Ask Wirecutter: Can You Help Me Stop Mindlessly Scrolling on My Phone?

A clay model of a brain on fire with eyeballs bulging out.

Welcome to Ask Wirecutter, where deputy editor Annemarie Conte helps you figure out how to make the most of your stuff. If you have a shopping conundrum for our advice columnist, submit it using this form or via Annemarie's Instagram, where she occasionally posts question prompts for you.

Dear Wirecutter,

My husband’s cell phone addiction is out of control. And my late-night social media habit isn’t so great, either. Can you help us stop mindlessly scrolling?

S.S.

Dear S.S.,

It’s good that you recognize that the pendulum has swung too far in the direction of unlimited screen time and want to take steps to adjust it. I regularly joke about wanting to throw my phone into the ocean, but going cold turkey and cutting off all communication is not a rational, reality-based decision.

Before it gets to that point, we have a few options for you to consider, especially if your spouse is a little more reluctant to make changes. With a bit of focus, you’ll both be able to fit your phones into your lives (not the other way around).



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