How to Quit Doomscrolling Without Quitting Your Phone
The average UK adult spends 7.5 hours daily on screens, but experts argue not all screen time is harmful. Keza MacDonald, Guardian video games editor, distinguishes between conscious engagement and passive filling of time. Tanay Katiyar, a Cambridge PhD student, notes technology solves problems but introduces new ones. Netta Weinstein, psychology professor at the University of Reading, contrasts harmonious vs. compulsive use. Andrew Przybylski, Oxford psychologist, found gaming itself isn't linked to poor mental health—motivation matters. Recommendations include swapping passive scrolling for active gaming (Pokémon Go, Red Dead Redemption, Animal Crossing), word puzzles (Wordle, Words With Friends, Wordiply), using platforms like Reddit, WhatsApp, Instagram, Mumsnet, Hinge for connection, creating content (David Hockney used iPad at 72), and learning skills via Duolingo, Simply Piano, Skillshare, MasterClass, Create Academy. Dr. Alan Wong (University of Surrey) highlights digital tools for foundational skill repetition. Dr. Tamara Russell recommends mindfulness to optimize learning. The article emphasizes intentionality and purpose in screen use.
Key facts
- Average UK adult spends 7.5 hours daily on screens.
- Keza MacDonald is Guardian video games editor and author of Super Nintendo: How One Japanese Company Helped the World Have Fun.
- Tanay Katiyar is a PhD student in cognition and brain science at the University of Cambridge.
- Netta Weinstein is a psychology professor at the University of Reading.
- Andrew Przybylski is a psychologist at the University of Oxford who studied nearly 40,000 players.
- David Hockney used iPad and Brushes app at age 72 to create art.
- Dr. Alan Wong is senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Surrey.
- Dr. Tamara Russell is a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist.
Entities
Artists
- David Hockney
- Keza MacDonald
- Tanay Katiyar
- Netta Weinstein
- Andrew Przybylski
- Alan Wong
- Tamara Russell
- Maria Speake
- Federica Amati
- Malcolm Gladwell
Institutions
- University of Cambridge
- University of Reading
- University of Oxford
- University of Surrey
- Imperial Business School
- Guardian
- Duolingo
- TikTok
- Mumsnet
- Hinge
- Wordle
- Words With Friends
- Wordiply
- Pokémon Go
- Red Dead Redemption
- Animal Crossing
- World of Warcraft
- Brushes
- Canva
- Soundtrap
- Microsoft Word
- Simply Piano
- Skillshare
- MasterClass
- Create Academy
- Retrouvious
Locations
- UK
- Cambridge
- Reading
- Oxford
- Surrey
- London