This is the Guardian. When it comes to our phones, most of us have that one app or special interest that keeps us coming back.

My problematic app was not the same as most other people's problematic apps. Mine was eBay.

eBay.

From bidding on secondhand items to getting lost in online forums.

It can be surprising what keeps us swiping.

When I noticed that I had a problem,

we were done with the kitchen renovation,

but nonetheless I was spending hours

just scrolling through eBay for Victorian door-knobs.

But sometimes it can go from being a fun distraction or way to get vintage door-knobs to a compulsive,

even destructive habit.

I had had my daughter and I remember being up with her very late one night and noticing that she was

looking up at me and I was looking down at my phone and just mindlessly scrolling. I realized oh my goodness like this is not the

impression I want my daughter to have of a human relationship let alone with me.

Myself well I'm what's known as a Doom Scroller.

It's not just keeping up with the daily news,

but it's sort of compulsively scrolling negative news

or looking at negative information.

So why are we drawn back into our devices,

even when it's making us anxious or getting in the way of relationships?

And how do we break the habit and regain control?

From the Guardian, I'm Madeline Finley and this is Science Weekly.

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