Does this ring a bell?
If your phone contains thousands of photos and you have to swipe to find the one you want, or you don't feel comfortable deleting even unread emails, your phone storage is always full. If so, you may be a digital hoarder.
Hoarding disorder — Often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, symptoms include: Affects approximately 2.5% of Americans — Defined as a persistent problem in parting with possessions, even when the possessions have little or no value.
Digital hoarding is characterized by the accumulation of too many digital files, such as emails, photos, texts, and memes. Smartphone users can become attached to their computer data and have trouble organizing or deleting it, causing stress and anxiety.
“It has to do with the fear of needing this information at some point in the future, but not having access to it or knowing where to find it,” said UCLA David School of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. says clinical professor Dr. Emmanuel Meidenberg. geffen medical school, he told CNN last week..
So how do you know if there's a problem? Researchers have identified 4 types of digital hoarders.
The first is a “collector” that has a well-organized file system and is not easily overwhelmed.
Next are the “incidental savers” who do not intend to store unnecessary data but do not know how to manage it.
There are also “storers by directive'' who store data on behalf of a company and have no personal connection, and “anxious storers'' who store information emotionally in case they need it later. Masu.
Experts gave CNN three tips for managing and eliminating digital clutter from your life.
Limit unnecessary information
What recent research has revealed The average smartphone user has about 80 apps installed on their phone, but only uses about 30 apps a month.
Delete apps you don't use, unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and notifications, and clear your inbox of unread or unimportant emails.
Set digital limits to maintain mental health
average american It takes approximately 7 hours Online every day.
Reducing your email and social media use and scheduling a “digital detox” day will reduce stress, improve your focus, and even improve your sleep quality.
Clean up a little bit every day
Dr. Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, recommends taking a few minutes each morning to delete emails, messages, and other notifications. Keeping only what is absolutely necessary can help digital hoarders feel less overwhelmed.
“We're all dealing with digital disruption more than we realize,” Albers told CNN. It represents our productivity and overall sense of well-being. ”
