How to avoid using your devices too much during the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has had us glued to our screens, but there are easy ways to reach a better balance, says Becca Caddy

By Becca Caddy

IN RECENT years, many of us have made concerted efforts to reduce the amount of time we spend using our devices. A 2019 study found that one in four people had made changes to how they use their tech by deleting apps, reducing notifications and consciously cutting down the time they spend on social networks. Then the coronavirus pandemic happened – and for many, such practices went out the window.

In one survey, 46 per cent of people said they had increased their smartphone use throughout 2020. According to another, internet users in the UK spent an average of …