are you addicted to your phone?

[JackieLikesVariety]

mine is weighing on my mind a lot more than I like and can't recall how long this has going on. damn thing.

I feel like I should practice not even caring if it's in the same room with me. maybe turn it off now and then.

not now, of course, someone might text me...

[hajario]

Yes.

[Inna Minnit]

My phone? Like as in a communication device? No.

But it's where my Tik Tok is, so in that respect, yes.

[Tinker]

What I hate - what I really, REALLY hate is the normalisation of requiring WhatsApp (or similar) for work.

It is now assumed now that you are 24/7 on call. The older I get, the younger my managers are, and are of a generation that have always assumed everyone is reachable at all times. It's been one of the most stressful aspects of my last few jobs, the constant bzzt bzzt of can you cover, can you do extra. Especially in care, but am thinking it's universal now.

Yes I am grumpy

[Solfy]

Over break mine went completely dead multiple times and I didn't miss it . . . because my iPad was charged. Work is on my phone, but not on my iPad. So I'm screen addicted, but not phone addicted.

The job I have right now makes it important to be able to be connected when on a deadline, but outside of those critical times (which are fewer with the most recent gig), there's no expectation that I be at their beck and call. I did have to use self discipline at the beginning of break not to check emails. It got significantly easier as time went on, but that was also a function of everyone else being off, too.

[Inna Minnit]

Originally Posted by Tinker

What I hate - what I really, REALLY hate is the normalisation of requiring WhatsApp (or similar) for work.

It is now assumed now that you are 24/7 on call. The older I get, the younger my managers are, and are of a generation that have always assumed everyone is reachable at all times. It's been one of the most stressful aspects of my last few jobs, the constant bzzt bzzt of can you cover, can you do extra. Especially in care, but am thinking it's universal now.

Yes I am grumpy

Check to see if you can schedule no notification times for that app. Some phones will, some won't. Or you can do it manually, just turn off notifications on you down time. If you aren't salaried or on call, they can't expect 24/7 access.

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by Inna Minnit

My phone? Like as in a communication device? No.

But it's where my Tik Tok is, so in that respect, yes.

so, yes

Originally Posted by Inna Minnit

If you aren't salaried or on call, they can't expect 24/7 access.

they shouldn't be able to, in theory.

[hajario]

For most of my thirty year career I was a manufacturing engineer responsible for assembly lines and test equipment that ran two or three shifts. I was pretty much always on call if something broke. Landline, beeper, cell and finally smartphone. It didn't matter. The calls typically weren't frequent. It was part of the job.

[thorny locust]

My phone? Of course not. (Tiny-screened flip thing, easily ignorable in the pocket.)

My computer? Me, addicted to my computer? OfcoursenotwhydoyouaskandwhyamIansweringthisrightn ow? -- quick, look, there's a cat!

[fucktard loser]

Yep, fully hooked.

[Inna Minnit]

I enabled something on my phone recently. It gives me a weekly report on my screen time. Like, I don't need that.

[jali]

I am addicted.

I left my charger at my son's house yesterday, and I live in downtown Wilmington, DE.

The pharmacy was closed. The T Mobile was closed.

I saved just a little charge to log into my companies VPN so that I would be able to work today.

I still keep picking my phone and I keep surprising myself when I do it.

[robinson]

Does looking at porn count as being on the phone?

[Sputnik]

I used to listen to audiobooks on my phone all the time. That was pretty much my obsession with my phone. I ran YouTube dry for books I was interested in. No longer addicted - for now anyway.

[Detroit Hoser]

Originally Posted by robinson

Does looking at porn count as being on the phone?

Absolutely.

I hate talking on the phone. Wanna chat? Text me, I'll do it from my laptop which is rarely out of my sight. But if my laptop can't be used I better have my phone so I can tell my buds about the stupid shit that goes on around my life.

[Pencil]

Yes. And No.

And I realize that it's a non answer, but it really is a yes/no answer.

Yes
I use Apple pay numerous times a day, I let the phone notify me about e-mail and texts (SMS), I'm starting to use the fitness/activity app, because I need to lose weight. I hook it up to the car if I need Gmaps when driving. I read my local newspaper every day (subscribed). There are quite a few apps and features that I find useful every now and again, depending on circumstances.

tl;dr I use the phone all day every day, but my screen time will not exceed an hour a day.

No
No 'social' media (scare quote on purpose), no message boards, no games. I hate getting constant notifications and sites asking for my location. I don't pick it up whenever I'm waiting in line, on a bus or some other situation where I get glued to the screen just because I can't stand the thoughts in my head. I do use it as a shield if I'm eating out alone, usually to check news.

tl;dr I use the phone all day every day, but my screen time will not exceed an hour a day.


I hope we're not talking about Ipad (which I don't use instead of the iphone for all the internet baubles), MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, Apple Watch, because if so, screen time goes to the double digit hours every day.

[thylacine]

Phone definitely not. iPad mini, definitely yes. I really only use the phone as interface for my Garmin wristband and music player when wandering. I would happily go back to carrying an MP3 player instead. I wear a Road ID tag with essential info in case of emergency and really see no need for being available when out and about but it makes others happier. We currently need to check in everywhere and prove vaccination status so that requires either a smart phone or carrying paperwork. It is time saving at the moment in that regard.

I do need a new one though but because I don’t use it much for other stuff am perfectly happy with a 5 inch screen that slips easily in to pockets. They are either hopelessly underpowered and won’t run the check in apps or ridiculously overpowered for my needs with matching price tags.

It do profit off it though, I use my main supermarket as carrier and they give me 10% off a shop a month as a reward. I spend $10 a month on the phone, I make sure I apply the discount to a shop well over $100.

[MsWisher]

Originally Posted by Inna Minnit

Check to see if you can schedule no notification times for that app. Some phones will, some won't. Or you can do it manually, just turn off notifications on you down time. If you aren't salaried or on call, they can't expect 24/7 access.

I can't remember if it's Federal or Provincial, but either Ontario or Canada just passed a law that is the right to Disconnect. Companies have until July to put a policy in place, but essentially, unless they are actively paying you for the time (ie, on call pay) they cannot contact you for work. They can insert a clause into the policy that allows them to contact you and that starts the work clock if you respond and they must pay for a minimum block of time for every contact. I think it's 2 hours. For salaried employees the law dictates a required block on no contact time per day that shall not be less than 8 hours. and their no contact time per week must be at least 110 hours. So basically they can have 18 hours a week outside of your 40 hr week that they can reach you AND they have to say when those hours are in advance.

It's crazy complicated but an excellent start. Thank god for the younger generations being confident enough to demand an actual work/life balance.

[AHunter3]

My phone sits plugged into its charger. I use it once a day to authenticate that I am who I say I am when I sign onto the VPN for work.

I don't have many apps installed. I have it turned to the setting where it doesn't make a sound when someone calls. I have a prepaid plan like drug dealers use, with no data, just telephony, although I can use WiFi networks for when I wish to hail an Uber.

I use it less and less every year, although COVID could have something to do with that.

[MsWisher]

Oh, yeah the actual question. I don't know about addicted but it is a well used tool. In addition to the actual phone and texting things which it is used for, I'd say 3-4x a day it does a lot of things for me.
It's the primary camera that takes pictures of the farm for both family facebook updates and my business page
I have an ongoing shopping list so as soon as I notice something needs to go on a list it does.
I run my sideline business on it almost 80% of the time, keeping me untied from my office and desk
I play silly games to keep some shred of sanity
Reddit for many reasons. Research, connection and the need to laugh. Sometimes I need to avoid this as the need to laugh turns into the need to reach through a screen and strangle some idiot who richly deserves it.
Oddly not here. For some reason here is associated with the need to have access to a full keyboard to type inane conversation at extensive lengths.

I wouldn't say I'm addicted but definitely dependant. Several facets of my life would fall apart without it.

[JackieLikesVariety]

So basically they can have 18 hours a week outside of your 40 hr week that they can reach you AND they have to say when those hours are in advance.

as you say, it's a good start

[JackieLikesVariety]

phone jail is a thing.

I've been noticing an irrational urge to text constantly and could use a break, frankly.

but I've been expecting texts from two people I've contacted and I can't turn the bastard off right now.

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by Pencil

tl;dr I use the phone all day every day, but my screen time will not exceed an hour a day.

No
No 'social' media (scare quote on purpose), no message boards, no games. I hate getting constant notifications and sites asking for my location. I don't pick it up whenever I'm waiting in line, on a bus or some other situation where I get glued to the screen just because I can't stand the thoughts in my head. I do use it as a shield if I'm eating out alone, usually to check news.

I think it is so smart you customized it to your needs.

I JUST NOW figured out how to make my phone notify me for calls and texts (at least I think I did) and not for emails. I give up too soon and let my phone intimidate me.

[JackieLikesVariety]

so much more addicted with my new phone that actually works. but it's still an improvement.

[Diamonds02]

Yes. Well my tablet actually. I just use my phone for texts and calls. Tablet for everything else.

One of my mother's last words was jokes about my social media addiction.

[Random Precision]

I asked Siri and she assured me that I was not addicted and I should not worry my pretty little head about such things.

Then I checked with Google to be sure and it said I might be, but I could break it by switching to the latest Android OS on a Pixel.

[Senpai]

My phone is dead currently. So no.

The phone is good for texting people when needed and playing games when on the pot.

Computers handle things better than a phone. So there's where my terminally online addiction lies. LOL!

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by Random Precision

I asked Siri and she assured me that I was not addicted and I should not worry my pretty little head about such things.

Then I checked with Google to be sure and it said I might be, but I could break it by switching to the latest Android OS on a Pixel.

I heard that.

[The Devil's Grandmother]

Yes. Not so much the phone itself, but this stupid little game I play on it. Apparently I'd rather play the game than cook, eat, or sleep.

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by The Devil's Grandmother

Yes. Not so much the phone itself, but this stupid little game I play on it. Apparently I'd rather play the game than cook, eat, or sleep.

which game?

I do 2 kinds of solitaire but only my chromebook

[The Devil's Grandmother]

game name in spoiler box

Best Fiends. I've taken off my phone several times but I keep reinstalling it.

[AHunter3]

No.

I'd seem like a likely candidate — I was addicted to my computer from back in the dialup modem @ 2400 baud era — but didn't happen.

My phone currently says: "You averaged 2 minutes of screen time per day last week".

[stormie]

Originally Posted by AHunter3

My phone sits plugged into its charger. I use it once a day to authenticate that I am who I say I am.

This sounds suspect. What happens if you authenticate that you are who you say someone else is? What happens if you fail to authenticate at all

1. Turn into ash, like a vampire in sunlight
@. Can no longer buy authentic, must get the erzatz version
C. Morph into the creature inside

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by AHunter3

No.


My phone currently says: "You averaged 2 minutes of screen time per day last week".

but can we trust what your phone says? honestly asking, don't mean to be judgey!

[What Exit?]

I average 2 hours a day on my phone and I'm not sure for my computers but a lot more. Probably 8 per day screen time and another 2.5 tv time.

I may have an issue. It will all ease up after winter, but I might have an issue.

[AHunter3]

Originally Posted by stormie

This sounds suspect. What happens if you authenticate that you are who you say someone else is? What happens if you fail to authenticate at all

1. Turn into ash, like a vampire in sunlight
@. Can no longer buy authentic, must get the erzatz version
C. Morph into the creature inside

Hmm... I think when I authenticate that I am who I say someone else is, all that stuff happens to them, not me. I get along with everyone at work now. Nobody pesters me any more.

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by What Exit?

I may have an issue. It will all ease up after winter, but I might have an issue.

spring makes everything easier, I think. meanwhile, I hear you are in a beautiful walkable town!

[eleanorigby]

Originally Posted by Tinker

What I hate - what I really, REALLY hate is the normalisation of requiring WhatsApp (or similar) for work.

It is now assumed now that you are 24/7 on call. The older I get, the younger my managers are, and are of a generation that have always assumed everyone is reachable at all times. It's been one of the most stressful aspects of my last few jobs, the constant bzzt bzzt of can you cover, can you do extra. Especially in care, but am thinking it's universal now.

Yes I am grumpy

I hate this as well. I see no reason to be at someone's beck and call like that and simply won't do it. I know other positions can't get away with that, and that's unfortunate. Work culture is what we make it, to some extent. Honestly, I want to see unions strengthened so that workers can get some power.

[eleanorigby]

I became "addicted" to my phone starting in 2015. The addiction broke when Musk broke Twitter. Now I can pick it up or leave it. I do play games on it during my 4 hour daily commute sometimes.

On the weekends, especially in the summer, I leave the phone in the house. It's a relief.

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by Inna Minnit

I enabled something on my phone recently. It gives me a weekly report on my screen time. Like, I don't need that.

I enabled this accidentally somehow, at least I was fooling around in my phone and now I get this weekly report.

24 hours a week of texting?! 24 HOURS

Originally Posted by AHunter3

No.

I'd seem like a likely candidate — I was addicted to my computer from back in the dialup modem @ 2400 baud era — but didn't happen.

My phone currently says: "You averaged 2 minutes of screen time per day last week".

good for you! out there living real life instead, I assume.

Originally Posted by eleanorigby

I became "addicted" to my phone starting in 2015. The addiction broke when Musk broke Twitter. Now I can pick it up or leave it. I do play games on it during my 4 hour daily commute sometimes.

On the weekends, especially in the summer, I leave the phone in the house. It's a relief.

yes, I have just started turning off my phone (again) and can still feel it calling me but it is also a bit of a relief.

I recently listened to a short thing about it from the guy who does the hidden brain podcast and I was inspired to work on this issue again.



wait, you have a 4 hour commute? !!!

[JackieLikesVariety]

now that I have wireless headphones I now need/want to listen to podcasts on my phone, pretty much all the time. OK, I've only had them since yesterday and didn't even try them til this morning but I can tell.

so, now harder to turn off/leave home the phone than it used to be.

on the other hand, wireless headphones

[thylacine]

I love my wireless headphones, I can lock up the house and walk a few houses before realising my phone isn’t with me For nostalgia I recently picked up a pair on clearance that look just like the headphones with my original Walkman other than no cord. They sound dreadful so they got that right too. I wear them places the good ones may be at risk and all the other oldies laugh with me.

My phone is basically just a Walkman with no need to change tapes, my iPad OTOH…

[stormie]

Originally Posted by Tinker

It is now assumed now that you are 24/7 on call.

Yes I am grumpy

Me too. I don't consider texts a conversation so, once a particular exchange is over, I'll get to my text when I get to it. I do not have notifications from email or any external thing on my phone. I don't take my phone everywhere.

Imagine me, with one phone in the house, and answering machines yet to be invented. Wannabe communicator could come to the door, call, or mail. More relaxing to those who are not wanting all this communication.

In emergencies it sucked though.

[ThatDoomfromGY]

Originally Posted by robinson

Does looking at porn count as being on the phone?

Actually that's a completely different problem.
Probably for a different thread.
Is there a porn addicts "anonymous" thread on here?

[ThatDoomfromGY]

Also, it should be obvious that since I am here looking at this the title resonated with me. And some part of me deep down inside knows that I am indeed connected at the hippocampus to my telecommunication device.

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by ThatDoomfromGY

Is there a porn addicts "anonymous" thread on here?

I first read this as a "phone addicts" thread and was going to post yes, this could be it. or you could start a new one.

if you do want to do a porn addicts please start a new thread.

thank you!

[ThatDoomfromGY]

It was mostly a joke, but thank you, lol

[C2H5OH]

Originally Posted by ThatDoomfromGY

Is there a porn addicts "anonymous" thread on here?

Yeah, but it isn't anonymous. Hope you don't mind everyone seeing your dick hanging out.

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by ThatDoomfromGY

It was mostly a joke, but thank you, lol

[ThatDoomfromGY]

I wonder how much phone addiction is related to FOMO (fear of missing out)?