I was thinking about making some kind of 'internet switch' with arduino. Like a big button which turns on/off the internet. I just think it's way cooler than unplugging the cable. Has anyone done something similar?
Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
251–260 of 266 posts
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#252This is not what you want to hear. But "addictions" could be hardwire in our DNA for some of us. Trust me, I am one of them. I have several addictions in parallel right now. If you close this then other will lead the charge. It is like this : Once you feel the smoking first time, there is no going back. Once you masturbate for first time, there is no stopping. Once you eat Nutella , there is no ...
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#253I don't have problems with phones but I have problems with computers - I was usually ended up with HN and YouTube when I tried to learning/writing/programming for side projects. Then I recall I read from somewhere that Donald Knuth prefers pen and paper to computer. I tried it and it did work for me. I just turn off the computer and use pen and paper/book/printed stuff most of the time. When I have to use the compute…
I don't like sitting by the computer, so I usually go on a sofa or somewhere comfy and just stare at the wall until I come up with what exactly I need to program. Sometimes I use pen and paper, or more recently reMarkable.
Then I get on the computer and sprint through the implementation and all tests etc.
I cannot do that when working in the office - people think I am lazy and don't work. I hate that you are forced to sit by the stupid machine.
Since I won't code anything until I know exactly what to do, I tend to just browse stuff on auto-pilot not event thinking what I am looking at the screen. That as well make coworkers think I am lazy.
I feel anxious when I think that I may be required to be coming back. I'll definitely quit if they start pushing hard.
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#254Earlier quoted context omitted.
I have an acquaintance that has a time-locked box he puts his phone in. I thought it was a novel solution to the problem.
A similar alternative would be to place it somewhere where a notable effort would be required to fetch it, like traveling half an hour to a weekend house. All these things could give just the right amount of challenge and time so that the urge to scroll could transition into rational thinking.
I find temptation passes within five-ish minutes, and if I can circumvent that temptation for the minimum period of time I'm clear of acting on the temptation.
"Barrier to access" has been a successful means of avoidance for me.
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#255I switched to second-hand Android phone from my Nokia C3 last year, never used a smartphone before that. I struggled a little bit with easy accessibility of browser / telegram / instagram, so I found a way to make a phone a little dumber.
1. Buy an Android phone (you can probably make the same thing on IPhone with jail-break, but I don't have any experience).
2. Remove all social media apps: Instagram / Twitter / whatever app you struggling with.
3. Download adb https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-lin... and execute those lines
./adb uninstall --user 0 com.android.chrome
./adb uninstall --user 0 com.android.vending (Google Play Store)
Some functionality in some apps won't be available, if it requires redirect to the browser tab / Google Play Services, but it's a price to pay for having dumb-phone functionality on the smartphone.
You can still install Google Play once in a while to update apps via
./adb install -d --user 0 COM_ANDROID_VENDING_APK_FILE
update/install new apps and then repeat step (3) from above.
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#256Hi. I have the same problem as you. I tried a lot of software on my phone that doesn't let me use Twitter or Reddit, unless I enter some dumb code or something. Most of this software just tracks your time on each app and doesn't forbid you from using it. For example, "Digital Wellbeing" app is a joke. You can disable it anytime it starts running. Some apps, such as Youtube, have the option to remind you that you have been using it for a certain amount of time, like 15 minutes. I wouldn't rely on software to help me on this one.
I ended up buying a kSafe and putting my phone in there for an amount of 12 hours a day. I get my messages and calls on my watch.
If you're using your iPhone you'll end up downloading scroller apps.
I don't have a solution for your mobile bank account.
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#257Earlier 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.
UK here:
Barclays don't require the app. You can still use the website or even telephone banking with a real agent. They do give you the chip and pin reader, the same as the one used in branches which works well.
Santander do seem to use a mobile for 2FA but only to send a text message and you can still use the website.
I rarely have to do more than 1 banking transaction / week so I just use the website, from home. Not too bothered about having another app, especially with access to my bank account.
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#258Addiction is addiction. Find a therapist and get help. You don't need to figure this all out yourself.
I went to rehab and it was very good for me. I wouldn't still be here without it.
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#259The problem isn't your phone, the problem is your mind. You're looking for dopamine on your phone. If not your phone you will look for elsewhere (foods, movies etc.)
All those things that engages your senses, tires one down. I'm glad you're at least aware of being tired and want to work on it. The rest of the world are constantly engaging everyday.
Try to sit down calmly outside your balcony for a moment. Observe the surroundings carefully. Try doing this everyday for 15 mins. Just observing silently the nature, the people, etc. Let's finish this and I'll suggest the next steps later.
Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?
#260Earlier quoted context omitted.
Why would it be difficult? You just use a pen to bring your algorithms or designs on paper. And optional you print out code you are currently working on. That works when working alone, but also with many people. Because of course in the end - you use the computer to actually type your code in.
Try the Neo Smartpen or Remarkable Tablet. They both let you write and share that. They also both let you present. Those presentations feel magical to do over Zoom.
Can you share your experience presenting with the Remarkable, if you have such an experience?