When smartphones and constant connectivity have become integral parts of our lives, maintaining focus and productivity can be challenging.
Many of us are victims to the temptation of our vibrant screens, where notifications, social media, and mobile games continually compete for our focus. However, there's a simple yet effective solution that can help you break your phone addiction: switching your phone to grayscale mode.
According to Tristan Harris, a former Google design ethicist and the founder of the Center for Humane Technology, making this change can make your phone "less fun to use" and diminish the urge to engage in mindless scrolling on social media or mobile gaming. Let's see how it works!
The Psychology of Color and Distraction
Before we explore how to switch your iPhone to grayscale, it's essential to understand why this change can be so effective.
Human brains are wired to respond to colors, and app designers and marketers exploit this fact to capture our attention. Vibrant hues and vivid imagery are often used to make apps and content more appealing. This visual appeal triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, which keeps us coming back for more.
By transitioning your phone's display to grayscale, you're essentially stripping it of the visual triggers that make apps and content so enticing. The lack of color decreases the emotional pull of your phone, making it less engaging and thus reducing the temptation to engage in time-wasting activities.
How to Switch Your iPhone to Grayscale Mode
Now that you understand the psychological of this technique, let's get practical. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to switch your iPhone to grayscale mode:
1️⃣ Part 1: How to switch your iPhone to black and white
Open the "Settings" on your iPhone.
Scroll down and select "Accessibility."
In the "Accessibility" menu, tap on "Display & Text Size" under the "Vision" section.
Scroll down to find "Color Filters" and tap on it.
In the "Color Filters" menu, toggle the switch to activate them.
Now, you can choose "Grayscale" from the available options to switch your iPhone to black and white mode.
With these simple steps, you've successfully transformed your iPhone's display to grayscale. Now let’s apply this grayscale mode only when you need to.
2️⃣ Part 2: How to create a shortcut for easy activation
If you want the flexibility to switch between color and grayscale mode at your convenience, you can create a shortcut using the "Accessibility Shortcut" feature. Here's how to do it:
Open the "Settings" on your iPhone.
Scroll down to the bottom and select "Accessibility."
In the "Accessibility" menu, find and tap on "Accessibility Shortcut."
In the "Accessibility Shortcut" menu, choose "Color Filters."
Now, to easily toggle between color and grayscale mode, you can press the lock button on your iPhone three times.
Why is this so Important to use Greyscale?
Transitioning to grayscale mode on your iPhone can have a profound impact on your daily life and productivity. Here are 4 of the main benefits.
🍭 Reduced Distractions
As mentioned earlier, grayscale mode makes your phone less enticing, reducing distractions from colorful app icons and content. This, in turn, helps you concentrate better on your tasks.
💤 Enhanced Sleep Quality
Using grayscale mode in the evening can reduce the blue light emitted by your screen, which is known to interfere with sleep. This adjustment can help you get a better night's rest.
🔎 A Focus on Content Over Appearance
Switching your phone to grayscale shifts the balance. When colors are removed, you're left with content that must stand on its own merits. The focus returns to the quality of information and the value it provides, rather than how it's presented.
📉 Reduce Screen Time (Without Hassle)
By reducing the visual appeal of these platforms, you're less likely to get sucked into the endless scroll or the captivating loop of auto-play videos. Your attention span is better preserved, allowing you to concentrate on the tasks that matter most.
Go further with App Blocking & Simple Tricks
Sometimes simply disable notifications isn’t enough and we need an extra help to be more focused.
🧹 (Re)Organize Your Home Screen
Arrange your apps on your home screen strategically. Place productivity apps and essential tools front and center, while moving time-wasting apps to less accessible locations. On iPhone you can remove them totally from your home screen and make them accessible only from Spotlight search.
🔒 App blocker and Screen Time Management Tools
Sometimes, simply turning off colors isn't sufficient, and we may require a little help. For this, you can download an app blocker that will allow you to block the apps of your choice for as long as you need. The most complete tool for iPhone is Jomo, available for free on the App Store.
With Jomo, you can block apps for specific time slots or set time limits on your most distracting apps. Additionally, you can link a blocking session to a concentration mode, and we'll provide more details about this in the following article.
In a world filled with digital distractions, taking control of your screen time is essential for enhanced productivity and overall well-being. Going grayscale on your iPhone is a simple yet powerful way to achieve this. By reducing the visual appeal of your device, you can regain control of your time and attention, ultimately leading to a more focused and productive life.
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