Irresistible

Over the past few months I’ve been really trying to crackdown on my technology habits.

I thought I was good, too. I leave my phone downstairs, never in the bedroom. I may be the only millennial who uses an old school alarm clock. I use screen time limits, downtime and do not disturb mode. I still feel like I’m losing the battle of attention versus phone though.

For added inspiration (or maybe fear), I’ve started Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping us Hooked by Adam Alter.

The book opens with references to tech giants like Steve Jobs, who wouldn’t even let his own kids use a iPad. A device he said every person on the planet needs in their hands because it’s the best way to type, browse the web and watch shows or videos.

From there, the author breaks down his own screen time usage, and how many phone pick ups happen each day.

While I’ve always looked at actual screen time, I haven’t paid much attention to the pick up metric until now.

Not only will your iPhone tell you how many times you’ve picked up your phone to look at it each day or week, it’ll tell you what the first app you used was too. After noticing my always number 1 app after pick ups was Instagram, I started making some changes, like deleting one of my Instagram accounts.

My daily pick ups have dropped to about 50-60 per day. Perhaps more important than that, I try to keep Instagram far way from the first app used. I’d much prefer to see myself going to Messages or Safari or Spotify rather than mindlessly opening Instagram, just because I picked up my phone.

Habits form our lives. Subtle tweaks can make a big difference in how you feel and how ready you are to take on each day. Make sure you’re paying attention.

Justin Miner