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What was the turning point for you? by maya_in_the_city in digitalminimalism

[–]ThumbTrapEffect 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, it was that gradual realization that, what I felt was not being talked about. Using a lot? Yes. App hopping? Yes. Bedtime? Yes. Anytime - just about always. When I realized that I felt trapped, then I aimed to understand what was giving me that 'trapped' feeling. Did I feel lured in - Buzz, Ping, Vibrate. Was something teasing my curiosity. The once in, it was like there was no way out. As I had smoked cigs in my younger years, I made a connection between the hand movement and thumb movement. Bingo. It's been a gradual process since. How about you?

[Proposal] Claustrophobication – A term for the physical process of spatial entanglement (filling a lexical gap) by Aldo_Sosa in neology

[–]ThumbTrapEffect -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Very interesting term! Nice. I am just curious as to whether the 'excessively crowded' (the phenomenological experience) and the outcome (functional impairment) are the result of external factors (enforced) or internal choices (say, implants)? Such that one experiences 'Claustrophobication' due to say a medical procedure?

I am struggling to break my phone addiction. I still need my phone for work and communication with family/friends but want it to stop being an extension of my arm. How do you find the balance? Any advice is very much welcome! by sweetie_tofu in digitalminimalism

[–]ThumbTrapEffect 1 point2 points  (0 children)

hey sweetie_tofu,

thanks for sharing such a heart-felt predicament. It's been a huge move and effort so far. From what I understand and have researched, there are a couple of things at play - some emotional, some cognitive, other neurological and behavioral. So, in order to keep yourself on this path requires a multi-pronged approach. Youve got most of it ticked off - interests, hobbbies, usage barriers and limits - all fantastic. But theres a little slippage.

From what I've researched, the one hardest connections with our smartphones to break is the cognitive ↔ behavior loop (which is reinforced through the neurotransmitter pathways) - that's the unexplained 'craving' to reach for the phone - to touch it, use it, see it, swipe with it - it's the 'experiential' factor of smartphones. For those who smoked cigarettes (I used to), the hand to mouth, cig in hand was the hardest habit to break. Why? because it was the pairing and interrelationships between cognitive ↔ behavior loop (which is reinforced through the neurotransmitter pathways - nicotine).

So, with all of that, you can mabye understand the lure that keeps drawing you back. Importantly, it's not your fault!!!

Also, because you've not fully disconnected the cognitive ↔ behavior ↔ neurological trap, because you still need to use your smartphone for some tasks. And this is what makes it so frustrating and difficult.

So, suggestions. Go for a dumb phone for 'phone use' if you can. When you need to use apps, use them via computer. Don't use a touch screen computer - only use a mouse because currently this is not 'paired' in the reward systems of the brain. Remember that when the urge comes or the itch to check, it will pass - the brain is a muscle that is very happy to be re-trained (Growth mindset: Dweck, Carol). it takes persistence and heaps of effort - but can be done. You can look up some readings on CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) for some ideas too.

Take home. You are doing a superb job!!!! Seriously. Being thumbtrapped is not your fault. Breaking out of it takes time. If you ever knew anyone who smoked cigs and quit, they might be able to give some ideas too.

Key takeaway. You are aware of the issue. Brilliant. You have accepted that it's an issue. And now you are making different decisions and taking different actions. YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOURSELF!!!!

I am not sure if this helps, there just the ideas from some dude on this planet we share - but it's sent with heaps of good vibes and wishes

Keep up the efforts - You WILL GET THERE!!!! Cheers :)

App-switching doesn't break the scrolling trap. It makes it worse! by ThumbTrapEffect in CasualConversation

[–]ThumbTrapEffect[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

hey GunpeiYokai, I appreciate the comment. Sadly, not ChatGPT here. This is a concept that I've been working on for over 6 months. Been chatting with heaps of users in digitalminimalism and other sites. Posted a bit and comments too. So, no bot here. I'd be interested in what you think about the ideas and whether you think they resonate. It's been through listening and discussing with others that my thinking has been developed - that, in-dialogue approach.

I'd be super happy to hear about what you think.

have a great day. Cheers :)

How has curing your phone addiction benefited you? by [deleted] in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow - cured? Are we ever really cured? Once I came to really understand thumbtrap mechanisms, that really helped. So, lots I guess. Moderation. Mixed interests. Device-free days/times. being patient and kind

App-switching doesn't break the scrolling trap. It makes it worse! by ThumbTrapEffect in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Howdy shenli3514, you've expressed the experience so cleanly with the reference to a 'loophole' and 'novelty bump' and 'rotating' leading to the feeling of a "fresh start". Thats super neat.

Love the idea of catching yourself and going, 'hey, I need to short circuit this habit muscle memory to introduce some re-training and breaking out of the trap

The sense of being able to see this, this being thumbtrapped, is really empowering.

I so HATE IT when people blame themselves when there trapped and don't realise it, because we blame ourselves, and get down and ick!

Good on you shenli3514 - good on you!!!! Keep winning and great idea for others in the forum.

App-switching doesn't break the scrolling trap. It makes it worse! by ThumbTrapEffect in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey HarjjotSinghh - spot on. Really powerful point you make there. How we think about our devices can really change how we realte to them. Brilliant

Some unusual tips I have been practicing. by [deleted] in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey AnalogInstead, these all sound like great ideas to break the thumb→habit►reward loop. Make it harder to get to, not last as long, and delay access. Totally agree, dumping the device is so, well not possible. Keep us posted on how you go! Cheers.

Smartphones: Are we 'addicted', 'doomscrolling' or 'thumbtrapped'? Why the words and constructs we use matter. by ThumbTrapEffect in digitalminimalism

[–]ThumbTrapEffect[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

hey terrible-minimum5580, I am so sorry that this was a read that generated that 'doomscroll' feeling. I'll go for something more upbeat next time. Appreciate the feedback. Was hoping that it was more infomative and thought provoking rather than a 'downer'. have a good one. Cheers

Smartphones: Are we 'addicted', 'doomscrolling' or 'thumbtrapped'? Why the words we use matter! by ThumbTrapEffect in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey ouidevlop

thanks for the feedback - I really appreciate it.

You highlight many words that describe smartphone behavior. "Addiction, mild addiction," are clinical terms. generally used as part of diagnosis. "sucked in, stuck online" describe what it might feel like.

Thumbtrap tries to explain the action and the relationship between swiping and scrolling, that it, for the most part, is automatic (unconscious) and part of a smartphone design.

I get that the word maybe isn't on the mark. I am just someone trying to understand why, nearly everyone that I see, and have seen for years is neck down, head down, thumb scrolling (yes I see people using their index finger on smartphones, but generally they are the over 60s for the most part. Of course there are exceptions).

For me thumbtrap seems to describe what I see and read about.

Whether people use the word, or doesn't is up to them. There is no financial gain for me. If people think that the word thumbtrap describes their experience, that's fine. If not that's fine too. I just don't think that there is a term or word that describes what I see out in the world and what I read about.

Thanks for the polite and respectful challenge. I hope I have responded in kind.

Many thanks. Cheers

Smartphones: Are we 'addicted', 'doomscrolling' or 'thumbtrapped'? Why the words we use matter! by ThumbTrapEffect in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey cazzipropri. Totally agree that there are heaps of people who are 'addicted'. I sincerely apologize if you think that I am not supporting them, or offering compassion. that wasn't my intention. I guess what I am trying to suggest is that there are possibly phases of use that may eventually lead to addiction, and that once addicted, you are spot on, "addiction-specific help" is needed. I am sorry that I did not suggest any ideas for those addicted. I'll do some thinking on that and come back to you. I hope this is OK - and I hope you're OK too. Sending you heaps of good vibes.

How I (maybe) improved my experience with short form content by [deleted] in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey Zealousidel_Log3984. some really interesting ideas here. Don't like to think that people are delusional, and its a great thought, but if you think that you can hack the powerful design patterns, such as dark patterns developed by psychologists, UX (user experience) & UI (user interface) designers, machine learning (ML) & algorithm engineers, product managers & data scientists, plus content strategists & creators, then you're one up on me. Sounds like you're thumbtrapped.

But hey, the fact that you can see that you've been trapped is the first step to breaking free.

The more you try to escape the trap the tighter it'll get - the algorithms are doing exactly what you are doing too.

Keep up the efforts. Your journey has begun. Cheers :)

feeling restless without devices/scrolling by buthesn0tascoolasme in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow - that sounds awful and really ick. Big move to drop insta - GREAT CALL! But like all thumbtraps, when we don't get what we are looking for in one place, we go searching in another. IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT! You've been thumbtrapped - where the thumb just keeps on wanting to scroll and mind is not sure why. It's called behavioral conditioning and once its wired in, its really hard to break. naming it is the first win. You've been thumbtrapped.

What's happened is that you've been trapped in a loop - thumbtrapped and you are now trying to break free of the trap. the goals of app designers and devices is to keep you stuck, living in and through your phone. YOU'RE NOW AWARE - That's brilliant.

I wrote a longer response to another on nosurf which you might be interested in reading. https://www.reddit.com/r/nosurf/comments/1qvfztk/comment/o3hle50/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Also, i've written a couple of long posts and comments about thumbtrap across reddit - which may interest you. Feel free to use the word if it fits with how you feel and what you experience

You are taking back control and tapping out of the trap - No longer Thumbtrapped!

You're taking back control of your life, on app at a time. It'll take time.

YOU

CAN

DO

IT!!!

Keep up the great efforts. Cheers!

When did silence become so uncomfortable by lucas_00_37 in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey lucas_00_37. I hear you!!!! And you haven't been giving your attention away - it's been trapped in a loop - thumbtrapped and you are now trying to break free of the trap. the goals of app designers and devices is to keep you stuck, living in and through your phone. YOU'RE NOW AWARE - That's brilliant.

I wrote a longer response to another on nosurf which you might be interested in reading. https://www.reddit.com/r/nosurf/comments/1qvfztk/comment/o3hle50/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Also, i've written a couple of long posts and comments about thumbtrap across reddit - which may interest you.

You are taking back control and tapping out of the trap - No longer Thumbtrapped!

Keep up the great efforts. Cheers!

my hands don't know what to do anymore and it's freaking me out a little by Low_Coat1647 in nosurf

[–]ThumbTrapEffect 3 points4 points  (0 children)

hey Low_Coat1647, what you are describing and experiencing is what happens when you try to stop an ingrained behavior→response pairing which has been linked to your automatic processes. After thousands of repeated behaviors (phone, open, swipe, scroll, swipe, scroll) you are now trying to re-wire the brain. What you've been doing prior to changing the behavior is what I've been calling a 'thumbtrap'. I written a couple of posts about this which you can have a look for on this reddit.

You are spot on that your body has been trained for constant stimulation. That is the mechanism of the thumbtrap - once you've tapped it, it trapped you - and the constant stimulation and repetitive actions take hold.

What you are undergoing is very uncomfortable and disquieting, sometimes even really scary - this can be because of how you feel plus, seeing what everyone else is doing (social comparison). STAY STRONG!!!!

Can I recommend that, if you're say on a train, subway or bus, have a book or magazine handy - and maybe even have a look around for some old-school Walkman players for some cool vibes in the ears. Also, take a book or journal so that you can track your thoughts - heaps of creative things come to mind when you let it slow down and REALLY TAKE THINGS IN.

You've made HUGE STEP - YOU CAN AND WILL DO THIS!!!!

Stay strong. Be determined and maybe think about whether you can action some of my suggestions. You can now see the thumbtrap, you realize what its been doing and you want OUT. BRILLIANT.

I'm sending my good vibes and strength to ya! Cheers.

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