🚩 Guide
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Jul 11, 2024
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3 min read
You've just realized that you probably spend more than a third of your waking day on your phone, and it's a shock. Panic sets in, and you want to change that immediately. But how? Where do you start?
If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place! We'll introduce you to two simple methods to track your screen time, so you can make informed decisions and potentially reduce it.
Screen Time on iPhone
One of the most well-known tools, which comes pre-installed on every iPhone, is "Screen Time." Introduced in 2018, Screen Time was Apple's response to address the impact of third-party apps on users' screen habits.
"iPhone and iPad are some of the most powerful tools ever created,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s vice president of software engineering. “But our apps beg us to use our phones when we really should be doing something else. They send us flurries of notifications trying to draw us in for fear of missing out. We may not even recognize how distracted we’ve become.” — From Wired
The thing is, Screen Time can feel a bit rudimentary. When compared to Apple Health and the quality of its data, Screen Time leaves much to be desired. It provides raw data with no analysis, making it difficult to determine if you're spending "too much time" or if "you're doing fine." It also lumps all phone usage together, which isn't always accurate. For instance, using your GPS is counted as screen time even though you're not actively engaging with your phone. This can be frustrating.
Jomo: Better Screen Time, Made Easy
That's why we created Jomo. We wanted to give people a more accurate view of their phone usage, but also to raise awareness without being alarmist or preachy. Here’s what we’ve designed for you:
❌ Exclude Certain Apps
On Jomo, you can choose to exclude certain apps from your screen time if you feel they shouldn't count. Think GPS, banking apps, notes, or the calculator. There's no need to count these apps, and they clutter your data. Simply go to the 🎛️ icon (top right) > Excluded Apps. Then, select the apps you want to exclude and confirm.
✏️ Journaling: A View by Activities
It can be frustrating to only see a breakdown of time spent on apps without understanding what you did or what the app contributed versus the time you spent. That’s why we introduced "Journaling" in spring 2023. For each app, you can add a sentiment (this app made me feel…) and one or more activities. Complete your journaling for the day and then click "Activities," next to "Apps," to see what you did rather than just the apps you used. This way, you’ll understand why you’re really using your phone!
🌎 Compare to the National Average
When looking for a "good screen time" to aim for, statistics vary depending on where you live. This makes it hard to know if you're average or overdoing it. Jomo shows you your position relative to your national average, allowing you to see at a glance if you use your phone more than the average resident. This healthy comparison helps you understand your habits better.
🤙 Squads: Compare with Friends
On Jomo, you can create or join a Squad—a private group where you share your screen time. The goal is positive competition. Together, you commit to reducing your screen time. Aim to win the week by having the least screen time!
🔒 A Way to Track and Act
We didn’t just want to provide an improved view of your screen time; we also wanted to offer concrete solutions. That's why we implemented a system of blocking rules. First, raise awareness of your usage, and then find the solution that works for you!
Jomo is available for free on iPad, iPhone, and Mac. Feel free to try it out. If you find it lacking features or have questions, contact us directly through Profile > 💬 > Chat with us. We read every message!
