Crafts to Combat Phone Addiction

Dear community,
several newspapers and online magazines are currently reporting on the trend toward crafts as a way to counteract cell phone addiction or constant cell phone use. So here’s my question for you: Does it actually help? Do you spend less time on your phone when you’re working on a craft project?

Mod tip: You can find some great patterns to help take your mind off your phone here. Have fun with them. 

Handarbeiten ist mir eindeutig lieber als das Handy, da verbringe ich gar nicht so viel Zeit mit.
Freunde und Familie sind ziemlich verstreut, da ist der bebilderte Kontakt per WhatsAppp ganz schön um öfter voneinander zu hören und zu sehen, aber ansonsten ist mir da alles ziemlich wurscht.
Wenn man Berichten im TV glauben darf, dann ist das auch eher ein Problem der sehr viel jüngeren, und ob die gerne handarbeiten? Keine Ahnung.

Yes, I think crafts help here, too.

When I’m crocheting, I can’t be on my phone. If I’m engrossed in my pattern and enjoying my craft, my phone might beep and I still won’t answer it.

Definitely positive for reducing phone time.

Dear Petra,
I feel the same way you do: I don’t have a cell phone either. But that gives me more time for crafts and reading. It feels wonderful—especially because you’re not always reachable, no matter where you are.
Best wishes, Sigrid

That’s definitely true for me. In the evenings, I have to consciously put my phone on the (far-away) charging station; otherwise, I’m constantly distracted by it.
Since I have a fairly short attention span due to an illness and like to see progress, I prefer working with small pieces rather than large ones, and with colorful yarn rather than solid colors. But it helps me. 

I have a cell phone, but it sits on the table all day and I hardly ever use it. When I’m out and about, it’s in my pants pocket. For me, the cell phone is meant for emergencies and not for “fiddling around” on it all day. What’s important to me is being reachable for family and such—nothing more.

Ich habe ein Handy.
Schreibe derzeit mit der Nadelspitzegruppe per Whats App. Haben die Grupp nach dem Kurs vor Ort angelegt.
Da ist es recht praktisch, weil alle ja unterschiedlich Zeit dafür haben. Bei Fragen oder für Fotos mit dem Fortschitt der Werke. Und die Kursleiterin gibt immer sehr schnell Antwort bei Problemen oder Fragen.
Dafür finde ich ein Handy super.

Aber ansonsten ist es nur für Kalender oder für notwendige Komunikaton mit der Familie da. 
Wenn ich zuhause bin, liegt es am Tisch auf der Seite. An manchen Tagen sogar auf lautlos.

Es ist praktisch, bestimmt aber nicht mein Leben.
Da kann mir dann eher bei einer schönen Handarbeit oder einem spannenden Buch passieren😁😁😁

Bin zwar schon älter, aber leider doch sehr viel am Handy. Bilder und Videos von Gehäkeltem ist mein 3. Hobby, neben Häkeln selbst und Wolle sammeln 😅
Wenn es nicht in der Nähe ist, vermisse ich es garantiert nach ein paar Minuten, um etwas nachzusehen (Kalender, Uhrzeit oder oder ...)
Nur wenn ich etwas Neues (Häkelmuster) entwerfe und Rumtüffteln muss, ist es wirklich aus dem Sinn. Sprich: wenn ich voll konzentriert bin. Leider, anders wäre mir auch lieber.
Befürchte, das ist auch irgendwie eine Sucht.

Viele schöne Häkelstunden ohne Handy wünsche ich euch. 
Liebe Grüße Karoline 

I feel the same way as Karo.
I’m 55 and, due to an illness, I spend a lot of time on my phone.
My tired muscles can’t handle doing crafts for too long.
And yes, I find myself reaching for it constantly—it’s bad.
But I don’t have any other social contacts since I have to live in isolation.

Collecting projects on a digital pinboard brings me a lot of joy and serves as inspiration. 

 

For me, this is absolutely true.
I’m in the 35–40 age group and spend way too much time on my phone in the evenings. After a stressful day juggling work, kids, household chores, and whatever else needs doing, I’m just glad when I can finally sit on the couch without anyone wanting something from me.
This often leads to me getting completely sucked into YouTube, following the pattern: just one more Short... And just like that, two hours are gone. 
But when I pull out my knitting or crochet project, I listen to an audiobook while I work, following the same motto: just one more row... [I’m sure you know the feeling ;-) ]
So it’s the same behavior as with YouTube Shorts, but I actually get something done.
My mind can still unwind, and I feel just as relaxed as if I’d spent the time on my phone, only with the good feeling of having accomplished something.

Bottom line: Especially for those who quickly get sucked into their phones, crafts are a totally brilliant alternative! 

I spend a lot of time on my phone, tablet, or laptop. However, I also use it a lot for studying or as a replacement for a notepad. Since my daily schedule is often pretty packed, I also use it to keep in touch with various people via messaging apps. Plus, I “just happened” to found a support group—originally a parents’ group—12 years ago, which requires a lot of attention from time to time. These days, my phone is almost always on silent. My watch is synced, and I can tell at a glance whether something needs to be checked right away (school stuff, family) or not. If I’m waiting somewhere while out and about, I’ll be on my phone if I’ve forgotten my craft project. 
I rarely waste time on YouTube or Pinterest. Mostly when I’m feeling under the weather or during pockets of time that can’t be put to good use. Every now and then, a game captures my attention. I delete it immediately if I find myself spending too much time on it.