How often do you check your phone? Are you constantly pinged with notifications? Have you been guilty of scrolling social media while streaming a movie, unable to concentrate on either?
According to a survey by Reviews.org, more than half of Australians think they are addicted to their phones. Wild, right? Do you think you might be one of them?
Despite this only 38% say they've ever attempted any kind of digital detox, and even less implement any rules around limiting screen time. If you reckon you need a break from screens, then Reviews.org has something that will sweeten the deal. Until September 29 they are running a Digital Detox Challenge to find one Australian who could use a time-out from technology.
They'll choose one applicant to go a whole 24 hours without any technology - including smartphones, streaming, laptops, smart speakers, tablets and wireless headphones (except, of course, in an emergency).
The applicant will be given a $100 Amazon voucher to purchase anything they might need for a tech-less survival kit, like books, a jigsaw puzzle or mindful colouring-in books.
Maybe you'll use the voucher to buy a book to read
If they go the whole 24 hours without checking their phones and using technology, Reviews.org will pay them $2400.
If you think you're up to the challenge and would like the opportunity to earn $2400 for going 24 hours without any technology, then you can apply to be their Digital Detox Challenger here:
https://www.reviews.org/au/technology/digital-detox-challenge-2022/
And if you're looking for other ways to curb your screen time, here are a few things I've been trying that have helped me reduce my screen time.
Leave your phone in your room overnight: I'm one of those people that hit snooze on my alarm 12 times, roll over and scroll social media for 10 minutes to 'wake up'. Then I check the news, and any work emails. Then I'll play Wordle. And Worldle. Framed. Weaver. Spelling Bee. Before I know it, I've been staring at my phone for over half an hour (sometimes more!), and I'm not even out of bed yet. By using a traditional alarm clock and not looking at my phone until I've woken up, gotten dressed and had a coffee, it gives me a reprieve from screen time. And I've already noticed how much easier it is to wake up now.
One screen at a time: If I'm watching a movie, the phone needs to be put away. If I'm working on my laptop, I can't also be picking up my phone and checking it every ten minutes. By only using one screen at a time, it allows me to really focus on the task at hand, rather than getting distracted all the time.
Don't eat meals at my laptop: This has become a bad habit since working from home. I often gulp down breakfast and lunch while glued to my laptop and not taking a proper break to enjoy my food. By now taking the time out to sit with my food, I get a break from my screens and really enjoy the food I'm eating, rather than just scoffing it down mindlessly.