The city of Toyoake in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture aims to reduce its citizens’ reliance on their phones. In an effort to curb people’s endless scrolling, officials have proposed a limit on nonessential screen time to just two hours a day.

If you’re not working, studying, or doing some housework that necessitates screen time, they like you to put down your phone so you can hang out with your friends and family for the first time in years.

The ordinance would be the first of its kind in Japan. It’s being pitched not as a Gestapo-like boot to the throat, but more of a friendly nudge, using official governmental decrees to implant an idea that no one seems particularly willing to enforce. No fines, no smartphone police. They’re politely asking you to reconsider whether whatever is going on on

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