Assi Azar Announces Major Changes to Smartphone Relationship

Israeli celebrity Assi Azar announced on Wednesday via Instagram that he is significantly altering his relationship with his smartphone, citing its negative impact on his attention span and anxiety levels. Azar, who has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety, detailed the drawbacks of excessive reliance on the addictive device in a multi-page post. He explained that even when turned off and placed nearby, a phone can disrupt focus, with every notification causing a minor interruption that exacerbates inattention and restlessness.

Azar outlined specific changes he is implementing to foster a healthier relationship with his phone. He stated that the device will be put away in a bag when he is with people or driving, and he will not touch it while operating a vehicle. He emphasized the importance of being present, comparing using a phone during conversations to speaking with two people simultaneously or reading a book mid-conversation, which he finds unacceptable.

Furthermore, Azar declared that the phone will not be present when he is with his children, ensuring they have his full attention and do not feel like an interruption. From 8 p.m. onwards, the phone will be kept in his study, not the bedroom, requiring him to physically go to the device if needed, reminiscent of using a landline phone. He concluded with a lighthearted note, sharing a picture of his son and acknowledging that he was holding his phone for a good reason in that instance.