An average person will check their phone over 200 times each day! Experts say that’s not just habit — that’s borderline compulsion. In fact, there’s a good chance you’re reading this on a phone right now.
Turns out, it’s all by design. According to Psychology Today, smartphones hijack our brains with dopamine hits — likes, memes, headlines, and those little red hearts. It’s like carrying a slot machine in your pocket.
And the impact is real. Research shows cutting social media to just 30 minutes a day can lower anxiety, depression, and loneliness. One study even found that taking a break from mobile internet improved mental health more than some antidepressants.
So what can you do?
• No screens first thing in the morning
• Turn off non-essential notifications
• Switch to grayscale
• Put your phone away during meals and conversations
• Pause before you scroll and ask: “What am I looking for?”
The goal? Use your phone consciously, not compulsively. You don’t need to quit — just change how you engage.
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