Do You Feel You're Spending Too Much Time on Your Smartphone?

Over the holidays, some of my friends expressed they felt they were spending too much time on their phones. One said "I used to read more books.  Now that time is evaporating into my iPhone."

The same sentiment has been shared in many of the annual round-up posts in the blogosphere. I even know a few people who've gotten rid of their smartphone altogether.

I considered it as well, but I'm not quite ready to go back to an old Nokia. Sure, I've wasted a bunch of time on the phone, but it's also given me Podcasts and Audible, two apps I don't want to live without.

Is there a middle ground? Earlier this month, I simplified my phone by putting the apps that move my life in positive directions into the bottom rail. From the front page I can phone a friend, read a book, or listen to a podcast. I deleted applications that I consider time-wasters or that have a neutral or negative affect on me. All remaining apps I put into a folder called "with intention.”

I googled around for "simple smartphone wallpapers" or "motivational smartphone wallpapers" and found some that work.        

If you're feeling aggressive, most phones allow you to restrict access to certain applications to a time limit or altogether.

Of course you can still get around the barriers you set for yourself, but I found the process of thinking through each app to be fun and valuable. And plus it's something to do, ya know, when you're sitting around staring at your phone.

Are you worried about the amount of time you spend on your phone?

Dan

PS, we've got some great new remote jobs this week over at Dynamite Jobs.