The Finale of This 5-Part Series
The last post in this 5-part series is focused on “mobile addiction.”
Yes, this is not directly related to cybersecurity. It is, however, related to poor productivity, a real threat to your health (physically and emotionally), and an increased chance of compromise, to name a few.
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a medical professional. This is NOT medical advice. If you believe that you or someone you love is experiencing mobile addiction, please consult with your doctor or mental health professional.
The first time I truly understood the reality behind “mobile addiction” was at a conference I attended a few years ago. The focus of that particular discussion was geared towards IT Professionals, and the fact that many would spend 20 hours per day at a computer; all day at work, and all evening as a “hobby.”
It went on to discuss some warning signs and things that can be done as an employer to interrupt this pattern of behavior and create a productive and balanced workforce.
Fast forward to a couple of months ago—I happened upon another discussion at a local networking event, except this time, it wasn’t geared towards IT Professionals, but everyone who owns a smartphone!
Wow, were my eyes opened!
I wanted to share some notes with you, from both a few years ago and my recent experience.
Again, this is serious business, and I would highly recommend seeking advice from a medical professional.
- Don’t use your phone in bed.
- Use an actual alarm clock.
- Put your phones in another room, on silent, during mealtime.
- Disable all notifications that aren’t necessary.
- Delete all Apps that aren’t necessary.
- Consider a “no electronics day” per week, Sunday for example.
- Consider using an “app” to track and limit your smartphone use.
- Consider using Do Not Disturb, with only a few contacts as exceptions during personal time.
- Schedule dedicated times for checking messages and social media posts only.
- Consider an accountability partner. There are several apps available to achieve that.
- Replace smartphone use with another activity. If you normally check social media before leaving work, replace with another activity instead (walk around the block, drink a glass of water, read a book for 10 minutes, etc.)
Specific to Parents:
- Consider using apps for which you can control (and limit) your children’s usage.
- Consider using apps for which you can audit your children’s activity, posts, and messages.
- Consider removing phones from children who are either depressed or experiencing anxiety. Replace smartphone use with another activity, such as family board game night, hiking, or any event for which smartphones are intentionally not present.
- Lead by example.
I appreciate your time, and I hope you found this information to be of value!