5 Prevention Tips to Avoid Device Addiction

We are addicted to our electronic devices. In fact, according to USA Today, the average iPhone user unlocks his or her phone 80 times a day, and we average tapping, typing, or swiping our smartphones 2,600 daily. There’s also scientific proof that the brain chemical dopamine is released every time we receive a notification on our phones.

“Incidentally, dopamine is also the drive of heroin and cocaine addiction,” wrote Jeff Stibel for USA Today. “These drugs flood the brain with imitation dopamine, creating a euphoria not unlike that which occurs when you get a few dozen ‘likes’ on your latest Instagram selfie.”

Like so many addictions, the first step in resolving the issue is acknowledging that there’s a problem. Beyond that, Dean Heetderks, a ministry support services co-director, offers these five practical tips:

1. Leave all devices outside bedrooms at night.

2. Go outside. “It’s hard to text when you’re riding a bike or climbing a tree,” said Heetderks.

3. Place all phones in a basket during family gatherings.

4. Turn off notifications, so you decide when it’s time to check for the latest texts or news.

5. Designate an upcoming device-free day or weekend.

What other tips do you have for preventing device addition? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.