I’ve noticed, with increasing frequency, that I spend an absurd amount of time on my phone and other devices. A lot of the time, it’s not as if I’m being particularly productive on them, and it results in a lot of easy distractions. Notifications abound, and there are so many applications which serve as rabbit holes to get lost in. I don’t believe I have an addiction to my technology, so much as an unhealthy habit. Though there are those who are afflicted with such a condition, and partly through no fault of their own. Our tech is designed to maximize user retention to an incredible level some would label as manipulative and invasive (I am one such person).
Recently, I’ve turned on the option to have a weekly report of my average usage times per day, though I’ve found that hasn’t been enough to deter me from what is effectively wasting valuable time. There are just too many ways to be distracted, and the conscious effort to limit my time is no match for the tidal wave of information. It’s hard to compete with applications for attention, and even harder to keep an attached mental figure on how long one has spent on an activity or application. While the weekly report shames me, it’s only for that one moment before it’s immediately forgotten. If only there was a way to notify myself when I reach a certain amount of time spent on one application or activity…
It’s actually as simple as that: an external application which serves as a watchdog. Using parameters that the user would set for themselves, the app would notify the user when they have spent a defined amount of time either on their phone, or an application. To equivocate it slightly, I have an account open with Bank of America. When my account reaches a certain amount of money that I have defined, I receive a notification. I wouldn’t want to overdraft my account, after all, and I might want to keep a minimum amount set aside for emergencies, or the like. That’s just good financial sense. In this case, we have a time bank. My time is arguably a more precious resource. I would benefit greatly from a system that would inform me when I’m about to overdraft my time. Similarly, I’m sure that those who suffer from addiction would appreciate such an application, assuming that they acknowledge they have the addiction and want to improve.
The desire to improve is key to this application’s success. The drive to improve, to be better, is what it hinges on. If that desire isn’t there – as might be the case for those who are addicted – then this application would be no better than an incessant, annoying reminder, and would therefore be undesirable. Although if the user does have the desire to improve, all this application does is provide them the information to be better. It does not act as an overseer; rather as an encourager and supporter of good habits. Ultimately, the decision to get off one’s phone or computer is up to the user.
You must be logged in to post a comment.