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A guide to reduce screen time

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Re: A guide to reduce screen time

#101

Post by mc3301 »

codethief wrote: post #28

Which Android apps for limiting screen time does the HN crowd recommend? Is there one that doesn't sell your data or request network access? (Ideally of course the app would be open-source but I'm not getting my hopes up.) I've been wanting to try Digital Wellbeing but it looks like it's still not available for non-Google devices. Or at least it's shown as "not compatible" when accessing the Play Store from GrapheneO…

I like this one: https://www.forestapp.cc/

Then I whitelist google maps, camera, and my messaging app. Everything else is inaccessible. I paid for it.

Re: A guide to reduce screen time

#102

Post by StefanBatory »

Funes- wrote: post #76
StefanBatory wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ah, sorry then. I thought that idiom has different meaning, thank you for correcting me.

On top of that, which is absolutely true, saying "listen to the person above me" (instead of something along the lines of "guys/to anyone reading this, listen to...") while replying directly to someone makes it seem like you're exhorting them--that you're advising them to look for some other reply that runs counter to their point, instead of addressing the general HN crowd. "I thought that'd help me, but..." also see…

:( I can assure you that was not my intention.

But thanks for telling me that; I'll be more careful in the future.

Re: A guide to reduce screen time

#103

Post by codethief »

dgimla20 wrote: post #97
codethief wrote: post #28

Which Android apps for limiting screen time does the HN crowd recommend? Is there one that doesn't sell your data or request network access? (Ideally of course the app would be open-source but I'm not getting my hopes up.) I've been wanting to try Digital Wellbeing but it looks like it's still not available for non-Google devices. Or at least it's shown as "not compatible" when accessing the Play Store from GrapheneO…

I set up a basic SQL table where I record the time spent on my phone (and other devices) based on the screen time data from StayFree (Android), and a little private webpage with a line chart and average statistics. It's pretty manual (2-3 mins per week), but logging the new dates each week is a nice little "check-in" to stop me from drifting back towards more screen time. I've never been a heavy user, but I noticed s…

Thanks for the insights!

> StayFree (Android)

Side note: Are you blocking StayFree from accessing the network? Their ToS make it rather clear that they will collect & share all possible data they can get their hands on.

Re: A guide to reduce screen time

#104

Post by dgimla20 »

codethief wrote: post #103
dgimla20 wrote: post #97

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I set up a basic SQL table where I record the time spent on my phone (and other devices) based on the screen time data from StayFree (Android), and a little private webpage with a line chart and average statistics. It's pretty manual (2-3 mins per week), but logging the new dates each week is a nice little "check-in" to stop me from drifting back towards more screen time. I've never been a heavy user, but I noticed s…

Thanks for the insights! > StayFree (Android) Side note: Are you blocking StayFree from accessing the network? Their ToS make it rather clear that they will collect & share all possible data they can get their hands on.

I'm not sure if I am or not. If it's not too much of a write-up, how might I be able to check? Is this something that can be changed in phone settings?

Thanks for letting me know. I wasn't aware of this otherwise.

Re: A guide to reduce screen time

#105

Post by codethief »

codethief wrote: post #58
yamrzou wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I recommend this one for Android: https://github.com/markusfisch/ScreenTime It doesn't limit apps, it just displays your screen time in a permanent notification and allows you to view and export past statistics. I've found that to be very effective. From a systems perspective, it amounts to adding a new feedback loop, similar to this leverage point described by Donella Meadows[1]: There was this subdivision of identi…

Thanks! That app looks quite nice (especially the virtualization) but I already know how much I use my phone (too much :)) and that obtrusive feedback will only get me so far. So I do need an app that goes a bit further and allows me to track & block usage of applications.

> virtualization

Classic Freudian typo (I've been working on virtualization-related stuff way too much this week). I meant "visualization" of course! :)

> obtrusive

s/obtrusive/unobtrusive

Re: A guide to reduce screen time

#106

Post by Funes- »

StefanBatory wrote: post #102
Funes- wrote: post #76

Earlier quoted context omitted.

On top of that, which is absolutely true, saying "listen to the person above me" (instead of something along the lines of "guys/to anyone reading this, listen to...") while replying directly to someone makes it seem like you're exhorting them--that you're advising them to look for some other reply that runs counter to their point, instead of addressing the general HN crowd. "I thought that'd help me, but..." also see…

:( I can assure you that was not my intention. But thanks for telling me that; I'll be more careful in the future.

Hey, it's okay. Even more, I empathized a lot with your struggle with "screens", so there's that. I'm sorry if my reply came out a bit harsh.

Re: A guide to reduce screen time

#107

Post by codethief »

dgimla20 wrote: post #104
codethief wrote: post #103

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks for the insights! > StayFree (Android) Side note: Are you blocking StayFree from accessing the network? Their ToS make it rather clear that they will collect & share all possible data they can get their hands on.

I'm not sure if I am or not. If it's not too much of a write-up, how might I be able to check? Is this something that can be changed in phone settings? Thanks for letting me know. I wasn't aware of this otherwise.

By default all apps on Android have the permission to access the internet (and thus transfer any data they collected about you). The only way to prevent that is 1) using a custom ROM like GrapheneOS which allows you to block internet for chosen apps, or 2) using a firewall like NetGuard and blocking specific apps there.

Re: A guide to reduce screen time

#108

Post by StefanBatory »

Funes- wrote: post #106
StefanBatory wrote: post #102

Earlier quoted context omitted.

:( I can assure you that was not my intention. But thanks for telling me that; I'll be more careful in the future.

Hey, it's okay. Even more, I empathized a lot with your struggle with "screens", so there's that. I'm sorry if my reply came out a bit harsh.

No no, don't worry, it's fine!
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