Overwhelmed by your smartphone? Try a boring phone

Digital Barriers

Jose Briones shares practical strategies to reduce smartphone distractions, emphasizing the use of screen time passcodes and software blockers. He suggests entrusting someone else with your screen time passcode to prevent easy bypassing of limits, and using tools like Clearspace or the Brick app to introduce friction in app usage 1. Marielle Segarra reflects on the pervasive allure of smartphones, noting how they often lead users down a rabbit hole of distractions 2. Briones advocates for a shift towards mindful digital minimalism, encouraging users to strip down their smartphones to reclaim time and focus.

   

Workarounds

For those reliant on essential smartphone apps, Jose Briones offers alternative solutions to maintain functionality while reducing usage. He suggests creating an inventory of necessary apps and finding workarounds, such as using a separate GPS device or accessing WhatsApp on a desktop 3. Briones also advises advocating for hardware security keys at work to replace authenticator apps, and setting clear expectations with employers about communication practices 4. This approach allows individuals to experiment with reduced smartphone dependency while maintaining productivity and mental well-being.