August 16, 2026
Reserved space for the final report cover.
In a 2024 experimental study, minimalist phone was examined as a digital detox tool designed to reduce habitual smartphone behavior and support more intentional phone use.
On average, participants who used the minimalist phone app saw a reduction in screen time by approximately 20–30%, totaling over 10.5 hours per week alone. The app also reduced habitual smartphone use by 50% and above, leading to more mindful smartphone usage.
What this report will cover
— How much screen time changed during the study
— How habitual phone use responded to a simpler home screen
— Why removing visual triggers can interrupt automatic scrolling
— What the research suggests about digital wellbeing
A few highlights
By removing visual triggers, simplifying the home screen, and adding moments of friction before app use, minimalist phone helps users become more aware of automatic phone habits before they turn into mindless scrolling.
Placeholder · graph area
The reported 20–30% reduction represents more than a small behavior tweak. Across a week, the shift added up to over 10.5 hours of time no longer spent on automatic phone use.
Placeholder · graph area
The app effectively reduced habitual smartphone use by 50% and above, helping participants notice the moment before a small check-in becomes a longer scroll.
Placeholder · graph area
Daniel Bisaha’s Master’s thesis focused on habitual smartphone behavior, social and procedural smartphone use, screen time, positive and negative affect, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and self-confidence.
The researcher behind the study
Daniel Bisaha studied psychology at Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Arts. His Master’s thesis explored the effect of minimalist phone on user behavior, screen time, and aspects of subjective experience among young people.
Education: B.A. / Bc. Psychology; Master’s Thesis in Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava.
Research focus: digital detox, digital minimalism, smartphone habits, screen time, user behavior, and digital wellbeing.