While “digital detoxing” is a trending topic online, actually cutting back on screen time can be surprisingly difficult. If you feel constantly distracted by notifications popping up on your phone, or you can’t stop mindlessly scrolling, some simple strategies can help.
In this episode, Brenda Stolyar, a tech writer at Wirecutter, discusses how to reset your relationship with your phone and reclaim your attention. Brenda walks us through how to perform a screen time audit, how to better manage notifications and how built-in iOS and Android features can make your device less addictive, without forcing you to switch to an impractical dumbphone.
Plus, Brenda tells us how gamified focus apps and physical blocking devices, like Brick, create friction and build healthier digital habits.
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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, Catherine Anderson, Rowan Niemisto and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
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