Since my sabbatical break in April, I’ve put some work into monitoring my cell phone usage. The main concern in doing so involves checking the condition of my heart. Honestly, the phone drains a lot of emotional and mental energy when I just want to check out. I can’t find health in that truth either physically, mentally, or spiritually. My structure for this post will include some stats and how they relate to what I hope will lead to a healthy approach to my phone usage – and maybe (?) a challenge to yours. Really, you didn’t read this just to hear about my usage – now did you?
20 – a healthy number of times I unlock my phone in a day.
Why track the number of unlocks? Good question. One reason has to do with how instantly I think I need to reply. If I unlock every time I need to reply to something, then the phone controls me. Yes, I do have the ability to reply to messaging apps without unlocking, but it’s not too consistent. Second, the more I unlock the more I check the weather, Twitter, email, etc…repeatedly. And, the more I’m on my phone, they more I am living inside that small screen of real estate. More on this below.
60 – minutes before replying to a message.
Generally, I don’t like to go more than sixty minutes before replying to a message. See more discussion below regarding longer stretches. I think the key to smartphone usage lies in control – as in, the operator should stay in control. Do we have to give everyone with our number “instant availability”? Do we get impatient when others don’t text back right away? Do we realize how unsustainable that really is if we have people and events with priority?
90 – 120 – minutes of “screen active” time.
The bottom line is this: the less this number is, the more mentally and spiritually sharp I feel.
If I can’t put the phone down, then it has control over me. Period. A lower overall number here really does mean I’m growing in self control and only using the phone sparingly rather than just mindlessly scrolling. Another blunt truth: the less I’m on the phone, the more I am aware of people. Jesus constantly engaged people. I have found a direct correlation between phone time and my desire/ability to engage with a) others around me and b) those closer to me.
90 – maximum minutes of uninterrupted time.
I would like to see this increase. What I mean by this is the longest stretch of time in a week I devote to work (worship and sermon prep) without any interruption. I used to go for closer to three or four hours at a time, which yielded even better results.
30 – minutes on each of key apps per day before I get a notification
Facebook, Twitter, Chrome, MLB, Bible all have 30 minute limits for me each day. I find this useful in considering what I’m really doing with that time. On a Scripture study note, I retain much more in my reading when using an actual Bible as compared to the app. Studies have explored and backed up this truth. I’ll let you do your own research on this, but finding articles like this won’t take too long.
Apps:
- Social Fever – helps track time, screen unlocks, and specific app usage. Free app. I don’t think this is available for iPhone.
- Auto Reply (Free) – for sending an auto reply to let people know when they can expect to hear back regarding their text.
- The Chrome Browser extension called Time Your Web helps identify websites that may drain your time and energy.
Think. How do think your numbers compare? Better? Worse? Do you have different needs for using your phone? Does it even matter to you in the first place?
Act. Try tracking your usage. See what your data tells you and pray about how you may need to respond. How does your phone tie into your desire to glorify God?