Do you know the difference between what you need your phone for and what you want it for?
You've made it to Day 7! It's the final day of the course, and we’re focusing on one of the most important steps: understanding the difference between needs and wants when it comes to phone use.
Phones are amazing tools that serve many purposes, but it’s important to know when you’re using them for things you truly need—like work, communication, or navigation—and when you’re using them out of habit or for entertainment. Both are valid, but being able to differentiate between the two can help you create healthier screen time habits.
Make two lists: one for things you need your phone for, and another for things you want your phone for. Your “needs” might include things like checking work emails, responding to important messages, or using maps for directions. Your “wants” could include scrolling social media, watching videos, or playing games.
Once you’ve made your lists, take a few minutes to reflect on them. How do these needs and wants align with your goals and values? Are there any changes you’d like to make in how you prioritize your phone use?
Reflect on your lists and think about how you can use your phone more intentionally going forward. What balance do you want to strike between using your phone for things you need and things you want? How can you ensure that your phone supports your life, rather than distracting from it?
Comment with one thing from your “needs” list and one thing from your “wants” list. How do you plan to balance the two moving forward?
