Smartphones are everywhere and have become more advanced in recent years, providing increased convenience by allowing people to shop, take pictures, text, email and access the Internet. But because of its many features, there is a great potential for unhealthy use of smartphones. To ensure healthy use of smartphones, there are a few recommended guidelines to help users stay mindful of their habits.
Time spent
First, it is important to limit the amount of time spent on a smartphone. A 2015 survey conducted by BAV Consulting showed that people spent anywhere from 3 to 5 hours a day on their phones. This can be attributed to distractive and addictive features like notifications, games and so on. Thus, the user should set a limit for themselves and stick to it. This can be done by enabling a “do not disturb” mode on the smartphone or having a rule to not look at the phone after a certain time.
Mindful use
Second, users should be mindful of the content they are viewing on the phone. Smartphones have endless sources of information, including social media platforms and news apps. However, there is no guarantee that the content is coming from a reliable source and can spread disinformation. Therefore, users should be cautious of what they believe and ensure that they are reading valid sources of information.
Safety first
Third, it is important to be aware of the security measures installed on the phone. Although smartphones are convenient and allow us to do many tasks with ease, they are also a great target for hackers. Therefore, users should be sure to take steps to protect their phones, such as adding two-factor authentication on accounts and updating their phone’s operating system regularly.
Meaningful use
Finally, it is important to use the phone for meaningful activities. Because smartphones are so advanced and versatile, it’s easy to get caught up in passive activities, such as endlessly scrolling through social media or playing games. To ensure healthy use of the phone, users should engage in meaningful activities such as writing emails to family or friends, setting reminders for task lists, searching for recipes, streaming educational material and so on.
In conclusion, smartphones can provide convenience and entertainment, but they also have potential for unhealthy use. To ensure healthy use of smartphones, it is recommended that users limit their amount of time spent on the phone, be mindful of the content they view, be aware of their phone’s security measures, and engage in meaningful activities. Following these guidelines can help users stay mindful!
Time for a digital detox?
Our use of technology and digital tools has become uncontrollable. An adult spends more time learning online than sleeping. This way, our well-being is under pressure. Our heads are no longer resting, we no longer allow boredom. In addition to mental inconvenience, we suffer physically. Working and living digitally is often the fuel of burnout, a stressor that should not be underestimated.
Is the mental well-being of your employees under pressure? Support them for more digital well-being with tips from our Digital Detox at work solutions.
Want to know more? Visit the Digital Detox Academy website.
