‘I feel I’m addicted’: readers on their relationships with their phones

‘When I use it to stave off boredom, it feels so hollow because I’ve already tended to all the essential and enjoyable aspects of it.’ Illustration: Ben Hickey/The Guardian

Doomscrolling, mindlessly cycling through apps and feeling an urge to check your phone – does this sound familiar?

If so, you’re far from alone. Many smartphone users have difficult relationships with their screen time, a wide-ranging Guardian project has found, with many recognising they are unhappy with their dependence on their cellphone but feeling unable to cut down their use.