Hi all, i would just like to get some peoples opinions and recommendations of preferred website/app blockers. I've been using an app called Boomerang Parental Control along with its browser SPIN. The subscription is coming to an end and I will likely re-subscript, but I though id see if others have suggestions or preference for other blockers. The only issue id say with Boomerang is that its not the best for self-management/control in that you need a password to block sites that have been overlooked by the filter, or some websites you don't deem an issue may be blocked etc. The password is cryptic enough that I cant remember it and held by a close friend for when i need access to tweak the controls. Admittedly though sometimes when I have the password and settings unlocked it can take a lot of binging and self loathing before deleting and blocking, as has been the case recently.. Before resubscribing id love to hear other peoples recommendations though. And while I respect everyone's views, I don't want to hear people suggesting I don't need a blockers and the strength is in me etc etc. I get that view, i do. But my answer is simple. When an addict is trying to stop they don't keep the addiction in close grasp. An alcoholic doesn't buy alcohol or go to the pub, a gambling addict doesn't hang out in a casino, and simply, you shouldn't keep pornography in your pocket, or bedroom/house and everywhere you go.
Yeah thanks mate. You clearly have a profound understanding of overcoming addictions if you think its all about self control and that environmental changes dont play a part. Spread your wisdom. Great comment
Unfortunately im not too computer savvy and wouldnt a clue of what iOS is or how it works haha. Appreciate your help though. Edit* have just searched iOS and applies to Apple devices only it appears? Android here
Do you need internet access for work? If not, get a flip phone for talk & text & no internet. If you really have strong urges, you can bypass any porn blocker, unless you give your wife or SO permission to set it up with their password, so not very effective? Almost all of my phone usage is apps. Play games, pay bills, instagram & flickr, I love taking pictures. I avoid the internet, unless absolutely necessary & then it is in & out. I've cut down my phone use a lot. I stay busy doing other things.
Best thing about CE is that it's Accountability Software. If you have a good accountability partner, this can be more powerful than just a blocker. Best blocker though is daily investment in your life.
Try Safe Surfer. It's an IOS app and I believe it's one for Android as well. Works absolutely great. It even blocks content on apps you've downloaded.
thanks Spirale. I diving more deeper with 16th day monk mode in married life. I have to reduce watching nudity and advertisements, youtube channels. I am computer engineer and I have blocked porn all possible way. Still if you search for something google, next time in browser google will show you similar results, just like that.. We are facing AI or our own created monsters (like in sifi movies) but bitter truth.
blockers dont work! i have used a variety and there is always a way around them and even when you double up on the blocks, still doesnt work the end goal is to control your mind over the temptation, not have a piece of tech make it easier
Cheers all for your replies, very helpful. Ill be sussing out CE and safe surfer for sure. I hear you man, I do. But blockers do work quite well before you 'stumble' on the bugs. Control of yourself is 100% the ultimate end game, but there are many factors that play into building your ability to overcome urges, and environment is massive. And even if it lasts a few weeks, a 3 week respite from access is a pretty damn good option to build belief based on experience.
I would say, don’t test poison by tasting it.. poison will hurt immediately or later In other words, don’t test porn block site by try watching porn..get it out of system for good.
depends on the person, but for me i always figured a way around them and that became part of the chase
If at all possible, get yourself a dumb phone. iOS built-in restrictions are pretty ironclad. Do it right and you will need to reset the phone (includes encrypting phone so you can’t hack the passcode). Restrict connections to the iPhone server on your laptop/desktop (hosts file) and you can even use iTunes without being able to reset the phone. You’d need to travel somewhere to use another computer. Androids, however, have a fatal flaw. If you are the kind of person who keeps looking for some loophole, you will continue to fail if you continue using Androids. Eventually, you will find this flaw. You can waste years continually finding loopholes, as I did. Do yourself a favor and take extreme measures from the very start.
It’s taken me quite a lot of time to figure out a good system. Now, I use the built-in iOS restrictions on my phone (whitelist only). On my computer, I use the hosts file, K9, and Covenant Eyes (I have found that K9 fails at certain times and, strangely, over certain WiFi networks). In addition, I have modified and restricted my access to BIOS.