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هواتف ذكية أم هواتف خبيثة؟ حرر نفسك من الإدمان الرقمي
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296 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2023
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About the author
Allen Carr
409 books282 followersAllen Carr was a British author and the founder of the global Allen Carr’s Easyway method, renowned for helping millions overcome smoking and other addictions. Born in Putney, London in 1934, Carr began smoking at 18 during National Service and struggled with the habit for over three decades. A qualified accountant, he finally quit in 1983 following a revelatory visit to a hypnotherapist. The experience didn’t directly cause him to quit, but it led to two key insights: that smoking was simply a form of nicotine addiction, and that withdrawal symptoms were minor and psychological in nature. These revelations inspired Carr to develop a revolutionary approach to quitting, one that did not rely on willpower, scare tactics, or substitution therapies.
Carr’s philosophy centered on removing the smoker’s fear of giving up. He argued that smoking merely relieves withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, and that the supposed satisfaction gained is merely a return to the non-smoker’s normal state. Through live seminars, books, and multimedia resources, the Easyway method encourages smokers to continue smoking while they reframe their beliefs, ultimately extinguishing their final cigarette with clarity and confidence.
In 1985, Carr published The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which became a bestseller and was translated into more than 45 languages. The success of his London clinic led to the establishment of over 100 Easyway centers in 35 countries, offering seminars to treat smoking, alcohol dependency, sugar addiction, and even fear of flying. His method’s credibility was bolstered by independent clinical trials, including studies in Ireland and the UK which found it as effective—if not more so—than standard cessation methods. This led to its adoption by NHS-approved services in England.
A key element of the Easyway clinics is that all facilitators are former addicts who successfully quit using the method themselves. They must complete extensive training and become licensed members of the Association of Allen Carr Therapists International.
Throughout his career, Carr also co-authored a wide range of Easyway books addressing various addictions and behavioral issues, often collaborating with Robin Hayley and John C. Dicey, the current Chairman and Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway. Dicey, whom Carr mentored, continues to lead the organization’s development and public outreach.
Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 72, though he had not smoked for 23 years. He attributed his illness to second-hand smoke exposure during seminars. Before his death, he remained committed to his mission, challenging governmental ties to nicotine replacement industries and advocating for wider access to his method.
Carr’s legacy continues through his clinics, books, and online programs, which have reached over 50 million people worldwide. His message remains consistent: quitting is not a sacrifice—it’s liberation.
Carr’s philosophy centered on removing the smoker’s fear of giving up. He argued that smoking merely relieves withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, and that the supposed satisfaction gained is merely a return to the non-smoker’s normal state. Through live seminars, books, and multimedia resources, the Easyway method encourages smokers to continue smoking while they reframe their beliefs, ultimately extinguishing their final cigarette with clarity and confidence.
In 1985, Carr published The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which became a bestseller and was translated into more than 45 languages. The success of his London clinic led to the establishment of over 100 Easyway centers in 35 countries, offering seminars to treat smoking, alcohol dependency, sugar addiction, and even fear of flying. His method’s credibility was bolstered by independent clinical trials, including studies in Ireland and the UK which found it as effective—if not more so—than standard cessation methods. This led to its adoption by NHS-approved services in England.
A key element of the Easyway clinics is that all facilitators are former addicts who successfully quit using the method themselves. They must complete extensive training and become licensed members of the Association of Allen Carr Therapists International.
Throughout his career, Carr also co-authored a wide range of Easyway books addressing various addictions and behavioral issues, often collaborating with Robin Hayley and John C. Dicey, the current Chairman and Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway. Dicey, whom Carr mentored, continues to lead the organization’s development and public outreach.
Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 72, though he had not smoked for 23 years. He attributed his illness to second-hand smoke exposure during seminars. Before his death, he remained committed to his mission, challenging governmental ties to nicotine replacement industries and advocating for wider access to his method.
Carr’s legacy continues through his clinics, books, and online programs, which have reached over 50 million people worldwide. His message remains consistent: quitting is not a sacrifice—it’s liberation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 21, 2022
I picked up this book when I was addicted to social media, and I finished it when I broke free from that addiction. So in that sense I suppose you can say this book "worked". Albeit, it wasn't solely due to this book. The "solution" presented is ultimately pretty simple. The gist is that you need to start seeing the content of your addiction as "junk" that you don't need. And then... just stop using it. He claims that people won't have withdrawals, but later in the book he reveals that there is withdrawals, and he just relabels them and asks you to think about such urges and cravings differently (as a symptom of the addiction that you'll soon be free from, rather than as missing or craving something).
Ultimately what worked for me was a bit of this, along with just a strict "dopamine detox". I stopped using my social media I was addicted to (reddit and youtube) and then just didn't touch my laptop or phone. I had to sit doing nothing for 7 hours, but eventually I managed to get productive, and I've been much better off since then.
That said I have quite a few complaints with the book itself. The main one is the repetition. I don't really like "fluff" in my books, ie words for the sake of words. And that's a large portion of this book, is just him repeating himself, asking readers to reread previous chapters. There's also a lot of hyping up of the "easy way" which was obnoxious. The book was way longer than it needed to be, given how simple the "method" is.
The other issue I had with the book is the pure hypocrisy of it. See, given my addiction was solely with social media (reddit and youtube), I had aspirations and goals (as silly as this might sound) to get back and start enjoying my video game collection again. It's something I neglected quite hard due to the addiction. But throughout the book he takes quite a harsh and negative tone towards video games, but then begs, asks, and peads the user to watch TV instead!! That's worse! Like, how can he complain about gaming, but then ask people to just watch tv, which is even less activity, less mental stimulation, and just as prone to addiction?! Personally I much more value gaming over TV, though I've never had addiction problems with either. But it just felt like a slap in the face that he asks me to do the thing I try to avoid, and to avoid the thing I try to do. My goal was to get away from my phone and social media, not gaming, and certainly not start bingeing tv!
The book was obnoxious fluff, but the method (as simple as it is) does work, but not in the way the book tries to sell it. It does take effort, there will be withdrawals, but you just have to remind yourself that what you're trying to pull away from isn't needed. good method, bad book.
Ultimately what worked for me was a bit of this, along with just a strict "dopamine detox". I stopped using my social media I was addicted to (reddit and youtube) and then just didn't touch my laptop or phone. I had to sit doing nothing for 7 hours, but eventually I managed to get productive, and I've been much better off since then.
That said I have quite a few complaints with the book itself. The main one is the repetition. I don't really like "fluff" in my books, ie words for the sake of words. And that's a large portion of this book, is just him repeating himself, asking readers to reread previous chapters. There's also a lot of hyping up of the "easy way" which was obnoxious. The book was way longer than it needed to be, given how simple the "method" is.
The other issue I had with the book is the pure hypocrisy of it. See, given my addiction was solely with social media (reddit and youtube), I had aspirations and goals (as silly as this might sound) to get back and start enjoying my video game collection again. It's something I neglected quite hard due to the addiction. But throughout the book he takes quite a harsh and negative tone towards video games, but then begs, asks, and peads the user to watch TV instead!! That's worse! Like, how can he complain about gaming, but then ask people to just watch tv, which is even less activity, less mental stimulation, and just as prone to addiction?! Personally I much more value gaming over TV, though I've never had addiction problems with either. But it just felt like a slap in the face that he asks me to do the thing I try to avoid, and to avoid the thing I try to do. My goal was to get away from my phone and social media, not gaming, and certainly not start bingeing tv!
The book was obnoxious fluff, but the method (as simple as it is) does work, but not in the way the book tries to sell it. It does take effort, there will be withdrawals, but you just have to remind yourself that what you're trying to pull away from isn't needed. good method, bad book.
Read
August 16, 2022Worth a speed reading.
Does this count as self-help? I wouldn’t say so, because it is very topic specific.
Taught me a new healthy way of looking at social media, similar to my attitude already in place towards poker, pornography and junk food (sugar will also be addressed as a consequence of this reading).
Key ideas below.
-
Tackling digital addiction starts with identifying useful tech and ensuring that we use it appropriately.
Feeling unable to stop despite the harm you know it’s causing is another sure sign of addiction.
Before we had access to mobile phones, significant portions of each day would be spent in a vacuum. Walking down the street, waiting for a bus or sitting on a train, waiting for an appointment, driving to a meeting… If we could, we would pass the time by reading a book or a newspaper or listening to music. Today phones fill the vacuum.
The simplest of tasks can become virtually impossible if you go about them the wrong way. For example, opening a door. You know how to open a door: you push on the handle and it swings open with minimal effort. But have you ever come across a door with no handle and pushed on the wrong side, where the hinges are? You meet with heavy resistance. The door might budge a tiny bit, but it won’t swing open. It requires a huge amount of effort and determination to open it far enough for you to walk through.
As long as you continue to believe that you’re giving something up, you will always be running in pain. The stronger your will, the longer you will withstand the agony, but you never actually reach the finish line. In order to feel that sense of true escape, it is essential to remove the feeling of sacrifice.
Nowadays parents use devices and games as “treats” and “rewards” to cheer their children up when they feel sad and incentivise them to be good. “You can play on your games console when you’ve tidied your room.” The message is clear: “These things will comfort and reward you.”
All it takes is a crisis to shake them emotionally, or perhaps another addiction like smoking to overcome, and they too will fall into the trap.
You’ve got a difficult problem at work so you reach for your phone. It looks like you’re doing something constructive; you even convince yourself that that’s the case. In truth, you’re just avoiding the problem.
Free yourself from any belief in the willpower method and all of a sudden this vicious circle goes into reverse. Stop pushing against the wrong side of the door, open your mind to there being an easy way out and that easy way will open up to you, as if by magic. Of course, it’s not magic, it’s simple logic–a logic people are blinded to by all the brainwashing. But when you open your mind and let the truth in, it can feel miraculous–a moment of revelation.
There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a selfie with a hero if you’re lucky enough to meet one – it’s the 21st-century equivalent of an autograph – but for your sake, and as a sign of respect to the person you want a selfie with, try to connect with them properly before expecting them to pose for the camera.
You only need willpower if you have a clash of wills.
Does this count as self-help? I wouldn’t say so, because it is very topic specific.
Taught me a new healthy way of looking at social media, similar to my attitude already in place towards poker, pornography and junk food (sugar will also be addressed as a consequence of this reading).
Key ideas below.
-
Tackling digital addiction starts with identifying useful tech and ensuring that we use it appropriately.
Feeling unable to stop despite the harm you know it’s causing is another sure sign of addiction.
Before we had access to mobile phones, significant portions of each day would be spent in a vacuum. Walking down the street, waiting for a bus or sitting on a train, waiting for an appointment, driving to a meeting… If we could, we would pass the time by reading a book or a newspaper or listening to music. Today phones fill the vacuum.
The simplest of tasks can become virtually impossible if you go about them the wrong way. For example, opening a door. You know how to open a door: you push on the handle and it swings open with minimal effort. But have you ever come across a door with no handle and pushed on the wrong side, where the hinges are? You meet with heavy resistance. The door might budge a tiny bit, but it won’t swing open. It requires a huge amount of effort and determination to open it far enough for you to walk through.
As long as you continue to believe that you’re giving something up, you will always be running in pain. The stronger your will, the longer you will withstand the agony, but you never actually reach the finish line. In order to feel that sense of true escape, it is essential to remove the feeling of sacrifice.
Nowadays parents use devices and games as “treats” and “rewards” to cheer their children up when they feel sad and incentivise them to be good. “You can play on your games console when you’ve tidied your room.” The message is clear: “These things will comfort and reward you.”
All it takes is a crisis to shake them emotionally, or perhaps another addiction like smoking to overcome, and they too will fall into the trap.
You’ve got a difficult problem at work so you reach for your phone. It looks like you’re doing something constructive; you even convince yourself that that’s the case. In truth, you’re just avoiding the problem.
Free yourself from any belief in the willpower method and all of a sudden this vicious circle goes into reverse. Stop pushing against the wrong side of the door, open your mind to there being an easy way out and that easy way will open up to you, as if by magic. Of course, it’s not magic, it’s simple logic–a logic people are blinded to by all the brainwashing. But when you open your mind and let the truth in, it can feel miraculous–a moment of revelation.
There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a selfie with a hero if you’re lucky enough to meet one – it’s the 21st-century equivalent of an autograph – but for your sake, and as a sign of respect to the person you want a selfie with, try to connect with them properly before expecting them to pose for the camera.
You only need willpower if you have a clash of wills.
July 28, 2023
Super repetitive and basically pointless. This is the kind of guy who would tell someone with depression to “just be happy, go for a walk!” His big secret for quitting phone addiction is… “just quit you piece of shit, lol.”
The book basically hammers home the reasons why phone addiction is so harmful 10000 times in the first 15 chapters, over and over, using the same wording and phrases, then gives very basic practical steps in the last 5 like “unsubscribe from emails, turn off your notifications, and leave Facebook groups.” Gee why didn’t I think of that!?
Besides the uselessness, this book also had some weird vendetta against gamers lol? The book is supposed to be about phone/social media/internet addiction, but the writer has a serious, vehement hatred for people who play video games (which is an entirely separate addiction that should be covered in another book, not this one).
He basically views gamers as the scum of the earth and recommends that they never play a game ever again, and should instead go watch a movie. What??? How is watching a movie better than gaming? He seems to think all gamers are pathetic losers who have no friends, partners, or kids, and if they do have them, they neglect them. My husband and half of my friends are gamers and nothing he said describes them. Got me heated af.
Please go read How to Break Up With Your Phone or Atomic Habits for much better takes (and practical steps) on this topic.
The book basically hammers home the reasons why phone addiction is so harmful 10000 times in the first 15 chapters, over and over, using the same wording and phrases, then gives very basic practical steps in the last 5 like “unsubscribe from emails, turn off your notifications, and leave Facebook groups.” Gee why didn’t I think of that!?
Besides the uselessness, this book also had some weird vendetta against gamers lol? The book is supposed to be about phone/social media/internet addiction, but the writer has a serious, vehement hatred for people who play video games (which is an entirely separate addiction that should be covered in another book, not this one).
He basically views gamers as the scum of the earth and recommends that they never play a game ever again, and should instead go watch a movie. What??? How is watching a movie better than gaming? He seems to think all gamers are pathetic losers who have no friends, partners, or kids, and if they do have them, they neglect them. My husband and half of my friends are gamers and nothing he said describes them. Got me heated af.
Please go read How to Break Up With Your Phone or Atomic Habits for much better takes (and practical steps) on this topic.
December 23, 2022
You know those infomercials on the internet that you scroll down 50 times to get to a video that never gets to the point?
This is that in book form.
This is that in book form.
May 24, 2020
I was torn on reviewing this book. I remember finishing "the Easyway to control alcohol" and thinking, what a load of rubbish! I want to cut down, not stop!... Anyway, a year went by. And I was a pretty heavy binge drinker. About once a month I'd hit it hard. And my nights, at raves, festivals and gigs, and holidays, were the same as Allen's nights in golf party's! I know that sounds crazy, but I'd wake up rough as anything and think... Last night was that chapter! A year later I ran out and bought the book again (and kick the drink easily) and I never drank or wanted to again, and life's got better every year!
My apologies for a huge paragraph reviewing the wrong book! 😬 But it is relevant.
There's a lot I agree with in this book. Some that's not relevant, and some I'm just not sure about until its stood the test of time. EG if I'm not overusing social media this time next year. My friend is a gamer, and he totally didn't like the idea of never gaming again and personally I agree with him, although not a gamer myself so that's the irrelevant bit.
A lot of the social media stuff I agree with, but I did find it funny at the end expecting you to message people on Facebook and tell them your deleting them but no hard feelings and we can still meet up from time to time. You'd come across pretty weird! But the bit about notifications like checking the mail 4 times an hour was good. They also said no more than 90 Facebook friends. Personally I agree with not having too many, but I use mine for business, there's people who I get work from and stuff like that. To just go deleting them all isn't a good idea imo. But the book gave me the kick I needed to just unfollow people who's posts I don't agree with or share interest with.
I've given the book 4 stars, but for 1 year that's just the average rating. If I stay using very limited social media, and allowing my brain to switch off from it, for the next year, happily, I'll give it 5 stars. If I end up binging it again I'd give it 3. And if I stay as I am now, which is hugely cut down, but it is crossing my mind a bit, I'll leave it at 4!
Sorry, just one more point. I was cutting down anyway, but since the covid lockdown I felt social media was my window to the world, and my online time skyrocketed! I was spending 4 hours some days. Now I've removed it from my phone and just have it on my tablet, I'm spending 30 minutes a day roughly, and getting a lot of other stuff done.
Thanks for your time 🙂 good luck!
My apologies for a huge paragraph reviewing the wrong book! 😬 But it is relevant.
There's a lot I agree with in this book. Some that's not relevant, and some I'm just not sure about until its stood the test of time. EG if I'm not overusing social media this time next year. My friend is a gamer, and he totally didn't like the idea of never gaming again and personally I agree with him, although not a gamer myself so that's the irrelevant bit.
A lot of the social media stuff I agree with, but I did find it funny at the end expecting you to message people on Facebook and tell them your deleting them but no hard feelings and we can still meet up from time to time. You'd come across pretty weird! But the bit about notifications like checking the mail 4 times an hour was good. They also said no more than 90 Facebook friends. Personally I agree with not having too many, but I use mine for business, there's people who I get work from and stuff like that. To just go deleting them all isn't a good idea imo. But the book gave me the kick I needed to just unfollow people who's posts I don't agree with or share interest with.
I've given the book 4 stars, but for 1 year that's just the average rating. If I stay using very limited social media, and allowing my brain to switch off from it, for the next year, happily, I'll give it 5 stars. If I end up binging it again I'd give it 3. And if I stay as I am now, which is hugely cut down, but it is crossing my mind a bit, I'll leave it at 4!
Sorry, just one more point. I was cutting down anyway, but since the covid lockdown I felt social media was my window to the world, and my online time skyrocketed! I was spending 4 hours some days. Now I've removed it from my phone and just have it on my tablet, I'm spending 30 minutes a day roughly, and getting a lot of other stuff done.
Thanks for your time 🙂 good luck!
November 7, 2023
- Smartphones and social media are deliberately made to addict us. We are lab rats, continuously clicking and feeding the algorithm so that it's developers can analyze our brain patterns and create more addictive apps.
- the average time an adult spends on phones, tvs, computers, tablets, laptops is 12 hours. This slowly became the new normal. (Almost every waking hour)
- you pick up a phone to check a notification and it turns into an hour of scrolling. Your life is inside the device.
- Addiction is where people turn to seek comfort. FOMO. Drugs, drinking, smoking, the internet
- smoking has obvious downsides. The internet has many benefits to it, the technology outweighs the bad sides.... if you know where to put your attention towards. You can save hours shopping, find free courses, movies and games, navigation is easy, we can share ideas in the click of a button.
- we have a natural desire for speed. We don't like killing time.
- people get jittery from a moment of quietness.
- mental health problems- loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicide, comparison are all on the rise. - - Social media is a fake perfect world. Everyone is fronting. Fake news, fake persona, fake opinions.
- it's given us the ability to gang up, ostracize, ridicule, insult, abuse, scandalized, and blackmail from behind a screen.
- news isn't really designed to inform you, they are made for you to click on them.
- have you analyzed how bizarrely low your standards of excitement have become? You get all the rush of dopamine interacting with strangers online, instant gratification of them liking your photos but every moment in real life seems to pale in comparison. Nothing is fun anymore.
- blue light will fool your mind into thinking its still daytime. You are subjecting your brain into thinking it's endless daytime. Sleep deprivation blunts your mood, judgement, capacity for learning, concentration, and memory.
- in biology, we naturally seek out things that give us pleasure because it helps us to survive. Eating, drinking, staying fit. Your body tells you when you've had enough. For digital addiction, you have no mechanism that tells you to stop.
- social media has done something drastic to humans that they would have never dreamed of doing in other circumstances. Sharing fake news, sending nudes to strangers, making gossip about celebrities you don't know... it's about how much people think they can get away with. The lowest of the low- the tragic, cowardly, anonymous social media accounts revel in cruelty and controversy. How empty and shallow must a life be to think trolling is considered entertainment?
- the way addictions work is bombarding your brain with a false sense of pleasure and reward, which your mind will mistake for the real thing. Real pleasure comes gradually and has some resistance. (Long term gains) Fake pleasure comes from instant gratification.
- all addicts have no end to lame excuses. We believe there is danger when there is none. Without your "crutch", life seems empty and pointless. Similar to Stockholm syndrome.
- Those times add up. What would you do if the internet didn't exist? Travel to all the states? Camp everyday? You'd certainly do a lot more.
- silence, solitude, quietness and boredom is needed once in a while to truly be able to appreciate the fun, exciting moments. Without boredom, there is no fun. Without hunger, there is no satisfaction in eating.
- the average time an adult spends on phones, tvs, computers, tablets, laptops is 12 hours. This slowly became the new normal. (Almost every waking hour)
- you pick up a phone to check a notification and it turns into an hour of scrolling. Your life is inside the device.
- Addiction is where people turn to seek comfort. FOMO. Drugs, drinking, smoking, the internet
- smoking has obvious downsides. The internet has many benefits to it, the technology outweighs the bad sides.... if you know where to put your attention towards. You can save hours shopping, find free courses, movies and games, navigation is easy, we can share ideas in the click of a button.
- we have a natural desire for speed. We don't like killing time.
- people get jittery from a moment of quietness.
- mental health problems- loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicide, comparison are all on the rise. - - Social media is a fake perfect world. Everyone is fronting. Fake news, fake persona, fake opinions.
- it's given us the ability to gang up, ostracize, ridicule, insult, abuse, scandalized, and blackmail from behind a screen.
- news isn't really designed to inform you, they are made for you to click on them.
- have you analyzed how bizarrely low your standards of excitement have become? You get all the rush of dopamine interacting with strangers online, instant gratification of them liking your photos but every moment in real life seems to pale in comparison. Nothing is fun anymore.
- blue light will fool your mind into thinking its still daytime. You are subjecting your brain into thinking it's endless daytime. Sleep deprivation blunts your mood, judgement, capacity for learning, concentration, and memory.
- in biology, we naturally seek out things that give us pleasure because it helps us to survive. Eating, drinking, staying fit. Your body tells you when you've had enough. For digital addiction, you have no mechanism that tells you to stop.
- social media has done something drastic to humans that they would have never dreamed of doing in other circumstances. Sharing fake news, sending nudes to strangers, making gossip about celebrities you don't know... it's about how much people think they can get away with. The lowest of the low- the tragic, cowardly, anonymous social media accounts revel in cruelty and controversy. How empty and shallow must a life be to think trolling is considered entertainment?
- the way addictions work is bombarding your brain with a false sense of pleasure and reward, which your mind will mistake for the real thing. Real pleasure comes gradually and has some resistance. (Long term gains) Fake pleasure comes from instant gratification.
- all addicts have no end to lame excuses. We believe there is danger when there is none. Without your "crutch", life seems empty and pointless. Similar to Stockholm syndrome.
- Those times add up. What would you do if the internet didn't exist? Travel to all the states? Camp everyday? You'd certainly do a lot more.
- silence, solitude, quietness and boredom is needed once in a while to truly be able to appreciate the fun, exciting moments. Without boredom, there is no fun. Without hunger, there is no satisfaction in eating.
June 12, 2023
A few days back, I was reading a post from someone about switching to a feature phone because he was wasting too much time on his smartphone.
In the comment section, I was surprised to see people complaining about the similar problem and saying that they are helpless in the situation. They have to use the phone, and it invariably leads to wasting time on social media.
Reading this book, I now realize how much brainwashing goes on with smartphone usage. So much that we can't even imagine life without phones. Typical addictive behavior.
But there is a way out of every addiction. And this book offers an easy way.
You might be skeptical about how just reading a book that says no use of willpower or hard measures can help us get rid of this addiction, but trust me, it will.
The method in the book focuses mainly on changing the way you see your relationship with phones. Until the point where you feel that leaving the phone is some kind of sacrifice, you will not get out of the trap.
So, everything in the book is trying to destroy these myths that you are enjoying or having fun by using the phone.
It might seem a bit lengthy or repetitive, but sometimes, a few things need to be repeated before they penetrate your mind.
Go on and read this; it might change your life.
In the comment section, I was surprised to see people complaining about the similar problem and saying that they are helpless in the situation. They have to use the phone, and it invariably leads to wasting time on social media.
Reading this book, I now realize how much brainwashing goes on with smartphone usage. So much that we can't even imagine life without phones. Typical addictive behavior.
But there is a way out of every addiction. And this book offers an easy way.
You might be skeptical about how just reading a book that says no use of willpower or hard measures can help us get rid of this addiction, but trust me, it will.
The method in the book focuses mainly on changing the way you see your relationship with phones. Until the point where you feel that leaving the phone is some kind of sacrifice, you will not get out of the trap.
So, everything in the book is trying to destroy these myths that you are enjoying or having fun by using the phone.
It might seem a bit lengthy or repetitive, but sometimes, a few things need to be repeated before they penetrate your mind.
Go on and read this; it might change your life.
January 22, 2022
This would have been 4 stars, but there was far too much filler in it. I kept waiting for the BIG SECRET of what Easyway to quit was, but honestly, it never really arrived for me. What I took away from this book:
1.Acknowledge you have an addiction.
2. Read the book to induce a revelatory experience about that addiction and the illusion of pleasure you get from using digital devices.
3. Acknowledge that your addiction causes you misery, self-flagellation and gobbles up your time.
4. Read the book to the end and miraculously QUIT.
This book is a useful cheerleading strategy, but it honestly ignores the power of dopamine rewards as motivators for human behaviour. Whilst it does discuss Skinner, Pavlov and behavioural bases for conditioned behaviour, I think it overlooks the biochemistry which occurs as a result, and relised too much on our being consciously able to choose to do something and ignore the pleasure hit we get.
I think reading this book along with Dopamine Detox by Thubaut Meurisse or The Power of Habit.
1.Acknowledge you have an addiction.
2. Read the book to induce a revelatory experience about that addiction and the illusion of pleasure you get from using digital devices.
3. Acknowledge that your addiction causes you misery, self-flagellation and gobbles up your time.
4. Read the book to the end and miraculously QUIT.
This book is a useful cheerleading strategy, but it honestly ignores the power of dopamine rewards as motivators for human behaviour. Whilst it does discuss Skinner, Pavlov and behavioural bases for conditioned behaviour, I think it overlooks the biochemistry which occurs as a result, and relised too much on our being consciously able to choose to do something and ignore the pleasure hit we get.
I think reading this book along with Dopamine Detox by Thubaut Meurisse or The Power of Habit.
June 27, 2024
i found this book very repetitive and dramatic… from using words like big/little monster, constantly saying keep reading the book! (as if the reader isn’t reading the book?) or go back to chapter blank if you don’t understand this super simple concept, emphasizing you must read this book through in order a billion times like ya i get that why are you being such a controlling freak in your book lmao, comparing digital addiction to heroin addiction, constantly promoting his “easyway technique” in every other sentence and saying its better than willpower as if its some revolutionary idea which in reality is just really simple tactics that i have already heard of and dont really need to be coined, etc. this book could of been much shorter and more concise as these were extremely basic strategies. the formatting and randomly making the font abnormally big was just ugly. this book honestly just annoyed me at times. eyeopening at times though despite this.
December 19, 2022
It would be a great first book for someone who wants to get free from digital addiction. But as someone who has gone through a lot of books (Digital Minimalism, The Shallows, How to break up with your phone), articles, videos, Ted talks on this topic, I didn't find it anymore different.
There's a lot of repetition to fluff up the simple concept of disabling notifications and deleting social media apps from the phone.
There's a lot of repetition to fluff up the simple concept of disabling notifications and deleting social media apps from the phone.
November 30, 2025
This book has changed the way I look at my phone addiction; it's truly simple and easy using this method.
I have used a previous adaptation of Allen Carr's Easyway to fight off another addiction, and it was using that method (after a second try), that I was able to quit. Allen Carr's "Big Monster" / "Little Monster" analogy is perfect for phone addiction and it absolutely allowed me to quit my social media addiction of constant scrolling and no real satisfaction.
But I feel off-put of by John Dicey's adaptation including such aggressive/egregious criticisms towards video games. His condescending wording makes it seem like video games are made up by men in suits who only want your money, but lacks the discinction between Candy Crush and, say, Mario Cart. One is junk the other I play with my partner and bond greatly over.
It's uncomfortable to ignore throughout the book that I'm aiming to not play an action video game -- much less just a normal video game -- again, while also trying to apply Allen Carr's method to my social media addiction.
I have used a previous adaptation of Allen Carr's Easyway to fight off another addiction, and it was using that method (after a second try), that I was able to quit. Allen Carr's "Big Monster" / "Little Monster" analogy is perfect for phone addiction and it absolutely allowed me to quit my social media addiction of constant scrolling and no real satisfaction.
But I feel off-put of by John Dicey's adaptation including such aggressive/egregious criticisms towards video games. His condescending wording makes it seem like video games are made up by men in suits who only want your money, but lacks the discinction between Candy Crush and, say, Mario Cart. One is junk the other I play with my partner and bond greatly over.
It's uncomfortable to ignore throughout the book that I'm aiming to not play an action video game -- much less just a normal video game -- again, while also trying to apply Allen Carr's method to my social media addiction.
March 25, 2020
I kept reading EasyWay being mentioned throughout the book and kept wondering if it was a program the author was trying to sell.
After reading through the book, I realised it contains practical advice on getting unhooked from your phone. I've already done most of them and I think I can do more.
I'm inspired to further reduce my screen time after this book.
Good read for anyone looking to get started on unhooking themselves from their screens.
After reading through the book, I realised it contains practical advice on getting unhooked from your phone. I've already done most of them and I think I can do more.
I'm inspired to further reduce my screen time after this book.
Good read for anyone looking to get started on unhooking themselves from their screens.
August 3, 2023
I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to use their phone less. The tone can be extreme at times, but uses the same methods as their other programs for smoking and other addictive behaviors (“the Easy way”). I have read/watched other docs on dopamine/social media but this was comprehensive and truly thought provoking on WHY we use our phones so much, and what (if anything) we actually get out of it.
December 18, 2022
Took this book with in audiobook format to the gym and listened to it on car rides.
I greatly enjoyed the material, especially for someone who is addicted to Youtube videos. I mean, I literally watch Youtube videos none-stop because once one video is over with the algorithm already knows that you are going to scroll down and find something and sure enough... what do you find? Another one. It does NOT stop.
You have the power to stop, but it will take a lot. It's been formed into a habit. A habit of addiction like a drug. The same system that keeps sugar going into your mouth where someone sits in a room and studies what the human brain craves. The same program is backed into this entertainment industry and it's crazy how it all works.
At the end of the day, it's up to you. Not up to you reading this book, and not up to the book to make you do anything. If you are wanting to stop, then read this book. But only after you have went a full week without your addiction of apps. Otherwise, you already know that this book will not change your habits. So don't even waste your money or time. But if you can, then please read the book as I think it will help you to keep going.
As an introverted person, for me, Youtube is the only human interaction I have with someone, though we are not talking I feel comfort in seeing someone talk to me about something, whether it be running a marathon or telling me about how they overcame a struggle.
So yes, I still watch Youtube, but this book was pretty good.
I recommend this book even though I'm still addicted. At the end of the day I know it's up to me.
I greatly enjoyed the material, especially for someone who is addicted to Youtube videos. I mean, I literally watch Youtube videos none-stop because once one video is over with the algorithm already knows that you are going to scroll down and find something and sure enough... what do you find? Another one. It does NOT stop.
You have the power to stop, but it will take a lot. It's been formed into a habit. A habit of addiction like a drug. The same system that keeps sugar going into your mouth where someone sits in a room and studies what the human brain craves. The same program is backed into this entertainment industry and it's crazy how it all works.
At the end of the day, it's up to you. Not up to you reading this book, and not up to the book to make you do anything. If you are wanting to stop, then read this book. But only after you have went a full week without your addiction of apps. Otherwise, you already know that this book will not change your habits. So don't even waste your money or time. But if you can, then please read the book as I think it will help you to keep going.
As an introverted person, for me, Youtube is the only human interaction I have with someone, though we are not talking I feel comfort in seeing someone talk to me about something, whether it be running a marathon or telling me about how they overcame a struggle.
So yes, I still watch Youtube, but this book was pretty good.
I recommend this book even though I'm still addicted. At the end of the day I know it's up to me.
April 25, 2022
Recommended by a friend, would not read it again
The first 8 chapters are basically a broken record
It explains that phone addiction starts in the mind, in your thought and your beliefs
Because you believe you're losing out / suffering if you don't check your device
And that you should recondition your mind of the opposite
By first admitting you're currently addicted, defining the excuses you use to keep yourself in etc.
Certainly, it's all true, but it literally was repeated for 8 chapters straight
It could've been summarized in about 15-30 pages.
The rest of the book goes into "practical steps" such as turning off notifications, removing apps and leaving groups etc.
Plus buying an alarm, a clock, a dumb phone and anything else you need so you don't use it (and leave it in a drawer)
This part was much shorter but still, I didn't find much value in it
I'd rather re-read amazing books like atomic habits and tiny habits which are 1000% times better in all areas
The book doesn't give bad advice but It's ceirtainly not the best investment of your time either
**Pro Tips:
- Connect google SMS and WhatsApp Web to your desktop browser so you can use 2-factor
- Use bluestacks so you can install mobile apps such as google-authenticator
- Buy an Mp3 and load some affirmations or some educational videos you can listen to while cooking, showering, exercising etc.
Best to stick with affirmations because you can listen to the same ones 24/7 + reprogram your subconscious mind
The first 8 chapters are basically a broken record
It explains that phone addiction starts in the mind, in your thought and your beliefs
Because you believe you're losing out / suffering if you don't check your device
And that you should recondition your mind of the opposite
By first admitting you're currently addicted, defining the excuses you use to keep yourself in etc.
Certainly, it's all true, but it literally was repeated for 8 chapters straight
It could've been summarized in about 15-30 pages.
The rest of the book goes into "practical steps" such as turning off notifications, removing apps and leaving groups etc.
Plus buying an alarm, a clock, a dumb phone and anything else you need so you don't use it (and leave it in a drawer)
This part was much shorter but still, I didn't find much value in it
I'd rather re-read amazing books like atomic habits and tiny habits which are 1000% times better in all areas
The book doesn't give bad advice but It's ceirtainly not the best investment of your time either
**Pro Tips:
- Connect google SMS and WhatsApp Web to your desktop browser so you can use 2-factor
- Use bluestacks so you can install mobile apps such as google-authenticator
- Buy an Mp3 and load some affirmations or some educational videos you can listen to while cooking, showering, exercising etc.
Best to stick with affirmations because you can listen to the same ones 24/7 + reprogram your subconscious mind
January 2, 2023
This book helped me tremendously. This book makes it clear that you are not endlessly scrolling because you lack willpower or because you are lazier than everyone else, but because social media and other junk apps are successfully making you a smart phone addict. You are scrolling because you hope to find something entertaining and satisfying, but the algorithm is built in a way that you are almost never satisfied with the content, and so you keep scrolling for that occasional dopamine hit. The reason why this book helped me is because it explained the addictive nature of social media, instead of blaming the individual for the lack of willpower. Once you realize that junk apps don’t provide absolutely nothing positive to your life (and that the excitement you feel when using these apps is in fact the anticipation of a dopamine hit that will never come) it gets easier to quit.
Since I cut YouTube and other social media platforms out of my daily life I feel like my days seem to have a couple more hours. I am much more productive and find other, truly satisfying ways to entertain myself instead of staring at a display all day.
On average, a person spends 3 hours a day on their cell phone. That means that the average person spends 1008 hours or 42 days a year staring at their cell phone. (Actually, it is even more than 42 days, because in reality we also need to sleep)
Regardless of whether this book is your way out of the smart phone addiction or not. It is definitely a topic worth thinking and reading more about.
Since I cut YouTube and other social media platforms out of my daily life I feel like my days seem to have a couple more hours. I am much more productive and find other, truly satisfying ways to entertain myself instead of staring at a display all day.
On average, a person spends 3 hours a day on their cell phone. That means that the average person spends 1008 hours or 42 days a year staring at their cell phone. (Actually, it is even more than 42 days, because in reality we also need to sleep)
Regardless of whether this book is your way out of the smart phone addiction or not. It is definitely a topic worth thinking and reading more about.
April 5, 2025
A great book you shouldn't read, unless you are addicted and motivated and ready to change. This book can teach the skill of thinking correctly about your digital use to overcome digital addiction. But like any skill it requires practice. The book is repetitive to hit through that point. It asks you to reread chapters and for me I had to, to succeed.
It worked 100% for me, digital addict for 15 years, and through the work the book guided me through I don't feel I am missing out at all.
The author clearly is against videogames to an, in my eyes excessive degree, but if you like video games, and can put it past him, the core fundamentals of this book helped me a lot. I believe evaluating what is and isn't junk in your digital usage as well as the thought patterns and repetitions worked for me.
Freeing yourself from digital addiction is not because of the book, its because of the thoughts, and lists and reflections you will do for yourself, while the book coaches you. I don't believe you can succeed with the book without reading some chapters 2-3 times. So if you are not ready for that, then skip the book entirely.
Signing up for the gym doesn't make you strong, reading/skimming the book doesn't free you from Digital Addiction. But doing the work, all the work in the order that is listed in the book, freed me wholeheartedly from my addiction and is one of the best things I have ever done.
It worked 100% for me, digital addict for 15 years, and through the work the book guided me through I don't feel I am missing out at all.
The author clearly is against videogames to an, in my eyes excessive degree, but if you like video games, and can put it past him, the core fundamentals of this book helped me a lot. I believe evaluating what is and isn't junk in your digital usage as well as the thought patterns and repetitions worked for me.
Freeing yourself from digital addiction is not because of the book, its because of the thoughts, and lists and reflections you will do for yourself, while the book coaches you. I don't believe you can succeed with the book without reading some chapters 2-3 times. So if you are not ready for that, then skip the book entirely.
Signing up for the gym doesn't make you strong, reading/skimming the book doesn't free you from Digital Addiction. But doing the work, all the work in the order that is listed in the book, freed me wholeheartedly from my addiction and is one of the best things I have ever done.
July 19, 2025
Kept me clean for 5 days (my longest streak!) and then I relapsed. I think the premise of the Easyway method is clever, and i believe it works. Disrupting the habit loop at the reward stage, by persuading the addict to no longer find their vice rewarding at all, rendering the need for will power unnecessary, and breaking the cycle, could work.
The five days in which just the idea of getting on tiktok or character.ai would make me nauseous, were proof this persuasion can work, but one must be careful not to fall into the "just one more" trap.
Also, the personification of addictive instincts as the "Big Monster"(the psychological urge) and "Little Monster"(the physical urge) were also incredibly useful, albeit I would have preferred these ideas to be a bit more fleshed out. The book claims to have, by the end, killed your Big Monster (the psychological, the belief in your head that your addiction bring you joy) and that only the Small Monster remains (the physical cravings, twitching, feeling of emptiness) and that this monster will soon die of starvation.
Of course, proceeding with this metaphor, one can see how an inability to resist the Little Monster, even if the physical withdrawal symptoms aren't that severe, can lead to relapse, and the eventual awakening of the Big Monster. (The strong, resonant belief that one needs their addiction to feel ok/good).
So, when you read this book, keep an open mind and allow the author to persuade you.
The five days in which just the idea of getting on tiktok or character.ai would make me nauseous, were proof this persuasion can work, but one must be careful not to fall into the "just one more" trap.
Also, the personification of addictive instincts as the "Big Monster"(the psychological urge) and "Little Monster"(the physical urge) were also incredibly useful, albeit I would have preferred these ideas to be a bit more fleshed out. The book claims to have, by the end, killed your Big Monster (the psychological, the belief in your head that your addiction bring you joy) and that only the Small Monster remains (the physical cravings, twitching, feeling of emptiness) and that this monster will soon die of starvation.
Of course, proceeding with this metaphor, one can see how an inability to resist the Little Monster, even if the physical withdrawal symptoms aren't that severe, can lead to relapse, and the eventual awakening of the Big Monster. (The strong, resonant belief that one needs their addiction to feel ok/good).
So, when you read this book, keep an open mind and allow the author to persuade you.
November 26, 2023
Rating this 2.5 + 0.5 (for a memorable metaphor that stuck with me) = 3
Im usually not sold by books/videos that promise "do this n things and you will be successful". As I reader, I need a deeper analysis than sensationalist headlines.
Hence the average rating. I learnt some things from this book, but most of it was also not that impressive. However, I'm glad I read this and came across this while I was beating myself up for continuing to scroll reddit after promising to quit.
The most memorable metaphor (I took liberties with the metaphor, explaining it in the way I understood it):
Just because you went back to using your phone after quitting, doesn't have to mean you relapsed.
Imagine you have moved house, and you drove back to the old parking space near your old house unconsciously/when you were distracted. This doesn't mean you miss the old parking space or made some grave error. This also doesn't mean you're incapable of change, or that you need to move back to the old house!!
It just takes time for your brain to rewire and create new habits and rewrite over the old habitual path that you used to take daily after work. You can be just as happy and fulfilled at your new house.
Just acknowledge, and move on with the complete faith that yes, you have quit and it is behind you.
Im usually not sold by books/videos that promise "do this n things and you will be successful". As I reader, I need a deeper analysis than sensationalist headlines.
Hence the average rating. I learnt some things from this book, but most of it was also not that impressive. However, I'm glad I read this and came across this while I was beating myself up for continuing to scroll reddit after promising to quit.
The most memorable metaphor (I took liberties with the metaphor, explaining it in the way I understood it):
Just because you went back to using your phone after quitting, doesn't have to mean you relapsed.
Imagine you have moved house, and you drove back to the old parking space near your old house unconsciously/when you were distracted. This doesn't mean you miss the old parking space or made some grave error. This also doesn't mean you're incapable of change, or that you need to move back to the old house!!
It just takes time for your brain to rewire and create new habits and rewrite over the old habitual path that you used to take daily after work. You can be just as happy and fulfilled at your new house.
Just acknowledge, and move on with the complete faith that yes, you have quit and it is behind you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
[I read the french version of this book]
Interesting passages about certain behaviors (repeated approximately 45 times each, the man had to fill up these pages).
However, the closer you get to the end of the book, the more moralistic the tone becomes.
Personally, I stopped at "Video games, really? Are you a child?" (around the end of chapter 11 if I remember correctly).
Yes, video game abuse isn't healthy, that's obvious, but I don't think it's an activity that's reserved for children, this contempt is unnecessary in a book that says from the start that the aim isn't to moralize. Especially since his hatred for video games is so clear from the beginning of the book.
Online activities (video games, social media, etc.) can still be enjoyed with healthy use, but I don't think that total cessation is necessary either, and I wrongly thought that was precisely the aim of this book and its method: to help us adopt more measured behaviors in the face of technologies of all kinds, so that we can continue to use them more serenely.
I also find it terribly long, waiting for 3 quarters of the book to get to the point. There's a lot of "with the simple method you'll be able to/you'll see/you'll learn", etc., etc. A lot of future tense, but when do we actually get to the point?
Interesting passages about certain behaviors (repeated approximately 45 times each, the man had to fill up these pages).
However, the closer you get to the end of the book, the more moralistic the tone becomes.
Personally, I stopped at "Video games, really? Are you a child?" (around the end of chapter 11 if I remember correctly).
Yes, video game abuse isn't healthy, that's obvious, but I don't think it's an activity that's reserved for children, this contempt is unnecessary in a book that says from the start that the aim isn't to moralize. Especially since his hatred for video games is so clear from the beginning of the book.
Online activities (video games, social media, etc.) can still be enjoyed with healthy use, but I don't think that total cessation is necessary either, and I wrongly thought that was precisely the aim of this book and its method: to help us adopt more measured behaviors in the face of technologies of all kinds, so that we can continue to use them more serenely.
I also find it terribly long, waiting for 3 quarters of the book to get to the point. There's a lot of "with the simple method you'll be able to/you'll see/you'll learn", etc., etc. A lot of future tense, but when do we actually get to the point?
December 21, 2025
This book has given me my life back.
The other reviewers aren't wrong in that it's repetitive and a bit of a slog, compared with books written by Allen Carr before he died.
But it works. Upon finishing the book my phone use has gone from up to 10, yes 10, hours a day to less than an hour. And social media use is almost nonexistent. I have no desire to scroll. And when I've opened Instagram or Tiktok out of muscle memory I quickly realise I don't want to scroll and close it.
15 years of my life I've lost to digital addiction. Countless, countless hours consuming junk content. Feeling dissatisfied and frustrated with myself. Feeling stuck and like I didn't have time to do anything with my life.
In the week since reading this book I set up a small business online. I've been more present with my young child. I've watched TV without simultaneously being on my phone. I've gone to bed without scrolling for 2 hours first. I've put my phone down and forgotten about it for hours at a time. My phone is once again a tool, not something that uses me.
I don't even care how it works. It's incredible. I feel alive again in a way I haven't since before smartphones existed.
Give it a go, you have nothing to lose.
The other reviewers aren't wrong in that it's repetitive and a bit of a slog, compared with books written by Allen Carr before he died.
But it works. Upon finishing the book my phone use has gone from up to 10, yes 10, hours a day to less than an hour. And social media use is almost nonexistent. I have no desire to scroll. And when I've opened Instagram or Tiktok out of muscle memory I quickly realise I don't want to scroll and close it.
15 years of my life I've lost to digital addiction. Countless, countless hours consuming junk content. Feeling dissatisfied and frustrated with myself. Feeling stuck and like I didn't have time to do anything with my life.
In the week since reading this book I set up a small business online. I've been more present with my young child. I've watched TV without simultaneously being on my phone. I've gone to bed without scrolling for 2 hours first. I've put my phone down and forgotten about it for hours at a time. My phone is once again a tool, not something that uses me.
I don't even care how it works. It's incredible. I feel alive again in a way I haven't since before smartphones existed.
Give it a go, you have nothing to lose.
June 19, 2019
As someone who uses their phone and social media more than they are comfortable with, this was an interesting read. I've previously read other Allen Carr "Easyway" books, so some of the content and style was familiar to me. The books do tend to come across as repetitive, but this is deliberate as they are trying to undo and overwrite the brainwashing you've previously been subjected to. This particular book was interesting, as unlike the books on smoking or alcohol, it was acknowledged that there are undoubtedly benefits to technology. Although some of the strategies were obvious, like turning off notifications, unfollowing people you don't really need to follow, and deleting apps, it was still helpful to have the prompts to go ahead and do this. Having finished the book I definitely do have less of a desire to pick up and check my phone and feel more at peace leaving it in a different room. Time will tell how long it lasts for!
Thanks for Netgalley and Arcturus Publishing for the advanced digital copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Thanks for Netgalley and Arcturus Publishing for the advanced digital copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 29, 2021
Carr and Dicey's Easyway method while not appearing remarkable or revolutionary, wears a sort of simplicity that serves helpful. The thrust of the book is revelation, showing us the false promises of "Big Digital" (smartphone app designers of various sorts e.g. online gaming, social media, communication channels, email) that somehow trick us into thinking we are free, but are actually enticing us even more. A popular and relatable one is FOMO - an acronym which does not need elaboration due to its certain familiarity - and coupled with the enormous inflow of information in this age, has hooked smartphone users like rats to a cage. In this world more and more demanding of our attention, such resources are much needed and appreciated. I only give it 4 stars out of 5 for a lack of empirical evidence or testimonies to support certain points, albeit the ones that were included - such as people willing to get an electric shock of a known degree of pain instead of doing nothing in boredom - are rather telling of the human condition.
December 26, 2023
The Allen Carr (AC) Easyway method has all the red flags of a snake oil product. It says, “You read this book just once and you’ll never smoke again. And it’ll be easy!”
People who’ve had smoking addictions for decades, having tried every method under the sun, read the Allen Carr Easyway Method to Stop Smoking just once and purportedly never look back. According to AC, the Easyway method also works for quitting every other addiction too - alcoholism, gambling, sugar, and digital addiction. No 12-step. No cravings. No support group. No willpower. Just a couple of measly hours.
If there ever was a ‘too good to be true’, this Easyway method definitely fits the description. It has to be just one giant marketing scam. Right? Well, I’ve come to think otherwise for a couple reasons: 1) CBT-like, well founded principles underlying the method 2) copious amount of testimonials (far too many for all to have been faked) 3) scientific literature - observational trials and RCT’s.
CONT @ https://alitheiablog.substack.com/p/t...
People who’ve had smoking addictions for decades, having tried every method under the sun, read the Allen Carr Easyway Method to Stop Smoking just once and purportedly never look back. According to AC, the Easyway method also works for quitting every other addiction too - alcoholism, gambling, sugar, and digital addiction. No 12-step. No cravings. No support group. No willpower. Just a couple of measly hours.
If there ever was a ‘too good to be true’, this Easyway method definitely fits the description. It has to be just one giant marketing scam. Right? Well, I’ve come to think otherwise for a couple reasons: 1) CBT-like, well founded principles underlying the method 2) copious amount of testimonials (far too many for all to have been faked) 3) scientific literature - observational trials and RCT’s.
CONT @ https://alitheiablog.substack.com/p/t...
July 21, 2024
Bloated, but well-intentioned, this book stretches out it's premise significantly. If there was ever a perfect candidate for Blinkist, this is it.
The first half of the book focuses on convincing you that you are addicted to your phone, which may not be such a hard sell if you've picked up the book in the first place. The second half of the book stretches out the why and how to stop being addicted to your phone. The advice is helpful, but not groundbreaking. It includes things like...
Turn off notifications
Don't use your phone an hour before bed
Delete "junk" apps that waste your time
etc.
Key points are repeated again and again, which is annoying, but one point I *did* appreciate is the acknowledgement that the dopamine hit we get from phones and apps don't make us truly happy. Rather, they simply reduce the emptiness and void we feel after using the app last time. The app itself causes the very feeling and situation we're trying to address, perpetuating the very cycle that we become stuck in.
The first half of the book focuses on convincing you that you are addicted to your phone, which may not be such a hard sell if you've picked up the book in the first place. The second half of the book stretches out the why and how to stop being addicted to your phone. The advice is helpful, but not groundbreaking. It includes things like...
Turn off notifications
Don't use your phone an hour before bed
Delete "junk" apps that waste your time
etc.
Key points are repeated again and again, which is annoying, but one point I *did* appreciate is the acknowledgement that the dopamine hit we get from phones and apps don't make us truly happy. Rather, they simply reduce the emptiness and void we feel after using the app last time. The app itself causes the very feeling and situation we're trying to address, perpetuating the very cycle that we become stuck in.
November 6, 2025
This is one of those books that will definitely rub you in the wrong way if you let it. It is not a literary wonder and for that matter it doesn't exist to impress you in that manner. There are so many things that are wrong with it - too much repetition, beating around the bush to the point that it becomes obnoxious and a dogmatic take on online games.
However, there is still value to be found beyond all that fluff. Allen Carr's Smartphone Dumbphone exists to help you with your digital addiction. In that department it "works" as it is supposed to. The revelation that you have complete control over your digital addiction and it is just a matter of a perspective change can really be the words of comfort that someone struggling from this addiction needs. My honest suggestion is that if you are aggravated by digital addiction pick this book and read along with an open mind. I am sure you will take away some solid advices. If nothing else it will help you be more optimistic about you struggle with digital addiction and even help you beat it altogether.
However, there is still value to be found beyond all that fluff. Allen Carr's Smartphone Dumbphone exists to help you with your digital addiction. In that department it "works" as it is supposed to. The revelation that you have complete control over your digital addiction and it is just a matter of a perspective change can really be the words of comfort that someone struggling from this addiction needs. My honest suggestion is that if you are aggravated by digital addiction pick this book and read along with an open mind. I am sure you will take away some solid advices. If nothing else it will help you be more optimistic about you struggle with digital addiction and even help you beat it altogether.
May 26, 2024
This will work for some people, it has a certain style, and clearly defined steps that promise to free you from smartphone addiction.
I certainly reduced my use, seeing it in a new light, but I did not stick with it as I had hoped.
I characterize my phone addiction as a 'weak' addiction, more a habit, the best way is to remove the thing and you find you don't really miss it - i'd already left social media, but found my phone use did not really decline, it just shifted.
One of the main strategies here is that it's not a sacrifice, it's a shift from dependancy and dopamine hits to using it as a tool - when and how you need for a purpose.
I wanted to use it less around my kids, I'm slipping back into bad habits, but as mentioned for these dedicated and receptive the message here will work.
I certainly reduced my use, seeing it in a new light, but I did not stick with it as I had hoped.
I characterize my phone addiction as a 'weak' addiction, more a habit, the best way is to remove the thing and you find you don't really miss it - i'd already left social media, but found my phone use did not really decline, it just shifted.
One of the main strategies here is that it's not a sacrifice, it's a shift from dependancy and dopamine hits to using it as a tool - when and how you need for a purpose.
I wanted to use it less around my kids, I'm slipping back into bad habits, but as mentioned for these dedicated and receptive the message here will work.
December 22, 2023
Like others, my main problem with this book was how repetitive it was because it sounded like the author was just trying to market the Easyway method to you. I think this was done because the author wanted the steps to stick in your mind to undo the "brainwashing" that the digital addiction has done so that the why and how sticks with you, but it made it a little annoying to read.
The author also presented a one-sided view of online communication that I think deserves a more nuanced discussion. Online platforms are how people stay in touch and you can miss out on a lot of what is happening with family, friends, groups, events, and become more isolated if you are not careful.
Overall, I enjoyed the discussion on addiction and the steps to overcome it if you want to.
The author also presented a one-sided view of online communication that I think deserves a more nuanced discussion. Online platforms are how people stay in touch and you can miss out on a lot of what is happening with family, friends, groups, events, and become more isolated if you are not careful.
Overall, I enjoyed the discussion on addiction and the steps to overcome it if you want to.
January 20, 2023
A convincing book that helps you cut down on social media immediately. It’s a bit weird because you have to endure a lot of repetition and reinforcement in order to get the point across, but at least for me, the effect was immediate. I realized that some of my online usage was making me miserable and detached from my real life and it was suddenly unappealing. I plan on revisiting this from time to time in order to remind myself of how little value there is tone has in hours of miserable scrolling.
It’s a bit of a guru style book, but if you struggle with phone addiction and have trouble controlling yourself, I would say reading this book is worth a try!
It’s a bit of a guru style book, but if you struggle with phone addiction and have trouble controlling yourself, I would say reading this book is worth a try!
November 17, 2021
This book is written like a sales pitch. Every chapter alludes to "you'll figure it out once you get on the Easy Way"! My take-away is that they say you have been "brainwashed" into thinking that social media has something good for you and to tell yourself that unless you have a specific purpose for opening those apps (like contacting someone or posting something important), all there is for you is addiction.
Probably the process of brainwashing yourself through repeated readings of the same words from this book is helpful by itself.
Probably the process of brainwashing yourself through repeated readings of the same words from this book is helpful by itself.
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