Human lives are unwittingly synchronized with many gadgets, so one can see multiple smart devices on a person every minute.
Smartphones, smartwatches, computers, headphones and air conditioners, among others, have become everyday gadgets for almost all children and adults.
There is no doubt that gadget addiction is addictive. According to a survey of adults and teens in the United States, the average cell phone user checks their phone every 12 minutes and 50% of respondents feel anxious when they are not on the phone.
According to another study, people who are separated from their devices for long hours, especially cell phones, begin to experience withdrawal symptoms such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
The Harvard Health Code defines addiction as a relationship between a person and an object or activity, with the latter becoming increasingly more important than the former.
Gadget addiction is a habit that becomes or forms a habit or personality over time, says Michael Akinwumi, CEO of Maocular Tech Expert.
Similarly, Olugbenga Odeyemi, founder of e86 Limited, a technology expert and software development company, claims that gadget addiction occurs when tools designed to make tasks easier start degrading the quality of life.
The effects of gadget addiction include lack of concentration and attention, memory loss, stress, anxiety, headaches, eye problems, back pain, etc. In general, gadget addiction affects the physical, emotional and mental state of people.
The road to recovery from addiction can take time, but it is possible to take conscious and deliberate action.
be intentional
Dealing with gadget addiction requires setting a reasonable goal and being intentional and disciplined to achieve that goal.
Akinwumi says a conscious effort should be made to reduce reliance on devices in daily activities.
Odeyemi added, “One of the best ways to overcome gadget addiction is to plan activities that don't require you to spend a lot of time on your devices. card games, board games, paper books and outings with friends and family.
Discipline is an indispensable skill tool for users, says Onyekachi Nwaozuzu, accounting software specialist and CEO of Leadway Training and Technology Institute.
"Before the advent of technology, we were once human beings," Nwazuzu said. "The purpose of technology is to create a productive person, not a liability, so discipline is needed to use the tools."
Limit your browsing on social networks
Social media apps make up 44% of the average user's device. Research shows that there are 3.8 billion active social media users worldwide and the average user spends 1 hour and 16 minutes per day on the top five social media sites.
That's why Odyemi says, "I think people should spend less time arguing on social media and more time learning from others. You don't have to agree with every thought or idea, and you don't have to answer everyone and everything.One of the reasons people spend a lot of time using tools is the need to argue, which causes stress and sadness. »
Use time management apps
Time tracking apps can be used to overcome gadget addiction.
Akinwumi says there are apps on smart devices that monitor how much time each app spends and can be programmed to restrict specific functions to certain times.
He added, “There is an app on smartphones called Digital Health that tells the user how many hours they have spent on the app. With this app, it is also possible to set a rest time. time, he has limited access to the apps on the device. Programs like Offtime and Rescuetime help you monitor how many hours you spend on your device and limit app usage, among other things.
Udemy also advises; Another option is the sleep schedule (on gadgets). Every day at 8:30 p.m., all my devices go into "sleep" mode. When I enable this mode, I no longer receive notifications for chats and phone calls. It allows me to relax and focus on other things while I get ready for bed."
Switch to off-screen activities
Relying on devices for simple tasks and everyday tasks has made human activities revolve around them.
But Akinwunmik says, "We need to take a break from our devices and engage in outdoor activities. For example, you can use an analog clock to avoid the temptation to check the time on your smart device. This will eliminate the temptation Use your gadget to check the time and then save it.
Nwaozuzu also encourages participation in outdoor activities to combat device addiction.
He added, "Enjoy regular direct contact with nature without the interference of gadgets. Also spend physical time with people, read books as usual, and make a rule of when it's time to put on. your device to sleep."
to know
Having a responsible partner will help ensure your commitment to addiction recovery.
According to Akinwunmi, "Most people who are addicted to their devices do not do so because they use them at work. So having a responsible partner will be a check and balance. However, in some cases, a person should ask for the 'professional help'.
Plan your day
Nowazuzu warned that daily activities should not revolve around using devices, and therefore enough time should be set aside for other daily tasks.
He added that when individuals plan their day, it is necessary to establish rules so that the day goes as planned.
Indicate use of facilities
"When the target is unknown, abuse is inevitable," says Miles Monroe. To this end, Nwaozuzu advises device users to limit the use of each device in their professional and personal life.
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