Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Habits
As you begin to implement these changes, questions will naturally arise. Here are answers to some of the most common queries we receive about building healthier, more productive relationships with technology.
Are the apps that track your screen time a privacy risk?
This is a valid concern. When it comes to third-party apps, it’s always wise to be cautious. Read their privacy policies and see what data they collect and how they use it. However, the best place to start is with the tools already built into your phone’s operating system. Both Apple’s “Screen Time” and Google’s “Digital Wellbeing” are integrated at the system level, offering robust tracking and controls without sending your data to an external company. We recommend using these native tools first, as they provide excellent functionality with a higher degree of privacy protection.
I work a night shift. How do I adapt this advice?
All of the principles in this article are adaptable to any schedule. The key is to think in terms of cycles, not specific times of day. A “digital sunset,” for example, is about creating a screen-free buffer before you sleep, whether that’s at 10 PM or 10 AM. Your “work” focus mode should be active during your working hours, whatever they may be. The goal is to create clear boundaries between work time, personal time, and rest time, according to your unique body clock and professional schedule. The core concepts of notification batching, screen-free zones, and intentionality apply universally.
How can I apply these principles to my children’s screen time?
These strategies are highly effective for families and can be adapted into parental controls. The concepts of screen-free zones (especially the dinner table and bedrooms) and a “digital sunset” are fundamental for children’s healthy development. The most important step is to model the behavior you want to see. When your children see you putting your phone away and being present, it becomes a normal family culture. Involve older children in the process of setting rules and app timers; when they have a say in creating the boundaries, they are more likely to respect them.
My job requires me to be constantly available. What can I do?
This is a tough situation faced by many professionals, from doctors to customer support agents. When you cannot disconnect completely, focus on what you can control. The strategy shifts from creating large, uninterrupted blocks of time to fiercely protecting small ones. Can you take a 15-minute lunch break without your phone? Can you turn off work-related notifications for the first 30 minutes after you get home to reconnect with your family? Even small, protected windows of non-availability can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. Focus on high-quality breaks and be disciplined about protecting your non-work hours, even if they are fragmented.
Is it possible to have good digital habits?
Absolutely. The goal of digital wellness is not to eliminate technology but to harness its power for good. Technology can be a phenomenal tool for learning, creating, and connecting. A good digital habit is any use of technology that is intentional, mindful, and aligns with your values. Using an app to learn a new language, video-calling a loved one, using a project management tool to organize a complex task, or following an artist who inspires you—these are all positive, healthy uses of technology. The problem arises when our use becomes mindless, passive, and compulsive. The goal is to shift the balance from mindless consumption to intentional creation and connection.
