7 Apps to Help You Cut Down on Your Screen Time
Too much engagement in gadgets, especially smartphones, is one of the many real problems with today’s generation. In fact, even the younger ones are often dominated by the emergence of modern technology. Although mobile use can be reasonable especially if it’s for work and school purposes, the thing is, it can be better for our health if we minimize the reliance on those hard-to-resist devices once in a while.
If the brain can’t detach oneself from depending on smartphones, at least, there are several apps that were developed to help reduce and manage screen usage. Here are seven of those that are likely to break the addiction.
Forest
Php 99 on iOS, Free on Android
If you want to get off your phone just to focus on your work, Forest is a tool that can help. This app allows users to plant a virtual seed and make it grow and lusher, depending on how much time you spend doing your real life work. Just open the app, plant a seed, grow a tree, and make a forest. Make sure you leave the app open otherwise, they will wither and die. This is an exciting challenge that will test your urge to limit yourself by not opening other apps that will surely distract you.
Flipd
Free; Available on iOS/Android
Flipd is an app that can hide your social media apps and games, so you can keep yourself motivated to stay present and on task. Here, you can challenge other users and track your progress over time. A perfect tool while you study, work, sleep, or daydream, Flipd empowers you to get the most out of your time well spent.
QualityTime – My Digital Diet
Free; Android only
A visually engaging and fun-to-use Android app, QualityTime allows you to easily monitor and get reports on the time you spend on your smartphone and on your favorite apps. With an in-depth analysis of your smartphone activities, it can track total usage, screen unlocks, and individual apps with hourly, daily, and weekly summary reporting options. There are also actionable features allowing you to control your usage like ‘alerts’, ‘take a break’ and ‘scheduled breaks’.
Kid’s Place
Free; Android only
As described by GooglePlay, Kids Place is an app created for parents who want to control their children’s activity and screen time on phones and tablets. It has parental control features that give parents a lot of flexibility on how to configure their phone and tablets to limit screen time; block ads and inappropriate content. It can limit the apps accessible from his/her device and have 24/7 support.
SPACE
Free on both iOS/Android
Formerly Breakfree, SPACE is here to help you balance your screen time. Break the phone addiction and connect with the real world by using this app that can observe your current habits and what type of phone user you are–be it “boredom battler,” “social sticky-mitt,” “rabbit hole wanderer,” or busy bee.” It can also track phone usage, exclude apps, and block notifications that will distract you over time. Share your progress with friends, families, and colleagues and evaluate performance against other users.
Off the Grid
Free; Android only
Off the Grid is a digital detox app developed to curb phone usage, cut down the time, and reconnect with much more important matters. It locks down your phone by scheduling your own restriction time. To make sure important persons can still reach you, the app has a whitelist where you can add them in. You can also make auto-reply messages and let your friends know you’re Off the Grid.
Focus Keeper
Free; iOS only
Focus Keeper helps keep the productivity high using a timer and have it tracked with insightful charts. You can customize the length of its features like Focus Session, Short Break, and Long Break. Aside from that, this app has a unique and intuitive interface that makes you achieve the goal easily.
Do you know other favorable apps that can help cut down on people’s mobile screen time? Share it with us by commenting below.
Images and screengrab from Apple and Playstore
