This is one of the reasons why we strongly discourage the use of addiction framing, because it makes people feel less in control. It makes it feel as though they are powerless with regard to the device or the app. We embrace what most of the recent research has shown as a more effective framing, which is looking at it in terms of habits. When we become aware of our habits, we can take conscious steps to change them.
This is the basis of programs we've developed, including one recently that's being launched with School Mental Health Ontario. It helps people feel as though they can make a difference. It helps them reflect on their usage, helps them identify what is working and what is not working about their current usage, and helps them take concrete steps to change it.
We do know that the impact of feeling in control or feeling out of control has a positive or a negative effect regardless of how much time people are actually spending or any other impacts it has. Even if you are not spending much time online, even if there are no other negative impacts of your online use, feeling like it's out of your control will have a negative impact on you.