Having two smartphones can reduce cellphone addiction. At least, that was the solution found by an executive to reduce his screen and social media time. Now, many people have said that they have adopted the technique and that it has brought positive results.
George Mack, the executive we are talking about, published on his Twitter account explaining how he managed to overcome his addiction to smartphones.
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Mack said that, basically, he started using two phones for different purposes: the “cocaine phone” to access many social networks and the “kale phone” for healthy use.
For George, people's current relationship with cell phones is ambiguous. While the device is used to acquire knowledge, it also serves as a distraction.
“It's like having the best teachers, strip clubs and social clubs in your pocket 24/7,” he exemplified on Twitter. He called this relationship the 'smartphone paradox'.
An aggravating factor for this situation is that, year after year, people are spending more time with the smartphone screen.
A survey by Electronics Hub showed that Brazilians spend around 9 hours watching screens. In addition, the presence of smartphones in Brazil increased by 45% between 2019 and 2021.
(Image: Freepik/Playback)
As mentioned before, the solution found by George Mack was to purchase two smartphones. The “cocaine phone” was used for situations and applications that stimulate motivation and reward, while the “kale phone” was used to stimulate happiness and calm. Better understand the purpose of each device:
‘Kale phone’
It is the smartphone to access platforms that stimulate serotonin, bringing focus, calm and happiness. So Mack only uses it for “notes, Kindle, Uber, Maps and emergency number for 2-3 people to call”.
It is the device that can be checked at any time. Also, he may procrastinate by reading a book or jotting down new ideas.
‘Cocaine phone’
This is already a smartphone that stimulates dopamine. Thus, the main applications are social networks, such as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and the WhatsApp messaging app.
Mack's technique doesn't allow him to use that cell phone before noon on weekdays. On weekends, he can't check apps before 2 pm.
For him, the method has been positive: “I still get the advantages that smartphones and social media produce. But I don't consume it 24/7 until my brain melts.”
After publication, Mack wrote that he received many messages from people who used the same method and managed to solve their addiction to smartphones and social networks.
