Do you keep binge-watching YouTube? Have you ever thought that you have a YouTube addiction?

This article helps to block YouTube and come out of YouTube addiction.

YouTube is a phenomenon with the rise of social media platforms. It has a vast audience because of what it offers to the users. It has grown exponentially since its origin in 2005 and already has an over-saturated content for all the concepts.  

The users have access to different nationalities, ethnicity, religions, sexuality, and other niche groups. Currently, it is one of the world’s No.1 streaming websites available in almost all countries.  

We understand, and it is evident that users have an uncontrollable urge to watch social media and spend a lot of time. With so many of us having technology in our hands, the cause of infotainment has reached a stage of addiction.  

YouTube has become a routine for billions of us. Some content creators and influencers provide education as well as entertainment. It has become the number 1 streaming website and is made available across geographics with all of these attributes.   

The algorithm is highly advanced and can suggest the videos of our interest based on our search on YouTube. It makes it more personalized for the users, as many of us prefer to watch the content that interests us.   

However, with the uprising dependency, we have come across the new syndrome of YouTube addiction. This article reflects on YouTube addiction and its impacts.   

YouTube Addiction: 

YouTube is like a drug, which is gratifying and highly addictive. It has led to addiction to a greater alarming level. There are billions of users out there who are severely addicted and don’t mind entertaining themselves to any extent.   

Let us look at the statistics:

• YouTube is the second most popular social media platform, with 79% of users having a YouTube account.  
• YouTube has 2 billion users worldwide.   
• People watch 1 billion hours of video on YouTube daily, and that’s an average of 8.4 minutes per user.  
• People upload 500 hours of video on YouTube per minute.  

Of course, there is nothing wrong with watching YouTube unless it leads to addiction.   

Let us now learn how to deal with YouTube Addiction:   

1. Realize that you have a problem 

The first step to beating any addiction is realizing, recognizing, and accepting that you have a problem with social media, mainly YouTube addiction.   

First, figure out what addiction looks like. Watching a few videos during your break at work does not constitute an addiction, however, it would be if this habit is negatively affecting your work.  

It commonly looks like a daily routine of sneaking in time to watch videos when it is obvious, you’re not supposed to be watching them. If you’re addicted to content on YouTube, you will continue to watch compulsively.  

And don’t think that this with stop when you simply block a YouTube channel, you will simply find something else to entertain with; that’s how addiction works!

It’s easy to forget deadlines when you’re not involved in a process. You should handle your YouTube addiction if you watch too much. Identify and address your issue.

2. Block YouTube (At least temporarily.)  

Blocking YouTube on mobile devices and laptops is easy. Follow these steps:

Android phone:

Phone’s “Settings” app.
Choose “Apps & notifications” below.
Choose “All applications.”
Choose YouTube.
“Disable” to temporarily disable the program.

On iPhone:

Phone’s “Settings” app.
Choose “Screen Time” below.
“App Limitations”
“Add Limit” and choose “YouTube” from the applications.
Set a daily app block time.

Block YouTube on your computer

Launch your browser.
Use a web browser plugin like “BlockSite” or “StayFocusd.”
In the extension’s settings, ban the YouTube website “YouTube.com.”
Select block and block the webpage for a certain time.
Add YouTube to your computer’s ‘hosts file’ to prevent it. As follows:

Open your computer’s file explorer.
Enter “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.”
Use Notepad to locate and open the “hosts” file.
The file should conclude with “127.0.0.1 youtube.com.”
Close the file after saving.
Restart your browser to apply the changes.
Remember that these approaches aren’t infallible. Identifying and addressing the causes of your YouTube use is crucial if you want to cut it down.

3. Delete the App  

Smartphones allow us to retain or uninstall applications.

If you think restricting the app won’t help and you won’t need YouTube for other vital tasks, erase it from your phone.

You won’t give in to your cravings anymore. If you’re scared you’ll reinstall the app, we recommend

you leave app shops.

There’s always a way.

4. Pick a New Hobby  

Discover alternatives to YouTube’s “high”.

You have options. 

Choose healthily.

Distribute your favorite activities across the day. 

Dopamine production during the day lowers YouTube time.

5. Turn off your Wi-Fi  

Limit everyday internet usage. Use sparingly.

Before bed, disable Wi-Fi.

This is YouTube’s busiest time.

To prevent YouTube’s endless videos, switch off Wi-Fi before bed.

Conclusion  

Keep in mind that you have the power to shift your outlook and create a brighter tomorrow. The choice is yours. We really hope that the above suggestions prove helpful to you.