Why You Keep Scrolling on Your Phone and Can't Stop

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-06-09

We reach for our smartphones hundreds of times a day. But when does that habit turn into a real problem? In this episode of Entrepreneur Talk, we sit down with Yasmin Vantuykom. She's an entrepreneur, author, and the former founder of influencer agency Efluenz. After years of building a business around social media, she decided to pivot. Now she's focused on Quyet and her new book *Scrollaholics*, which exposes our addictive relationship with screens. Yasmin doesn't hold back. She shares her own struggles as a self-described "digital addict." From the way notifications hijack your brain to the physical and mental toll of being always online, she covers it all. And she offers practical tips to cut down screen time without strict rules. ### The Hidden Cost of Constant Scrolling You might think scrolling is harmless. But research shows that the average person checks their phone over 150 times a day. That's about once every six minutes. The problem? Each notification triggers a tiny dopamine hit, training your brain to crave more. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and even physical issues like neck strain and eye fatigue. Yasmin explains that our phones are designed to be addictive. App developers use psychological tricks to keep us hooked. But awareness is the first step to breaking free.  ### From Influencer Agency to Scrollaholics Yasmin's journey is fascinating. She built Efluenz from the ground up, helping influencers grow their brands. But she started noticing something troubling: the same tools that made her clients successful were also making people miserable. So she decided to use her expertise for a different purpose. Now she's helping people reclaim their time and attention. Her book *Scrollaholics* isn't about quitting your phone cold turkey. It's about understanding why you reach for it and finding healthier ways to connect. ### Practical Tips to Reduce Screen Time Yasmin shares a few simple strategies: - Turn off all non-essential notifications. You don't need to know every time someone likes your post. - Set a "phone-free" hour before bed. Your brain needs time to unwind. - Replace scrolling with a real-world activity, like reading a book or taking a walk. - Use screen time trackers to become aware of your habits. These small changes can make a big difference. Yasmin emphasizes that it's not about perfection. It's about progress. ### Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs If you're a business owner, your time is your most valuable asset. Every minute spent scrolling is a minute you could use to grow your business, connect with your team, or recharge. Yasmin's message is clear: you don't have to be a slave to your phone. By taking control of your screen time, you can improve your focus, creativity, and overall well-being. This podcast is brought to you by Creatic. They help small and medium businesses build a strong digital presence with branding, marketing, and high-performance websites. From brand strategy to a site that actually drives results, Creatic ensures your business grows online. Curious what they can do for you? Learn more at [www.creatic.be](http://www.creatic.be) (nofollow).