Can urinary tract infections resolve without medical intervention. What are the most effective home remedies for UTIs. When should you seek professional medical care for a UTI. How can you prevent recurrent urinary tract infections naturally.

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are incredibly common bacterial infections that affect millions of people each year. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, typically through the urethra, and multiply in the bladder. While UTIs can affect anyone, they are particularly prevalent in women due to their anatomy.

According to the Urology Care Foundation, UTIs account for over 8 million healthcare visits annually in the United States. Approximately 60% of women and 12% of men will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Given their frequency, many wonder if these infections can resolve on their own or if medical treatment is always necessary.

Can a UTI Go Away Without Treatment?

While it’s possible for some uncomplicated UTIs to resolve without medical intervention, it’s not guaranteed and can be risky. Dr. Mark Perlmutter, a urologist, explains: “Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but not every type of UTI and not every time. And if left untreated, it may linger longer.”

UTIs are classified into two main categories:

• Uncomplicated UTIs (also known as cystitis)
• Complicated UTIs (which may be catheter-associated or occur during pregnancy)

Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally reside in the bowels. While some people claim to have successfully treated uncomplicated UTIs with fluids and supplements like cranberry pills, medical professionals generally advise seeking proper treatment to avoid potential complications.

Recognizing UTI Symptoms: When to Seek Care

Identifying the symptoms of a UTI early is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing the infection from progressing to a more serious kidney infection. Common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Pain and burning during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Feeling the need to urinate again shortly after going
• Cloudy urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pressure and cramping in the lower abdomen
• Feeling weak or shaky

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They can perform a urine culture and prescribe appropriate treatment, which often includes antibiotics.

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention, as they may indicate more severe urinary tract problems:

• Blood in the urine
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lower back pain
• Decreased urine production

7 Effective Home Remedies for UTIs

While medical treatment is often necessary for UTIs, some home remedies may help manage symptoms and support recovery. Here are seven evidence-based approaches:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. How much water should you drink? Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) per day, more if you’re experiencing symptoms.

2. Urinate Frequently

Don’t hold your urine for extended periods. Urinating regularly helps expel bacteria from the bladder. Is it painful to urinate with a UTI? While it may be uncomfortable, frequent urination is crucial for recovery.

3. Try Cranberry Juice or Supplements

Cranberries contain compounds that may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. Can cranberry juice cure a UTI? While it’s not a cure, some studies suggest it may help prevent recurrent UTIs.

4. Incorporate Probiotics

Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract. Which probiotics are best for UTIs? Look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri.

5. Boost Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C may help boost immune function and make the urine more acidic, creating a less favorable environment for bacteria. How much vitamin C should you take? Aim for 500-1000 mg daily during a UTI.

6. Practice Proper Wiping Technique

For women, wiping from front to back after using the bathroom helps prevent bacteria from the anal area from entering the urethra. Why is this important? It significantly reduces the risk of introducing harmful bacteria to the urinary tract.

7. Maintain Good Sexual Hygiene

Urinating before and after sexual activity can help flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced. Are there other steps to take? Consider washing the genital area before and after sex, and avoid using spermicides or diaphragms, which may increase UTI risk.

The Role of Antibiotics in Treating UTIs

While home remedies can be helpful, antibiotics remain the gold standard for treating UTIs. Dr. Perlmutter advises, “There’s really no need to delay treatment since the majority of the time, fluids and antibiotics will easily knock out a UTI.”

Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria responsible for the infection. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for UTIs include:

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
• Cephalexin (Keflex)
• Ceftriaxone

How long does it take for antibiotics to clear a UTI? Most people start feeling better within a few days of starting antibiotics, but it’s crucial to complete the entire prescribed course to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Preventing Recurrent UTIs: Long-term Strategies

For those prone to recurrent UTIs, implementing preventive measures is key. Here are some strategies to reduce your risk:

• Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
• Urinate when you feel the urge rather than holding it in
• Practice good hygiene, especially around sexual activity
• Consider taking cranberry supplements regularly
• Avoid using spermicides or diaphragms for birth control
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoid tight-fitting pants that can trap moisture

Can lifestyle changes prevent all UTIs? While these strategies can significantly reduce your risk, some people may still experience recurrent infections due to factors like anatomy or underlying health conditions.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While minor UTIs may sometimes resolve on their own, it’s generally advisable to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a UTI. This is particularly important if:

• Symptoms persist for more than a few days
• You experience severe pain or discomfort
• You have recurring UTIs
• You’re pregnant
• You have diabetes or a compromised immune system
• You notice blood in your urine
• You develop a fever or chills

Why is prompt treatment important? Untreated UTIs can lead to more serious complications, including kidney infections, which can be dangerous if left unchecked.

Understanding UTI Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing a UTI. Being aware of these can help you take appropriate preventive measures:

• Being female
• Sexual activity
• Use of certain types of birth control
• Menopause
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Blockages in the urinary tract (such as kidney stones)
• A suppressed immune system
• Use of catheters
• Recent urinary procedures

Does having these risk factors guarantee you’ll get a UTI? Not necessarily, but they do increase your chances, making preventive measures even more important.

Understanding the nature of UTIs, recognizing their symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical care are crucial for managing these common infections effectively. While some mild cases may resolve on their own, it’s generally safer and more effective to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Combining medical treatment with home remedies and preventive strategies can help you manage UTIs more effectively and reduce your risk of recurrence.

Remember, your health is paramount. If you’re unsure about your symptoms or the best course of action, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you navigate the sometimes complex world of urinary tract health.

Can a UTI Go Away on its Own?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)—when bacteria gets into your urine and travels up to your bladder—are the source of 8.1 million visits to health care providers each year, according to the Urology Care Foundation. In fact, UTIs are so common that about 60 percent of women and 12 percent of men will have at least one UTI during their lifetime.

UTIs are common, but can they go away on their own, or do they always require medical attention and antibiotics? The answer isn’t so simple.

Urologist Mark Perlmutter, M.D., says a UTI can go away on its own, but not every type of UTI and not every time.

“Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but some infections are different than others,” he says. “And if left untreated, it may linger longer.”

UTIs are classified into two main categories: uncomplicated, also known as cystitis; and complicated, which may be catheter-associated or happen during pregnancy. In most cases, UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria normally found in the bowels.

When to Seek Care

In general, UTIs present with the following symptoms:

• Pain and burning during urination
• Frequently feeling like you need to urinate
• Frequently feeling like you need to urinate after you just did
• Urine that is cloudy
• Urine with a strong odor
• Pressure and cramping in the lower belly
• Feeling weak or shaky

The sooner you can address these symptoms, the more likely you’ll avoid letting a UTI develop into a kidney infection. Though some people have beaten uncomplicated UTIs with fluids and supplements, like cranberry pills, Dr. Perlmutter says it’s best to call your doctor, get a urine culture and, if deemed necessary by your doctor, start a round of antibiotics.

“There’s really no need to delay treatment since the majority of the time, fluids and antibiotics will easily knock out a UTI,” he says.

If a UTI is treated early, there will likely be no lasting effect on your urinary tract. However, UTIs can cause complications if not found and treated quickly.

You should immediately call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they could be signs of larger urinary tract problems:

• Blood in your urine
• Fever
• Nausea/vomiting
• Lower back pain
• Decreased urine production

How to Prevent a UTI

To prevent UTIs, stay hydrated, properly clean yourself after sexual activity, wipe from front to back (for women) and urinate when you feel the urge rather than holding it in for long periods.

“Cranberry tabs have been shown to guard against E. coli infection,” Dr. Perlmutter says. “And the more you can prevent a UTI, the better.”

So while it’s possible for a UTI to go away on its own, is it really worth waiting?

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Mark Perlmutter, M. D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Perlmutter or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Can You Treat a UTI without Antibiotics? 7 Home Remedies

Bacteria cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), so doctors usually treat them with antibiotics. Other tips for managing UTIs include staying hydrated, urinating when necessary, and trying cranberry juice and probiotics.

People often want to know whether there are non-antibiotic treatments for UTIs. Below, we explore seven evidence-based home remedies for these infections.

• For reducing bacterial growth: UTIs and hydration
• For releasing toxins: UTIs and urination
• For a natural antibacterial drink: UTIs and cranberry juice
• For lowering pH: UTIs and probiotics
• For improving immune function: UTIs and vitamin C
• For improving wiping technique: UTIs and wiping
• For reducing microbial risks from sex: UTIs and sexual hygiene

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections in the United States. They are especially prevalent in females, with 2022 research showing that 40% of females will have one during their lifetimes. UTIs also tend to reoccur.

The symptoms can include:

• increased frequency and urgency of urination
• pain or burning when urinating
• a fever of below 101°F (38°C)
• pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen and groin
• change in the smell or color of urine
• cloudy, murky, or bloody urine

Learn more about the causes and symptoms of UTIs here.

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria responsible for the infections.

Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The species most likely to cause UTIs include:

• E. coli, which causes up to 90% of all bladder infections
• Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus
• Klebsiella pneumonia

Risks of using antibiotics

While antibiotics can usually treat UTIs quickly and effectively, they can cause allergic reactions and other adverse effects and complications.

For instance, older research suggests that about 22% of females receiving treatment for uncomplicated UTIs develop a Candida vaginal infection, a type of fungal infection.

Other potential side effects of antibiotics include:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• a rash
• yeast infection

More severe risks of using antibiotics include the following.

Creating stronger strains of bacteria

Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research, several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, show increasing drug resistance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) writes that over- and misuse of antibiotics are causing increased resistance. People should only take antibiotics when necessary. They should not pressure a doctor into prescribing antibiotics if they are not necessary, such as for colds or flu.

If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, a person should take them exactly as they instruct.

Damaging helpful bacteria

The body contains populations of bacteria and other microorganisms that help with bodily functions. The CDC says that antibiotics may destroy some of these bacteria that help to protect people from infections.

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Research supports the use of some home remedies for UTIs. Some have been part of traditional medicine practices for thousands of years.

To treat a UTI without antibiotics, people can try these approaches.

1. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water can help prevent UTIs.

Water helps the urinary tract organs efficiently remove waste from the body while retaining vital nutrients and electrolytes.

Being hydrated also dilutes the urine and speeds its journey through the system, making it harder for bacteria to reach and infect the cells that line the urinary organs.

There is no set recommendation about how much water to drink daily — people’s needs differ. However, on average, adults should drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.

2. Urinate when the need arises

Frequent urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

It also reduces the time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the tract, limiting the risk of them attaching to and infecting these cells.

Urinating as soon as possible after the urge strikes can help prevent and treat UTIs.

3. Drink cranberry juice

Cranberry juice is one of the most well-established natural treatments for UTIs. People also use it to clear other infections and speed wound recovery.

2020 research into the effectiveness of cranberries for UTIs has found it to be effective. However, its effectiveness may vary from person to person, and more research is needed regarding which type of cranberry product and which dose is most effective.

The authors write that cranberries contain polyphenols that may prevent Escherichia coli bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract.

Cranberries also contain antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

There is no set guidance about how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI. To prevent them, a person might drink around 400 milliliters of at least 25% cranberry juice every day. However, more research is necessary to determine how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI.

4. Use probiotics

Beneficial bacteria, called probiotics, can help keep the urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria.

In particular, probiotics in the Lactobacillus group may help treat and prevent UTIs, according to some older 2017 research. They may do this by:

• preventing harmful bacteria from attaching to urinary tract cells
• producing hydrogen peroxide, a strong antibacterial agent, in urine
• lowering urine’s pH, making conditions less favorable for bacteria

Also, people who take Lactobacillus supplements while they take antibiotics may have reduced antibiotic resistance.

Probiotics exist in several products that contain dairy, are fermented, or both, including:

• yogurts
• kefir
• some types of cheese
• sauerkraut

People can also take probiotic supplements, usually as capsules or a powder mixed into water or other beverages.

Learn more about the best sources of probiotics.

5. Get enough vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps improve immune system function.

It also reacts with nitrates in urine to form nitrogen oxides that can kill bacteria. It can lower the pH of urine, making it less likely that bacteria will survive.

However, little quality research indicates whether consuming more vitamin C can prevent or treat UTIs.

According to limited research, taking other supplements alongside vitamin C may maximize its benefits.

A 2021 review of natural remedies for UTIs stated that it could control the symptoms. Additionally, an older 2016 study examined data from 36 people with recurrent UTIs who took vitamin C, probiotics, and cranberry supplements three times a day for 20 days, then stopped for 10 days. They repeated this cycle for 3 months. The researchers concluded that this could be a safe, effective way to treat recurrent UTIs.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that females ages 19 and over consume at least 75 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C daily, while males need around 90 mg daily. Adults who smoke should take an additional 35 mg of the vitamin each day.

6. Wipe from front to back

UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces access the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.

Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can cause infections.

After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from moving from the anus to the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus, for example.

7. Practice good sexual hygiene

Some sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria and other microbes into the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce this risk.

Examples of good sexual hygiene include:

• urinating before and immediately after sex
• using barrier contraception, such as a condom
• washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
• washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal to vaginal sex
• ensuring that all sexual partners are aware of any current or past UTIs

UTI supplement options

Read our full Uqora review, which focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.

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The following table compares the UTI treatments mentioned in this article.

If a person suspects that they have a UTI, they should ask a healthcare professional for advice about the best way to treat it.

Antibiotics may not always be necessary, but it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.

Can I treat a UTI without antibiotics?

Yes, people can treat a UTI without antibiotics, and sometimes UTIs go away on their own. However, most at-home treatments are most effective at preventing UTIs and may not get rid of the bacteria causing a current UTI.

People can try drinking cranberry juice, taking vitamin C supplements, or trying probiotics to prevent and reduce the reoccurrence of UTIs. People should be aware that they may still have a UTI even if their symptoms go away.

A person should speak with a doctor about the best UTI treatment for them.

Can UTIs go away on their own?

Some uncomplicated UTIs go away on their own without the use of antibiotics.

However, keep in mind that there are risks to leaving UTIs untreated, such as the infection spreading to other parts of the body.

What happens if a UTI is left untreated?

Going without medical treatment does carry some risks. For example, nearly 25% of sepsis cases originate in the urogenital tract.

A randomized trial also showed that kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, may develop in about 2% of females with untreated UTIs.

Is it safe to treat UTIs without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are effective treatments for UTIs. Sometimes, the body can resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own, without antibiotics.

By some estimates, 25–42% of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own. In these cases, people can try a range of home remedies to speed up recovery.

Complicated UTIs require medical treatment. These are some factors that can make the infection complicated:

• changes in the urinary tract or organs, such as a swollen prostate or reduced flow of urine
• species of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics
• conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV, cardiac disease, or lupus

Most people develop a UTI at some point, and these infections are more common in females.

Many UTIs go away on their own or with primary care. Researchers are increasingly looking for ways to treat and prevent UTIs without antibiotics.

Several long-standing home remedies may help prevent and treat these infections.

Anyone who may have a UTI should speak with a healthcare professional before trying to treat the infection themselves.

Best answer: how to get rid of a UTI in a puppy?

In most cases, according to Marks, treatment for UTIs in dogs is a simple course of antibiotics, usually given for seven to 14 days. You should also advise your dog to drink water to flush out bacteria from the bladder.

Treatment will depend on your dog’s specific situation, but will include antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection. Your veterinarian may also recommend fluid therapy to flush the urinary tract and kidneys and, if necessary, pain medication. If your dog has bladder stones, they may need surgery to remove them.

Urinary tract infections are at best uncomfortable and at worst downright dangerous. In most cases, these infections go away after treatment and do not cause long-term damage. In other cases, suspected symptoms of a UTI in a dog may indicate a more serious illness, such as poisoning or cancer.

Once a urinary tract infection is detected, it is important to treat it properly. Typically, pets are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for 14 days. This usually results in an improvement in the patient’s well-being within the first few days.

A dog urinary tract infection (UTI) is unbearable for your puppy. Unfortunately, these dangerous bacterial infections are common in dogs – about one in three dogs will develop a UTI.

Dogs with UTIs tend to try to urinate very often when they go outside. They may also strain to urinate, scream or whine when urinating if it is painful. Sometimes you can even see blood in their urine. Dripping urine or frequent licking of the genitals can also signal the presence of a UTI.

The most common cause of UTIs in dogs is bacteria that enters upward through the opening of the urethra. Bacteria can develop when feces or debris enter the area, or if your dog’s immune system is weakened due to a lack of nutrients. In most cases, E. coli is the bacterium that causes these infections.

Cranberry juice is often used to treat urinary tract infections in humans and can sometimes be helpful in treating UTIs in dogs.

If your dog has a UTI, you may notice symptoms such as straining, pain, or discomfort when urinating. However, cranberries have long been considered a safe remedy for this problem.

Supplement with B vitamins and antioxidants during times of stress, and offer cooling foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, and yogurt to reduce urinary tract infection symptoms. Foods known to aggravate UTIs include asparagus, spinach, raw carrots, tomatoes, and dairy products.

Especially frequent urination in puppies can be caused by a variety of medical problems, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems, diabetes, and others.

Cranberry Rx is a food supplement for dogs and cats containing pure cranberry juice extract. Cranberry Rx helps maintain urinary tract and bladder health and may prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to infection.

Enrofloxacin, orbifloxacin and marbofloxacin are all fluoroquinolones approved for the treatment of UTIs in dogs; While all are used in cats, only a few are approved for this use.

Supplement with B vitamins and antioxidants during times of stress, and offer cooling foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, and yogurt to reduce urinary tract infection symptoms. Foods known to aggravate UTIs include asparagus, spinach, raw carrots, tomatoes, and dairy products.

[Interesting from beyond] How do we stop technology addiction? / Habr

Guide on how to return the time that our devices take from us.

Approx. translator:
This is not a guide, but rather a reflection on the topic of modern addiction to smartphones and applications. The article is already 11 months old, so when you see the phrase “recently”, consider this fact.
The article was translated out of interest in the position of reducing the impact of smartphones on our personal precious time.

Happy reading.

You are addicted to your smartphone. I am addicted to my smartphone. The apps and services we use on a daily basis have been designed to steal our attention and are constantly evolving to be more addictive.

In many ways, attention is the lifeblood of modern business. For big tech companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and many more, there is a direct correlation between attention and growth/revenue/success.

The recent technological evolution has raised many ethical and psychological questions. Are we being manipulated? Should we be more in control? Do we really understand the negative impact of technology addiction?

Image provided by the author.

Addiction prescription

Adam Alter, author of Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology, focuses on the fact that humans have been susceptible to behavioral addictions throughout history (long before the advent of smartphones). Be that as it may, the technologies that have emerged over the past decade have dramatically increased these trends.

After reading the book, it became clear that our dependence on modern technology comes down to some key elements that feed off each other:

1. Variable rewards

   Every time you log into the Facebook/Instagram/VKontakte apps, you may see five notifications, or none. Your last photo might have 12 likes, or maybe 270. This variable reward system is attractive for obvious reasons and always keeps users coming back for more. This is a slot machine. Each reward is unique. The feedback you get from any post is updated in real time and changes every minute. This gaming mentality is hard to resist and we feel the need to return often.

2. Distraction

   Boredom is our worst enemy, so we will do everything to avoid it – even if it is something that makes us less happy. In the book, Alter refers to a fascinating 2014 experiment in which people preferred to electrocute themselves rather than sit alone with their thoughts for 20 minutes. Many of us would prefer chaos over predictability in our daily routine, and social media reinforces this preference. Because social media is a feedback loop that gets more and more exciting the more we use it.

3. Stoplights

   In 2012, Netflix officially launched the endless watching revolution with the release of platform-wide autoplay. Soon enough, Facebook and YouTube adapted this feature for themselves. This, of course, led to a skyrocketing increase in video views. Moreover, the infinite scroll has also become a mainstay of social media design. The content never stops, like this, five minutes turned into half an hour without users even thinking about it.

4. Vanity Metrics

   In our culture, people are obsessed with the constant pursuit of numerical goals as a result of real-time feedback. You have run ten miles. Walked 10,000 steps. Your post got 100 likes. You have 1,000 followers. You have the longest Snapstreak of all your friends (the worst). These “micro wins” mean nothing, but they give us a dose of dopamine every time, and their increasing frequency makes us spend more time and strive to achieve new trivial goals on a regular basis.

The recipe for addiction is compelling, and the worst part is that these various factors cause people to avoid in-person interactions, spend less time with family and friends, and even risk their lives. Our addictions cause us to miss out on many moments that we can never live again.

Alter’s 2017 TED Talk (original) “Why Gadgets Don’t Make Us Happier” (Russian voiceover) is a great overview of these issues and well worth your time.

Self-awareness

Most people just don’t realize how much time they spend on their devices, and Irresistible [book] explores many of the disturbing ways technology has invaded our lives over the past decade. Our lack of self-awareness is one of the most troubling signs of this epidemic.

A couple of years ago, designer/developer Kevin Holesh created an amazing app called Moment that allows people to track the time they spend using their smartphone every day and their usage habits. In general, the results are consistent: people greatly underestimate the time spent on mobile devices.

On average, we check [check] our smartphones every six minutes, 150 times a day. Even when your smartphone is turned off, its mere presence can reduce your cognitive abilities. And in less than two decades, our interactions with friends and family have dropped by nearly 30 percent.

Source: USC Annenberg Center for the Digital Future

There is no doubt that we admire technology for obvious reasons, but the problem is that we do not understand the consequences of our behavior. In fact, many smartphone users deny the level of distraction to their devices.

James Williams, a former Google employee and ethical design advocate, believes that social media hinders our ability to think clearly and ultimately affects us like a drug. The focus revolves around designing for addiction, which is why he believes it “gives our impulses precedence over our intentions. ”

To be honest, I personally feel that I am not helping with the problem. For nearly a decade, I have managed large-scale Facebook ads and Google AdWords campaigns across a wide variety of industries. And the recent switch to smartphones (i.e. addiction) has been massive on both channels.

The irony has not left me. I understand that I am dependent on these companies for a living, but one of my main concerns is that their advertising platforms work. Very good. Some might say terribly good.

That’s why they own the digital advertising industry. Savvy advertisers around the world generate billions of dollars in revenue targeting users on social media and search, and the data that Facebook and Google have is only going to get bigger over time.

Problem(s) Facebook

At first glance, Facebook is the most obvious purveyor of addiction and primitive tendencies. Even former company president Sean Parker recently stated that Facebook’s original goal was to “consume as much of your time and conscious attention as possible. ”

People don’t trust Facebook. There have been many claims that the social network can negatively affect the emotional state. In response, Facebook promised to make changes to the product after finally admitting that content on its platform could make people “feel worse” after leaving the site. However, the latest News Feed update is just the beginning.

Roger McNamee, a successful venture capitalist and former mentor to Mark Zuckerberg, believes that major business changes must occur before users notice a difference. In his opinion, nothing will improve with Facebook or Google “until they abandon their current advertising models.”

McNamee and many others agree that Facebook is responsible for solving this problem. And let’s be honest… they have several. Fake news is one of Facebook’s biggest problems right now.

In 2016, Zuckerberg famously dismissed the idea that fake news could become common on the platform. Former President Barack Obama even warned them about this before Donald Trump’s election, but they didn’t listen and the rest is history. We are now facing a situation where users are becoming more susceptible to manipulation and lies as they spend more time on the world’s largest social network.

John Battelle, CEO of NewCo, has some interesting ideas about how Facebook could evolve, but argues that Silicon Valley’s federal regulation is mandatory. And some lawmakers are outraged by the lack of regulation to date. Facebook has no problem changing its platform on a regular basis (for both users and advertisers), but it might be time to think about some major changes to the way it generates revenue from attention. Nowadays, any form of content acquisition equals profit, whether it is positive, negative or fake content.

Devices and children

We can criticize social media, apps, and games all day, but it’s important to note that the root of the problem started with the release of the iPhone in 2007. From then on, nothing will be the same.

Apple’s product is by all accounts a phenomenal invention that has changed lives and revolutionized industries, but the nature of device addiction (and smartphone addiction in general) is clear as day. And, unfortunately, we still don’t understand the long-term impact on children who grew up with them and whose parents know nothing better than their smartphones.
I also fear that manipulation tactics and addictive behaviors increase with each generation.

Recently, two major Apple investors expressed their concerns about smartphone addiction in an open letter from the Cupertino company. This is an important step in the right direction as young children spend more and more time with devices every day. The numbers [in the US] are alarming:

1. A whopping 40 percent of kids aged 0-8 have their own iPad.
2. The average time spent on mobile devices each day for ages 0-8 increased by 860 percent (from five to 48 minutes) between 2011 and 2017.
3. On average, children under the age of 18 use their devices almost twice as often as adults.

Smartphone addiction also contributes to relationship problems and makes younger generations feel unhappy.

In late 2017, Facebook added fuel to the fire by releasing an app for kids ages 6 to 12 called Messenger Kids, which has already generated a lot of controversy. As a parent, I can say that there are many reasons for concern. So what are we to do now?

Time well spent

Tristan Harris, another ex-Google employee and technology addiction expert, has been at the forefront of this discussion for the past few years. He urged Silicon Valley companies to think more thoughtfully about design and change the way they develop their products and business models.

In what Harris calls a “race to the bottom of the brainstem,” tech companies continue to borrow tactics from each other to make us more dependent: automatic video playback (Netflix, YouTube, Facebook), photo tags (Facebook, Google, Instagram), the Like button (Facebook, then everyone else), push notifications (everyone). The list goes on.

In another fantastically cool TED talk, he explains that this attentional prioritization is just another way of manipulating users for financial gain.

Along with several other former Silicon Valley employees, Harris recently launched an inspiring project called the Center for Humanistic Technology. The idea is to create a community of ex-techs. insiders who are working to eliminate the “digital attention crisis” and create a new model.

What started as a small movement known as Time Well Spent grew into a nationwide discussion, with Harris leading the charge. The task before us is no small one. But given the current pace of technology development, I would say that we have no other choice.

Take control

Of course, it’s easy to criticize, but I don’t want to underestimate the importance of technology and the opportunities it provides us. My entire career has revolved around technical advances and I’m grateful for that. However, I also fear that manipulation tactics and addictive behaviors only increase with each generation.

As parents of two children (one 2 years old, the other 2 months old), my wife and I decided to discuss the use of technology and ensure that any screen time felt like a social activity, not an isolated activity. But we are not perfect. Sometimes I blame myself for using my phone instead of just being with my kids in the here and now, which makes me feel terrible because every minute is so precious. I know that I can do better.

Being attentive and present goes a long way, but technology companies don’t make it easy for us. Giving your child a smartphone/tablet/computer is one of the easiest and fastest ways to make him or her “happier” in the short term. Unfortunately, it is not. There is ample evidence that prolonged focus on a screen is harmful to young children. And while being completely device-free is almost impossible, we must remember that leaving children alone with their devices is detrimental to their development. The starting point is the recognition of addiction and the recognition that children are more vulnerable than anyone.

Silicon Valley, meanwhile, must use its power to limit addiction through conscious, ethical product development. Digital media should not be viewed as a vending machine where attention turns into money without consequences.