Apple unveils 'Digital Health' initiative to fight iPhone addiction

Apple has developed new software to help customers who are addicted to their smartphones.

With emerging smartphone addiction people are glued to their smartphone devices like never before. While smartphones are considered to be one of the best inventions of all time it is not immune to common problems usually associated with largely used technologies.

At yesterday’s opening of WWDC, the technology giant announced it is launching a digital health initiative to help addicts wean themselves off their devices. Apple says the digital health initiative will help users monitor and limit the time spent on their devices or restrict time on certain apps.

These new settings are part of the upcoming operating system.

If all of this sounds familiar, it should be. It's similar to Google's recently announced Android updates, which are also meant to combat phone addiction. In Google's case, they include a new app timer, which lets you set time limits for using specific apps as well as a new "shush" feature, which activates "Do Not Disturb" mode when your phone is face down.

It's not clear how far Apple plans to go with its approach, and whether the new settings menu will let you set app-specific limits or simply make it easier to see just how much time you're “wasting” on those apps.

Some app makers have already taken it upon themselves to build features that could reduce the amount of time users spend in their app. YouTube recently added a "take a break" feature to remind users when to stop watching, and Instagram announced an "insights" feature that will show just how much time you're spending in the app.

While concerns about cellphones and their effect on brain function have circulated among the public for decades, (e.g. studies reporting to have found links between cellphone overuse and feelings of addiction and other health issues, particularly among teens), it was a letter from two of Apple’s major shareholders and a prominent former Apple executive to Apple’s board of directors that prompted the company to take steps to respond.

The shareholders, Jana Partners and the California State Teachers Retirement System, together control $2 billion worth of Apple stock. In early January (2018) the two groups wrote a letter to Apple's board of directors saying that the iPhone's tremendous popularity and success make it Apple's responsibility to ensure the devices are not abused. The following day, former Apple senior vice president Tony Fadell, tweeted ten times about the story, writing “Addiction is real” and encouraging technology companies to “step up,” to the problem.

“It would defy common sense to argue that this level of usage, by children whose brains are still developing, is not having at least some impact, or that the maker of such a powerful product has no role to play in helping parents to ensure it is being used optimally,” the letter read.

In a statement, Apple said, “We are committed to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations, especially when it comes to protecting kids."

While concerns about cellphones and their effect on brain function have circulated among the public for decades, the letter marks the first time a tech company's own shareholders have raised the alarm, which policy analysts said, signals a shift in the industry.

Six apps to help you “turn off” (or limit) your cell phone usage

Alternatives, or supplements, to these announced system changes from Apple, many apps are available that help you “tear away.” Without recommending one or another, here are six examples.

1.  Offtime (iOS, Android)

This app helps users unplug by blocking distracting apps like Facebook and games and filtering communications. It includes information on how much you actually use your smartphone. You can choose tailored modes like Work, Family, or Me Time to ensure that you have access to the things you need, but aren't distracted by what you don't. Analytics of your phone and app usage can be an important wake-up call, and can help you curb your habits.

2. Moment (iOS)

Moment tracks your device usage and allows you to set daily limits; the app notifies you if you exceed them. You can even use a setting that "forces" you off your phone by flooding your screen with annoying alerts when you try to extend your screen time. Moment can also be used for families, with the option to track your family's device use from your own phone.

3. Flipd (iOS, Android)

If you find that you need a more aggressive approach to unplugging, Flipd is the app for you. Flipd allows you to lock your phone for a set period of time, and once you do, there's no going back. Even restarting your phone won't disable the app, so it's impossible for you to cheat! Flipd can even be used to remotely "flip off" one user from another user's device, which is helpful for teams that want to keep one another on point.

4. AppDetox (Android)

Hooked on mobile games? Can't stop refreshing Twitter? AppDetox can help you get your fixation under control if apps are your kryptonite. You can set your own parameters on an app-by-app basis so you can have access when it's not a disruption. Every time you break one of your own rules, the app reminds you to put down your phone.

5. Stay on Task (Android)

Stay on Task helps your productivity in a gentler way. The app simply asks if you're still on task at random intervals during your day. If you're someone who easily gets distracted, this app can be a great way to redirect your focus when your mind is wandering.

6. Social Fever

Social Fever offers an intuitive solution to deal with smartphone addiction. Using this solution, users track and limit phone usage in a variety of domains and track goals, app usage, how uch time is saved for favourite activities, and both eye and ear health

Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics has long held that children under the age of 2 should not be given any screen time and that older children's screen time should be closely regulated.

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