gain a bit of breathing space for your compulsions.

I know multiple people with OCD and anxiety. For some, professional treatment and medication works well. For others, the only thing that really works is cognitive behavioural therapy, and finding a system that works for you is going to be trial and error.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#35

Post by ninjha01 »

swen-rekcah wrote: post #27
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

Perhaps you could have your partner set your Apple ID password? Or you could change it to a very long string that is a pain to enter, write it down, and store it in a place where it is mildly inconvenient to access.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#36

Post by swen-rekcah »

ranguna wrote: post #32
teserodo wrote: post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm from Europe. There's all kinds is new regulations around 2fa for banking apps that came out last year, logging in seems to absolutely require a phone now, and all my accounts use an app to do it.

2fa through SMS? You don't need a smartphone for that. I don't know about Ireland, but in Portugal most banks have a Web app and not just a mobile app.

Sorry I should have been clearer - the banking app is Monzo and they don’t have a web app for mobile or desktop

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#37

Post by swen-rekcah »

teserodo wrote: post #12
ALittleLight wrote: post #5

Get a new bank. If the bank is a part of a significant problem for your life you should just swap it out for a bank that will let you access your accounts through a browser as needed. Toss your smart phone and only use the dumb phone.

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…

Sorry I should have been clearer - the banking app is Monzo and they don’t have a web app for mobile or desktop

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#38

Post by KMnO4 »

teserodo wrote: post #12
ALittleLight wrote: post #5

Get a new bank. If the bank is a part of a significant problem for your life you should just swap it out for a bank that will let you access your accounts through a browser as needed. Toss your smart phone and only use the dumb phone.

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…

> My GitHub account now also requires a smartphone to log in for 2fa

TOTP isn’t exclusive to mobile apps. You can easily use the authenticator from a desktop. Some password managers (eg 1Password) have this built in as well.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#39

Post by boredatworkme »

In my case, disabling almost all the distracting social media notifications has helped me a great deal. I've long given up on using Instagram, Facebook. I saw Twitter and Reddit used to take up a bulk of my time, so I've removed the apps and I use the browser for these sites. Also, there's the screen time notification which I've set and forgotten the password to. I've so far resisted the urge to reset that password.

I believe at the end of day, just like any other forms of addiction, strong will is what helps us.

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