The Norwegian Data Protection Authority warned this week that excessive social media use has reached levels where users risk losing control over their daily routines. Research from the University of Oslo shows that 62% of adults aged 18-34 spend more than two hours daily on news feeds, often without realizing how much time has passed. This pattern aligns with global trends where platforms prioritize engagement algorithms that keep users scrolling.
Psychologist Dr. Erik Solberg, who studies digital behavior at the University of Bergen, said the brain’s reward system gets overstimulated by constant updates. "When notifications trigger dopamine releases, the urge to check becomes compulsive," he explained. "Apps designed to replace doomscrolling must offer clear alternatives, not just another distraction."
Several tools have emerged recently to help users regain focus. Freedom blocks access to selected websites across devices, while Forest gamifies productivity by growing virtual trees when users stay off their phones. StayFocusd limits time on specific sites, and Cold Turkey enforces strict schedules by locking users out entirely after set limits.
A 2025 survey by the Norwegian Consumer Council found that 41% of users who installed these tools reduced their daily screen time by at least 90 minutes within two weeks. The most effective apps combine blocking features with positive reinforcement, such as rewarding users with points for offline activities.
Experts recommend pairing app restrictions with offline habits. Solberg suggests setting phone-free periods, like during meals or before bed. "The goal isn’t to eliminate screen time but to make it intentional," he said.
Source: techcrunch.com