The drawbacks of Doomscrolling and Screen Addiction are well documented, but many of us want to reduce the amount of time we glue to our smartphones, but it’s easier than that.
There’s a lot to be said about the revival of the so-called dump phone. There, individuals will regain some rest from the Ping and push notifications by downgrading to basic feature phones. But most of the time, this is not a permanent, viable solution simply because much of today’s society is built around internet-based tools and services.
So it may make more sense to find a midpoint that doesn’t completely throw away your smartphone or tablet. Instead, find ways to adjust the constant distractions of tiktok, YouTube, news alerts and all other things when you don’t want them.
It is true that iPhone and Android devices have some digital happiness tools built into them, not to mention an array of third-party apps, but these are often too easy to override. TechCrunch curated some of the best hardware that physically separates people from 24-hour continuous life without completely separating them from the outside world. After all, balance is the name of the game.
These devices have different approaches to dealing with smartphone addiction indirectly, but each does so from a very similar perspective. It concerns users spontaneously adding friction to digital live shows. And pay to do so.
Unpluq
There are plenty of third-party launchers and blocker apps that bring deliberate friction to your smartphone, but Unpluq makes things physical.
The Dutch company has developed an NFC-enabled FOB or “tag” that acts as a “digital key” to temporarily unblock certain apps on your phone.
In this context, UNPLUQ offers a mobile app that works independently of physical FOBs. You can also block two most distracting apps for free on a preset schedule (for example, during a certain period), or you can pay a $61 annual subscription, unlock premium features including an unlimited number of apps to block on Android, and up to 49 apps on iOS. It also provides more detailed control over blocking schedules (for example, limiting certain days and times), among other add-ons.
However, the true value of UNPLUQ is definitely in the FOB, which costs $74 with a bundled one-year subscription or $22 for the device (the value is limited without it as you need a premium subscription to use the FOB).
Without FOB, users can unblock apps by avoiding what UNPLUQ calls a “distraction barrier.” This means that certain actions must be taken to access a particular app. This may require you to shake your phone for 5 seconds. Among other actions, you need to tap a few buttons.
The FOB adds an extra layer of friction, and requires users to tap on the FOB on their phone to access the app they deliberately blocked. UNPLUQ says its products are based on behavioral design theory known as rational overrides. This is the introduction of intentional disruptions in the user experience to disrupt habitual behavior. This makes people think about their actions.
The idea is that if you want to block an alert on Instagram, X, or New York Times while you’re trying to study for your exam, you can set the FOB as an unblocking method and keep the FOB on the other side of the house. In theory, this requires you to think twice about Doomscrolling and instead focus on revisions.
It is worth noting that there are other physical devices that serve similar purposes, such as bricks and 4rem.
BOOX PALMA 2
If you want to literally leave your smartphone behind or lock it in a box and all the temptation it brings, there are other devices that can help you.
Boox, a brand of Chinese company Onyx, meshes the world of Epaper Technology and Android, creating quirky devices that span the spheres of notebooks, tablets and e-readers. Importantly, it packs additional connectivity features, including the full range of apps through the pre-installed Google Play Store.
Released last year, the Boox Palma 2 is the newest member of the Boox family and is primarily pitched as an e-book reader, but has very pocketable smartphone-like dimensions.
Accessing the full array of Android apps can potentially defeat the purpose that Boox promotes as a “distractionless device.” However, given that this is an EPAPER device, minimalist screens don’t have the same appeal as consuming online content. But perhaps even more important is that there is no cell function. This means that connectivity is limited to Wi-Fi. So, if you want to be able to consume offline content while on the go, this may work well for your purposes.
When it comes to messaging, it is also worth noting that WhatsApp will be able to access users on multiple devices simultaneously. This means you can lock your smartphone and dial in to social life via the Boox Palma 2 (though only with a Wi-Fi connection).
The Boox Palma 2 is currently available for $279.99.
Daylight DC-1
Like the Boox Palma 2, the Daylight DC-1 is an Android-based device designed primarily for reading and writing. According to the company, it is “a distraction-free space for learning and creativity.” It also offers Google Play. This means you don’t have cellular connectivity, but you can access all your regular apps.
At $729, the DC-1 isn’t cheap, but this device is all about a high-quality 60 FPS display that promises smoothness and clarity. “Live Paper” technology “lives like E-ink, but faster,” the company says.
It’s also much larger than the Boox Palma 2.
So, if you need a device for reading, working and research with options to soak up some of the delicious delights of the internet, the DC-1 might be for you.
TTFONE TITAN TT950
Ok, not everyone wants to buy a costly e-reader or tablet just to go to a place without the temptation of social media or breaking news.
A basic 1990s style “functional phone” is certainly an option for those considering keeping their smartphones at bay, but for most people, one key element is lacking: WhatsApp.
Due to the fact that you are running Android under the hood, there are various so-called damfens that support WhatsApp. Also, WhatsApp will now offer multi-device support, allowing you to sync all messages from your smartphone with one of these other devices.
Among the cheapest mobile phones is Titan TT950 from TTFONE, a phone maker based in the UK and UAE. The cost is about $106 or local currency, and is a fairly basic flip phone aimed at seniors. There is no app store to talk to, but only a handful of apps are pre-installed, including Facebook Lite, YouTube, A Browser, WhatsApp, and more.
Including such an app is not ideal for those trying to minimize distractions, but the 2.8-inch touchscreen and accompanying keypad can be too troublesome for a good internet usage.
Unihertz: Jelly Star
Everyone is making various compromises that they are willing to do with their digital detox efforts. For some, it’s so small that it might mean buying a secondary smartphone that’s completely unrealistic with tic talk and YouTube.
The Chinese Unihertz jelly star is probably right for that bracket.
Jelly Star has Android 13 out of the box, which is why it’s a full-fledged smartphone. But with a 3-inch touchscreen, it’s not just that you want to spend time on Dookscrolling.
For $220, the Jerry Star is not very cheap for secondary devices. But if you have access to essential “life” apps like WhatsApp, Spotify, Uber, Google Maps, and other essentials, but you can disappear over the weekend and keep your pocket rocket at home, it could be a valuable investment for some.
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