Battling social media addiction while working in music

New tech helps artists break social media addiction cycles.

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Battling social media addiction while working in music

Physical barriers might be the key to reducing mindless scrolling.

Why it matters

Working in music means working with social media. Platforms use gamification tactics that make them extremely difficult to avoid, and most people in the entertainment industry have developed some level of social media addiction. The challenge becomes: how can music professionals battle this addiction while still managing their essential social media accounts?

Generated with GPT-4o using the prompt ‘bouncer placing a large sticker over ravers’ smartphone’.

How it works

Social media addiction stems from gamified algorithms that favour content that retains users in the app, resulting in dopamine hits.

I have been struggling with social media addiction for years, especially on my smartphone. The main issues include difficulty in avoiding social media when picking up my phone and trouble closing apps once they are opened.

Traditional solutions often prove ineffective. Screen time limits and auto-setting screens to greyscale colours haven't worked. The goal is to reclaim time spent mindlessly scrolling through endless timelines.

After trying several unsuccessful approaches, I have found one solution that finally works for me:

• I use an app blocker that requires tapping a physical NFC tag to access blocked social media apps.

• I placed the NFC device in the kitchen, with one device kept in a bag when at the office or travelling.

• The requirement to stand up and walk to untap the app blockades prevents me from using social media impulsively.

• When untapping, I choose a time limit (3, 7, or 15 minutes, or custom duration). Apps automatically block again after the chosen period expires.

I found two brands that currently offer this solution:

• I’m using Tap Out, a European company based in Amsterdam, which features a timer that automatically re-blocks apps.

• Brick is a US-based startup. They essentially function similarly to Tap Out, but lack certain features, such as the auto-blocking timer. I haven’t tested Brick.

Yes, but..

With this approach, I successfully reduced my social media usage. It created an immediate feeling of being less addicted. However, it also creates a sense of missing out on artist, industry, and community updates. Finding the right balance remains an ongoing challenge.

Paradoxically, both Brick and Tap Out acquire customers through social media advertising, investing in the very platforms they help users avoid. While counterintuitive, this makes marketing sense from their perspective.

Take action now

Artists interested in reclaiming their time spent on social media consuming content can start by using screen time apps to monitor the time they spend using TikTok and Instagram.

Your thoughts

Have you tried methods to reduce your social media usage? We look forward to your experiences. Please share them in the comments below.

Full disclaimer

The mentioned applications are not sponsoring this newsletter, though advertising requests are welcome.

Further reading

• We’re addicted to our phones. This is my experiment to break free. (Calm & Fluffy)

• How to stop being so phone addicted (without self-discipline or meditation) (Search Engine)

• Reset algorithms to break free from content bubbles (The Fanbase Builder)

• How artists contribute to social media addictions (The Fanbase Builder)

• Artists fuel social media addictions (The Fanbase Builder)