Journalist Shares 3 Habits to Break Free From Your Phone

Feeling like your phone controls you instead of the other way around? You're not alone, and journalist Nayeema Raza has a refreshingly simple solution.

In a new TED talk that's already resonating with thousands of viewers, Raza tackles something we all struggle with: screens have reshaped how we connect, and online often feels more real than real life. But instead of demanding we all go cold turkey on technology, she offers three practical habits that anyone can start today.

Raza, who understands digital culture as both a journalist and a regular human trying to stay present, created her approach in collaboration with Ignite. She delivered the talk at TEDNext 2025 in November, and it dropped online just yesterday to enthusiastic response.

The heart of her message is simple: curiosity is the antidote to mindless scrolling. When we practice being genuinely curious about the world around us, our phones lose their magnetic pull. The three habits she shares are designed to fit into normal life without requiring a complete digital detox or unrealistic lifestyle overhaul.

Why This Inspires

What makes Raza's approach different is that she's not shaming anyone for their screen time. She gets it. We're all entangled with our devices because that's how modern life works. Her three habits acknowledge this reality while offering a path back to presence that feels achievable, not overwhelming.

The talk comes at a perfect time when many people are reassessing their relationship with technology and looking for ways to feel more connected to their actual lives.

Raza's message offers something we all need: permission to step away from our screens without guilt, armed with practical tools to make it stick. Sometimes the best solutions aren't the most complicated ones, just the ones we can actually use.