Dealing with Potential for Compulsive Use of Smartphones

There appear to be unintended consequences of a first generation growing up with smartphones. New electronic technology is associated with the potential for great benefits, as well as shortcomings. The many benefits of smartphones have included a new generation’s ease of ability to instantly access limitless information, interconnectivity and creativity. One of this technology’s greatest and ongoing concerns, however, is the real potential for excessive escapism and distraction through compulsive use. To curb compulsive behaviors, it helps to make engaging in the behavior less desirable and more inconvenient. I often advise clients who desire to quit smoking, for example, to store their cigarettes in less convenient locations. For parents of teenagers who find it difficult to limit their children’s smartphone use, it is advisable that they help to make the phones less appealing. Toggling a simple smartphone setting can assist in achieving this purpose. The grayscale mode transforms everything on the phone’s display to make it appear black and white, thereby helping to lessen its desirability and compulsive use. Readers can find more detailed information about grayscale mode at tinyurl.com/ybj4rfsv.