Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#101

Post by rchaud » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:21 PM UTC

idrios wrote: post #74

cle wrote: post #60

Any technical advice about how to block yourself is beating around the bush IMO. Not only is it easy to bypass most of that stuff, but you'll be way better off learning how to deal with this psychological issue directly instead of trying to avoid triggering it. Edit: They are not mutually exclusive by any means, I just mean that you will benefit in the long-run by addressing the psychological problem that leads to th…

One of the steps for overcoming alcoholism is getting the alcohol out of your house. Phone addiction is the same way, it definitely takes hard work and discipline on the part of the user, but there needs to be a way to get rid of your phone or at least the functionality that makes it addictive, without losing essential utility like keeping in contact with people, or in OP's case a mobile-only bank account

The distracting sites mentioned in the OP exist on desktop as well.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#102

Post by fbelzile » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:23 PM UTC

Apple goes out of it's way to make sure no app like this exists in it's App Store. If Screen Time is not good enough, you'll need a physical lock box like a few others have mentioned. Forest is good for helping create good habits though.

On Android, you can use one called AppBlock. This is the most difficult app to circumvent on mobile. Others like Freedom can be easily bypassed.

I sell desktop software (Windows/macOS) that blocks websites/apps so my customers and I have tried lots of solutions but Apple doesn't want to let third party developers compete with Screen Time.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#103

Post by Symbiote » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:23 PM UTC

mrweasel wrote: post #63

Symbiote wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Neither of my British accounts require a smartphone to log in, they send an SMS or make a voice call. My Danish account uses either an app or SMS. You probably can't use a startup bank, as the app is one way they cut costs. Use a boring bank.

Just curious: Doesn't you Danish account still support the little cardboard card with the one-time codes? Personally I really hate that they want to kill the card, and go to an app model (with the option of a key fob). It's made even worse by the police (and others) pushing the idea that the app is safer. How is it safer to have your two-factor authentication app on the same devices as the apps that need the second f…

You are correct, I can also use the code card of one-use keys.

I was confused by the recent change where online purchases require an SMS or the app, and no longer work with the code card.

I think the app is probably encouraged since it protects against a phishing site like this: hxxp://tilbagebetaling1060dkk.net/1060DKK/ -- but I'm not quite sure how.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#104

Post by tasssko » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:24 PM UTC

cle wrote: post #60

Any technical advice about how to block yourself is beating around the bush IMO. Not only is it easy to bypass most of that stuff, but you'll be way better off learning how to deal with this psychological issue directly instead of trying to avoid triggering it. Edit: They are not mutually exclusive by any means, I just mean that you will benefit in the long-run by addressing the psychological problem that leads to th…

I agree with you, technical tricks could instead evolve into the person worrying constantly about not looking at their phone. Mindfulness and preparation make this easier, however it is not easy. Personally I deal with this by putting the phone down, using DND mode and have most notifications off. That doesn't stop me thinking about 'whats happening on HN' or in the news or on social media. It's a constant process that needs work. I'm not an expert so I won't pretend to know any more than this but I have also recently started telling myself that there isn't anything important that can't wait.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#105

Post by rchaud » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:25 PM UTC

yosito wrote: post #81

Something that worked for me: I bought an Onyx Boox Note, which runs most Android apps. I installed all of my news and social apps on that, and uninstalled them from my phone. When I want to consume content for entertainment, I use that. The e ink screen adds enough friction and takes away some of the stimulation, so it's far less addictive. My phone use has dropped to about 1 hour a day, just for necessary messaging…

I have been considering this as well, as I was looking at ReMarkable and other e-ink options.

Having a big-screen phone with a quad-core processor or whatever makes reaching for distractions too easy. Unfortunately I still need to keep a phone around for taking quick notes.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#106

Post by throwaway_kufu » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:26 PM UTC

retrac wrote: post #79

I am inclined to agree with the others than a technological solution is not likely what you need. The trick is to segregate these areas mentally, so that you are acutely aware of when you are "on forbidden ground". The "rubber band" trick has been mentioned here already, and it's based on helping to re-enforce that awareness. Technological solutions can help do this. Timer apps that give you a regular notice to "GTFO…

>tand when you're on the phone. Don't sit down and slump and relax.

I like this and though I rarely talk on the phone, when I do the vast majority of the time I pace back and forth. Even at the office I’d close the door and do the same. Never thought about these actions at all until now.

Maybe somewhat related growing up my older brother used to do push-ups (usually 20) every time he opened the refrigerator. Watching that day in and day out while he was in high school left a lasting impact on me. No doubt it is odd, but I’d do push ups in all sorts of situations, for example playing disc golf if I had a really bad throw, I’d drop and do push-ups. Maybe something OP could do every time the phone opens, just don’t look at it like a punishment, rather something healthy that helps build discipline and genuine thought to your actions. Plus inevitably it will open the door to openly discussing it with others.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#107

Post by johnchristopher » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:26 PM UTC

Leary wrote: post #83

Don't know about you but I never could stop addicting behaviors without setting goals in other more productive areas in my life. Set a few worthwhile goals every day that will take the majority of your time, and be sure to complete them before using the phone for entertainment. Then enjoy yourself for the rest of the day.

I often read it's easier to replace an habit by another one than trying to only stop it.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#108

Post by cybertoad » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:29 PM UTC

cronix wrote: post #100

The thing that helped me quit using my phone as much was to quit using apps where there was a web counterpart available. For instance, I deleted the banking app and only visit the website on my home pc (or browser on phone if really in a pinch, which is rare). I deleted the facebook app and only used the website. I've since deleted the FB account totally. Same with twitter. Just use the website. My "phone" is now onl…

I totally support this idea ob substituting apps for web interface counterparts. Me and my friend are both kind of addicted to these scroller things and the only way to secure our selves from wasted time is just deleting the apps. If anyone reading this would think how much time they spend on lets say facebook desktop version, or instagram, this would be a clear choice. Also, having a smart watch is a no-no for these addictions as in your mention for stimuli

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#109

Post by rchaud » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:30 PM UTC

swiley wrote: post #77

You should find a different bank. Being forced to use a particular platform to access your money is absolutely unreasonable and unacceptable. All three US banks[1] I've used don't do this. Also, as someone prone to this sort of thing it helps to have constructive hobbies that are a bit "mindless." Lego kits are awesome (also great for "lockdown dates.") If you're ok doing them by yourself (because other people are ve…

App-only banks that don't let you access or manage your account on a website on a real computer should be against the law.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile phone addiction help?

#110

Post by thenoblesunfish » Mon, May 03, 2021, 7:33 PM UTC

I was surprised how effective and enjoyable I found Habitica (habitica.com). This provides you with an app to check, where you get fun meaningless points for doing things you are trying to get into the habit of doing. Turn your obsessiveness on itself.