Limit online time on Android

Question

Often I find myself stuck in endless navigation on my phone. I just want to check if I received a message, or doing some basic research, and without noticing it I jump from link to link (or spending time refreshing the same page in the wait). I would like an app that, whenever you turn on wifi or 3g, asks you why are you going on the internet and how long will you need it. Then it should disconnect you when the time you set or the daily limit has expired. Does an app like this exist? Would you like to implement one?

Of course I appreciate any other suggestion: methods to block Internet connectivity, methods to block specific sites, or methods just to block the browser and facebook messenger. Just I don't want to dismiss my 3G plan, since sometimes I really need mobile internet (e.g. navigation). Anyway, I would still have WiFi at home and I can't turn it off since I am not the only one using it. Another restriction is that I use Opera Mini browser (any other browser takes ages to load on my phone). I think that there aren't extensions like Leechblock or Stayfocusd in this case... My phone is a rooted Android Gingerbread.

So far I've tried:

• Rescuetime: I wasn't satisfied with the tracking, because it tracked also Messenger running in background, even when I was not chatting
• Timerrific: I set to switch on/off wifi at certain hours, but it's just too easy to switch wifi on again. Switching off 3g (changing APN) was only in the paid version
• Parental control apps: had a look but never installed any of them, because they were too expensive and made use of their own browser
• KeepFocus : at first sight it looked very good, but on my phone most of the time it just wouldnt load. I uninstalled it when it loaded and started to crash and load itself again in loop (I can't exclude it was my fault, maybe I tried some conflicting settings, anyway it never worked properly)
• Self Control: it blocks the access to selected apps (like browsers, email, facebook... allowing you to continue usign the smartphone for basic functions like calls and texts). Not bad if you are ok with fixed time slots without distractions

Answer 1

Whatever you've tried, you've found a way to defeat it. Tools will only get you so far.

You need to train yourself to not wander. I struggle with the same thing, but for different reasons.

One thing that has worked is I ask myself before I click on a link:

"Why am I going there?"

If you have a productive, defined purpose for going there, then go there.

If you don't, don't.

If you follow this advice, it will get easier to stay on track over time. If you don't, it won't. I know this from experience.

Answer 2

What you need here is not a sophisticated software, but a technique/system to apply to yourself.

Here are some tips:

1. Use IFTTT , you can set it to send you a SMS, each time you receive an email/facebook message and many more. You have to make a System where you only log-in when you see that you have received an important e-mail/message.

2. Set an Alarm clock/Countdown Timer before you start using Internet.

3. Drink a glass of water before connecting to the Internet, when you get nature's call - make sure you shut down your PC before going for it.

4. Keep exploring this site, and find other ways.