New Line Of Apps Claims To Help Curb Excessive Smartphone Use

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- If you feel like you're stuck to your smartphone and just can't put it down, you're not alone.

But, there is help out there. As CBS2's Cindy Hsu reported, new apps and phone features are designed to curb your craving to check your advice.

Jason Bauman's phone has a new setting that allows him to create a list of priority contacts. If someone who isn't on that list calls, texts, or emails his phone doesn't make a sound.

"My phone was just constantly going off, and it got to be too much, but if I muted my phone entirely I would miss the important messages and I didn't like that," he said.

In addition to the phone's feature there are lots of apps to help you hang up your phone.

The 'moment' app tracks how much time you spend on your device, and allows you to set time limits.

'FLIPD' will send text message auto replies saying you are unable to respond and even allows you to block app use at during certain times.

It also asks you to take some time away from your phone each day, and tracks it to make sure you aren't cheating.

"It's a constant problem that I see with many people where it's like almost an addiction. They just can't put the thing down," Nick Bonatsakis said.

Some wonder if it's really possible to have an addiction to your phone.

"I don't think you can be addicted to the phone. You might be addicted to a particular program or device that brings you something that's so pleasurable, so distracting that you're willing, or need to turn your life over to do it," Psychologist, Robert Weiss said.

Weiss said that if you think there's a problem, the key is to identify what you crave, and then cut back to get your life in balance.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but using your phone to help you unplug from your phone can work, Weiss said.

"Using an app to calm yourself, distract yourself, sooth yourself is not the same as getting away from the tech, but boy it's a great way to take a few moments out of your day and find some peace, calm, and distraction, and who doesn't need that?" Weiss said.

A recent study found that most smartphone users check their device 35 times a day for about 30 seconds each time.