How do you control your phone use?

I've spent considerable time in my adult life on "choice architecture", meaning ways to coax desired behavior out of myself without exerting willpower. Phone use has been the main concern. Some things I've tried: I…

3 points•TomGarden•about 3 hours ago•4 comments•

#phone #phone use #x27 #control #pixel #tried #spent #considerable

I've spent considerable time in my adult life on "choice architecture", meaning ways to coax desired behavior out of myself without exerting willpower. Phone use has been the main concern.

Some things I've tried:

I bought a Kitchen Safe timed box and would leave it in there for hours, sometimes days.

I limited available iPhone apps with iMazing

I hacked together blocking systems in Tasker on a Pixel.

Currently, I'm running a vibe coded blocker app, device owner mode, on the pixel. Works ok, but a fair amount of upkeep and edge cases.

What, if anything, have you tried?

4 comments

Individuumabout 2 hours ago

I don't use any apps that have an algorithmic feed. That helps a lot.

TomGardenabout 2 hours ago

Straight to the point! I've got a very addictive personality, so I'd need to block installations as well for the bad days

drywater2about 3 hours ago

I also have a kitchen safe and it's the best thing that worked for me. Unfortunately blocking apps aren't that good as you can still unblock them pretty easily. I still can't live without a smartphone (unfortunately), but I use one sec for blocking social media or short form video like Youtube Shorts.

TomGardenabout 2 hours ago

Yes, the kitchen safes are great!

I assume you're on an iPhone if blocking is weak? Have you tried iMazing?

On my pixel the blocking is quite hardcore, it's more about managing when access should be allowed for special circumstances

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4 comments

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