Cell Phone Addiction Is Real. Here’s How To Stop It.
Iphones, android devices, blackberries, and other smartphones are now so ubiquitous that many people feel compelled to carry them around at all times. While this convenience has its advantages, there are also risks associated with being constantly connected.
Turn Off Location Services.
If you’re an iPhone user, you’ve probably noticed how easy it is to turn off location services. You just need to go into Settings > Privacy > Location Services. On Android, you’ll find the option under Apps & Notifications > Google Play Services. Once you turn off these settings, your device will no longer track where you are. This means you won’t receive push notifications when you arrive somewhere new, and you won’t see any ads based on your location.
The problem with tracking apps is that they use your location data to send targeted ads to you. That’s why turning off location services is such a big deal. When you disable location services, you stop receiving those annoying ads. And if you want to keep using your phone without being tracked, you should consider switching to a different app. For example, instead of downloading the Uber app, download Lyft. Both companies offer similar services, but Lyft doesn’t collect your location information.
Block Calls From Unknown Numbers.
There are plenty of apps out there that let you block calls from unknown numbers. These apps work by blocking incoming calls from numbers that aren’t listed in your contacts. You can also use call screening apps to screen calls before answering.
If you’re constantly getting calls from people who won’t leave messages, you might want to consider using one of these apps. Some of them allow you to block specific numbers while others allow you to block all calls from certain numbers. For example, if you get too many calls from a particular number, you could block those calls.
Delete Apps You Don’t Need.
If you’re addicted to your smartphone, you might need help. In fact, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), more than half of Americans who drink alcohol say they binge drink at least once per month. And nearly one in five people with an addiction problem says he or she has been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder.
The NCADD recommends that if you want to stop drinking, you should first try cutting back on your alcohol consumption. If that doesn’t work, then you should consider seeking professional treatment. For those who struggle with alcoholism, there are many different types of rehab programs available. Some of them include outpatient care, residential care, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and 12-step programs.
Set Boundaries with Friends and Family.
If you find yourself constantly checking your phone during family dinners, work meetings, or other events where you’d rather not be distracted, set boundaries with friends and family. Tell them that you need to focus on something else right now, and ask them to respect your space.
When we’re surrounded by people who love us, we tend to feel loved back. However, if we’re constantly being pulled away from our relationships with others, we’ll eventually stop feeling connected to those around us. That’s why it’s important to establish clear boundaries with friends and family members. You might say things like “I’m sorry, I really need to focus on something right now,” or “Please don’t text me while I’m talking.”
Mag. Jochen Auer