Who said you should spend a portion of your life not enjoying it? Engaging in a problematic behavior is sometimes enjoyable in the short-term, and usually not in the long. In my dopamine fasting 2.0 approach, I share suggestions of what to do during that time that is deeply satisfying:
"You don't need to “do nothing” or meditate during a dopamine fast (unless you’d like to). Just engage in regular activities that reflect your values:
It's on the upper end of estimates I've seen. Other sources say 2-2.5 hours of social media for the average American. It think it's because that source used all kinds of different media sources like radio. That definitely increases my "screentime" hours when I leave Spotify/YouTube music on my phone.
Shame on you for making baseless accusations while hiding behind your pseudoynm. If you have an issue with CBT for behavioral addictions, then criticize the approach, not make ad hominem personal attacks.
For the record, I have all my clients call me Cam and only use the honorific online and when being introduced to speak. Step up and tell us your name, instead of being an anonymous coward.
Read my original guide: "This is not to demonize dopamine; it’s an important brain chemical, and people who are low in it (whether naturally or by taking antipsychotic medications) can be lethargic and anhedonic (taking little interest of pleasure in things). Also, properly-prescribed dopaminergic medications can help people with ADHD & Parkinson's improve their ability to focus and regulate their behavior. Rather, my point is that we may be getting too much of a good thing, especially when dopamine reinforces behaviors that are out of line with our values."
The 17% reduction in depression was statistically significant. Healthy daily activities was p = 0.057. I agree it's not the be-all & end-all study, but its promising.
The original sin of the controversial title is what made it go viral, so it's the price to pay to get it to help more people.