How to move away from my phone/computer/internet

[Justhere]

I've tried in the past before to just stop going on my electronics. I know it's bad for me, Even if I know I could easily do thing in real life the same way, I feel like I can't. It's a horrible horrible compulsion to just do EVERYTHING here.

and when the chips are down, and everything is going to shit, this is where I go to. My phone. A screen. It's the only place I feel like I could move, and have a sense of self. I don't know how to move away, not matter what I do. I don't know why.

 

[oneess]

A good friends of mine feels the same about the internet and the obsession with phones. One time just to try, she locked her phone(to protect her privacy) and gave her phone to another friend for couple of days. Of course she alerted her inner circle of friends and family about it so they won't think she disappeared or CTB'd, it kinda helped her for now. Maybe give it a try?

 

[Justhere]

I dont know. When Im off my phone, I feel like I'm locked up in a box with no windows. What I want to know is how I can stop freezing/wanting run away to my phone when I'm doing other things on it.

i get extremely depressed when I feel like I cant run away somewhere, and run around (browsing, looking at videos are ways that alleviate this sense of running around everywhere)

 

[pebpebpebpeb]

I've tried in the past before to just stop going on my electronics. I know it's bad for me, Even if I know I could easily do thing in real life the same way, I feel like I can't. It's a horrible horrible compulsion to just do EVERYTHING here.

and when the chips are down, and everything is going to shit, this is where I go to. My phone. A screen. It's the only place I feel like I could move, and have a sense of self. I don't know how to move away, not matter what I do. I don't know why.

i get that feeling. i think electronics as a coping mechanism isnt too bad considering other things you could be doing. perhaps finding a hobby that involves minimum screens. like drawing, painting, reading, even something like plushie making! theres loads of things out there. maybe even get someone who you trust to take away those things from you for periods of times, or set a lock on your phone/computer/whatever you use to make it so youre only able to get on it at certain hours :)

 

[BPD Barbie]

It's a good way of escaping reality and online you can be whoever you want. As the post above suggested try and find that fulfillment in something else. Another hobby. Try and really immerse yourself in something else. Also, maybe try and put your phone down for small intervals. Like just a minute, then slowly build up to 5 minutes, then 10.

 

[MaybeSoon]

I feel exactly the same. The downside of the internet for me is you constantly get peoples thoughts and opinions thrown at you. Didn't realise most people were so hurtful, selfish and bigoted amongst other things. Maybe I subconciously seek out those types or comments or that those people tend to be the loudest but going on twitter is a chore these days.

 

[Deleted member 1465]

I've tried in the past before to just stop going on my electronics. I know it's bad for me, Even if I know I could easily do thing in real life the same way, I feel like I can't. It's a horrible horrible compulsion to just do EVERYTHING here.

and when the chips are down, and everything is going to shit, this is where I go to. My phone. A screen. It's the only place I feel like I could move, and have a sense of self. I don't know how to move away, not matter what I do. I don't know why.

Hitting those buttons, seeing likes, generally using tech to accomplish things or stay informed, playing games generates a little dopamine hit in the brain. It's satisfying and addictive and you can't walk away from it because it's always there.
Maybe you need more structure to your day, giving yourself a set time when you use your devices. You can use this period as a reward for getting other stuff done. That's what I try and do, anyway. I don't stop myself from using tech, but only do it once the other chores are done.

 

[Cosmiq]

It might be harder for you depending on your age. But I'd suggest first turning off notifications. Then slowly start substituting your time with something else, find something you want to read about, what type of pages do you follow and like? Try to find books, and ways to see them irl. Even if you're shitty at art try creating your own feed whether it's drawing the things you like to look at or clipping them from magazines. Create your own escape zones. Don't feel guilty if you slip up. Are you also interacting with people? If so create alternate accounts, so maybe you can still scroll on IG but not feel obligated to respond, comment, or participate.
Take more time and put more effort in things that cause you to be away from your phone. Ex: I have a dog, I bathe him trim his nails, and give him whole spa treatment. My hands are busy the entire time while trying to get him to chill out the entire time, by the time I'm finished it's been two hours since I could have been on my phone. Create moments like this for yourself where you get lost or distracted. Organize or clean something really tedious. You'll find your own ways. A lot of stuff like this was how I got away from my social circle, so when I disappear less people to worry cause I'm never on my phone.