Technology is wonderful, but are you addicted? As part of our series on Digital Culture, we bring you some eyebrow-raising stats, tell-tale signs you need a digital detox, plus tips to kick the tech habit (temporarily!)

 
 
Since the iPhone’s launch in 2007, we have significantly changed how we use technology in our everyday lives. The iPhone put the Internet in everyone’s pockets and has transformed the way in which we communicate. But is it always a good thing?
 
 
 

 

Tech Stats

 

The average person checks their phone 200 times a day – that’s once every six and a half minutes

73% of Brits say they’d struggle to go a day without checking their phone or computer

1 in 4 people spend more time online than they do asleep

70% of 16-24-year-olds say they prefer texting to talking

The average teenager sends 3,400 electronic messages a month from their bed

Source: 9 Ways to start (and stick to) a digital detox

 

10 Telltale Signs You’re in Serious Need of a Digital Detox

 
1.   You check your phone every 10 minutes at least, and feel unloved if you haven’t got a message
 
2.   You eat with your phone
 
3.   You sleep with your phone
 
4.   You can’t get to sleep without watching or scrolling
 
5.   You find yourself scrolling down your friend’s brother’s dad’s dog’s own personal Instagram profile at 11.30 at night… (He’s called Otis btw)
 
6.   If you EVER leave the house without your phone, you feel, quite frankly, naked
 
7.   Your fingers, hands and arms get sore from typing
 
8.   You set yourself reminders to set yourself reminders (yes we know someone who does that!)
 
9. Your idea of multi-tasking is dual screening (texting, scrolling and watching Netflix) at the same time as eating, and ignoring your friends
 
10.   You keep your phone on the table (screen up) whilst socialising with friends, and zone out of conversations when a notification flashes up.  And you message other people when you’re socialising…
 
 
 

So, How Addicted are You?

Well if you answered yes to any of the above, it could be time to take a break from technology.  Try our everyday tricks to manage your tech addiction!  Perhaps even the occasional full detox – try going cold turkey, even just for a day.
 
It’s really not surprising that we have fallen under the spell of technology. But, by introducing some self-discipline to manage our usage, we can make sure it continues to help our productivity and not become detrimental to our creativity, relationships or work.
 
If you fancy a change, here’s our (tried and tested) tips …
 
 
 

Tricks to Kick the Tech Habit

• No phones in the bedroom. Buy an alarm clock.  When you wake up, give yourself some time to start your day before you look at your phone.

• If you must have your phone at night, set it to nightshift mode from 10pm – 7am (or whenever suits your sleep pattern).  Set it to the most yellow light, to decrease the emission of blue light, which stops your body producing melatonin (sleep hormone).

• Turn off push notifications for all your social apps – anything that sends an alert for a comment, likes, or a tag.  You don’t need to do every Love Island quiz that’s been shared on your wall.

• No phones at meal times. If you’re with other people, talk to them!  If you’re by yourself, read a book or just take a moment to enjoy what you’re eating – no photos allowed.

• Go for a walk with a friend to catch up, rather than speaking on the phone.

• When you socialise, switch your phone to silent and leave it in your bag or pocket.

• Make a list of things you enjoy that don’t involve technology – then go and do them e.g. visit a gallery, National Trust gardens, or go for a run.

• Read a book at night instead of watching something to fall asleep to.  If you’re tired, you will probably only get through a page or two.

 
 
 
It’s definitely easier said than done, but take the plunge and go for it! You might find you start to feel more relaxed and actually more connected with your life and the world around you.
 
 
Yesterday, we heard from twentysomething actress Nancy about her screen-free week. See what she had to say about her Digital Detox.
 
 
If you want to find out more about how digital culture is impacting our brains and social interactions, read our recent article: Digital Overload can Change our Brains.