I’m 18 years old. I have a smartphone addiction. First I didn’t recognise it as an addictive behaviour. I was procrastinating. I wanted to get rid of it but couldn’t get the slightest motivation to do so. I recently acknowledged my behaviour and have been feeling guilt, remorse, panic and overwhelmed. I had completely cut myself from around the world. I request you to help me out ~ Anonymous

02 Jun, 2021 | 14:11

Gadgets are useful and essential tools for communication, research, learning and entertainment, among other things. Spending a lot of time connected to your phone only seems to have become a problem as it is absorbing so much of your time. Try designating media-free times together with family, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms. If you use your smartphone as a “security blanket” to relieve feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or awkwardness in social situations, you’ll succeed only in cutting yourself off further from people around you. Try not to stare at your phone as it will deny you the face-to-face interactions that can help to meaningfully connect you to others, alleviate anxiety, and boost your mood. Go grayscale as there are many colourful apps on the phone. They are designed to trigger your brain’s reward system and make you feel good. Limit what’s on your home screen and take social media off your phone.