Mechanics
How platforms shape behavior
Objective‑based optimization, behavioral modeling, and user‑level prediction — in plain English.
Read articleCommunity-first. Judgment-free. Evidence-informed.
Take back your attention.
Digital Detox Collective helps you quit phone addiction and rebuild your life with local circles, 7‑day resets, and a community that actually shows up IRL.
Answer three quick questions to get a tailored first step.
7
days to your first reset
3
questions in the checkup
1
community that cares
Reset. Rebuild. Reconnect.
Our approach is shaped by your docs: clear stories, practical steps, and an eye for manipulation — without shame.
1Reset
7‑day plan to break loops: remove triggers, swap habits, and stop “emotional gambling.”
- Set up your phone for calm
- Block the worst culprits (for now)
- Re‑train your nervous system (sleep, light, movement)
2Rebuild
30‑day structure to make it stick: accountability, weekly circle, and a skills menu.
- Micro‑goals + daily reflection
- Replacement menu (craft, nature, learning)
- Weekly check‑in with peers
3Reconnect
Live life where it happens: real‑world meetups, “phone‑off” socials, and shared projects.
- Local circles (IRL first)
- Service and skill‑share days
- Zero‑pressure, zero‑shame culture
Why we exist
From your journal: “I have been addicted to emotional gambling for 13 years… but I have now. Every day, I get back things I didn't realize had been taken from me.” We’re building for that turning point — when people want their life back.
“Even tech insiders fall into their own products’ traps. The systems don’t care what you think you’re using them for; they’re built to shape your nervous system regardless.”
Our tone is firm but compassionate. We focus on felt effects (sleep, attention, mood), and we avoid shame, fear or hype. We also teach “defense against manipulation” — so people can spot anchoring, reframing, and high‑pressure tactics used by both platforms and some self‑help groups.
No dark patterns. No tracking. No addiction replacement.
DDC uses clear choices, plain language, and time‑well‑spent design.
DDC uses clear choices, plain language, and time‑well‑spent design.
Start here
Your 7‑day reset
- Do the 2‑minute checkup
- Pick two replacements you’ll actually enjoy
- Set your phone up for calm (night shift, grayscale, remove social media)
- Join one weekly circle
- Track one metric: “screen free hours before noon”
Featured resources
Built from your docs so people can learn the mechanics — and avoid manipulation.
Defense
Spot NLP & high‑pressure tactics
Anchoring, reframing, “breakthrough” theatrics — and how to protect yourself.
Read guidePerspective
Reputable dissenters
Voices who frame this as a species‑level attention problem, not just “screen time.”
ExploreCommunity circles
Small groups that meet weekly in person. Format is simple: check‑ins, wins, challenges, one small commitment for the week. No gurus, no upsell. Just peers.
- 60 minutes, once a week
- Guides for hosts; rotating facilitation
- “Phone‑off” norm for the hour
Not therapy and not a substitute for medical care. If you’re in crisis, contact local emergency services.
Join
Find a circle
We’re launching starter circles. Don’t see your city? Start one — we’ll support you.
“Rip Yourself Back Into Reality”
A raw journal on quitting “emotional gambling” and reclaiming life.
“I have been addicted to emotional gambling for 13 years… No longer will this parasite take my life from me. I will prevail.”
Read the journalWe pair stories with practical tools — because insight without structure won’t stick.
Get your 2‑minute checkupDesign ethics
We borrow what’s good from humane‑tech and addiction recovery, and we reject manipulative playbooks like high‑pressure workshops that create dependency. See our Ethics and case study.
- No nudges to extend usage (“infinite scroll,” “streaks”).
- No fear/shame tactics or “breakthrough” theatrics.
- No data sale or third‑party tracking.
Print
Attention Reset Contract
Make it real: sign a simple one‑week commitment and post it on your wall.
Paper wins. Hang it where you’ll see it.