Our Obsession with Phone Screens
We're increasingly tethered to our phones, a habit that's impacting our focus and mental health. A startling 2021 Ofcom survey reveals that people in the UK check their phones every 12 minutes. Even more alarming, a Data.ai report found that in 2022, humans cumulatively spent an astonishing 4.1 trillion hours on their phones. This excessive usage is linked to a host of issues, including loneliness, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as shown in a 2021 Israeli study.
Personally, my phone's Screen Time shows a daily average of 3 hours and 23 minutes this week, which, although an improvement, still accounts for roughly 14% of my day.
Greyscale: A Simple Yet Effective Solution
I've experimented with various methods to reduce my phone usage, from app removal to using blockers.
However, greyscaling has been a game-changer for me.
I first learned about this from Gabe Bult in 2022. Initially, activating greyscale on my iPhone was cumbersome, requiring six steps. But Sahil Bloom's recent post introduced a shortcut that made toggling greyscale much easier.
The key, however, is the discipline to keep it activated when color isn't essential.
Why Greyscale?
Going greyscale strips away the positive reinforcements associated with colorful apps and games, as Tristan Harris of the Center for Humane Technology points out. It makes the phone fundamentally less appealing, akin to the era of the Nokia 3310.
For me, the benefits have been significant: less distraction, improved battery life, and reduced eye strain, which is crucial as I wear prescription glasses.
My Experience and Your Turn
Switching to greyscale has surprisingly made it easier for me to set my phone aside. The once vibrant Instagram feed now appears dull and uninviting in monochrome. This change has been especially effective in reducing the allure of endless scrolling in various apps. With the colors stripped away, the endless content loses its charm.
Since I've started using the greyscale shortcut, I've noticed a significant shift in my phone usage habits. This is likely the reason behind the notable 22% decrease in my screen time compared to the previous week.
I encourage you to try greyscaling for a week and observe the impact it can have on your phone habits.
💬 Quote of the Week
"I’m not against technology... The premise in the war for attention is that it’s going to get better at steering us toward its goals, not ours." - Tristan Harris, co-founder at The Center for Humane Technology
📘 Weekly Read & Tech Tidbit
Article Highlight: I recently read "The Struggle for the Soul of Israel" by Tomas Pueyo on Uncharted Territories. While I'm not an expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this article offers a comprehensive history and insight into the current situation.
Tech Spotlight: iPhone users, try out the Greyscale Shortcut! Thanks to Sahil Bloom for sharing: Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut > Color Filters.