Smartphone addiction is real. According to Pew Research, 96% of people ages 18-29 have a smartphone, and it’s undeniable that smartphones are tools many feel that they can’t live without. Like others, you might use your phone for social interaction. You pick up your phone for a short social media break, but next thing you know, the break wasn’t so little after all. So, you try staying away from your phone when studying. The only problem is, without your phone, you can’t use the apps that would make studying even easier. (Think getting expert answers and homework help from tutors.) In other words, our smartphones can help us when we study, yet because of the negative effects of social media, we end up distracted. How do we overcome our social media/smartphone addiction to ensure we can keep using our phones for good? Keep reading for some scientifically proven methods!
Getting Rid of Smartphone Addiction
- Hold yourself accountable. If you decide not to use your smartphone, there isn’t a middle ground! Don’t think of it as “I shouldn’t” but more so as “I will not.”
- Find yourself a new hobby. What do you like to do? Replace social media with activities that you love. Try painting, listening to music, meditating, spending time with family and friends, dancing, etc.
- Take your phone off silent, and put it as far away as possible. If something important happens, you can still hear it ring. You don’t have to keep it on your desk when you study!
- Take timed breaks. It’s natural to need breaks when studying. Try setting an alarm so you know when your break is over. Kind in mind, while your smartphone and social media will be there once your exam or assignment is over, but you likely won’t have another chance on the exam.
- Be strong-willed! We’ve given some suggestions that can help, but your individual desire to change will be what make the biggest difference! Habits are not going to change overnight, but if you have faith in yourself, you can change them for the better! Always remember you own your smartphone; your smartphone addiction doesn’t own you.
Interested in learning other study tips? Check out our article on Effective Studying 101!