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‘Smartphone is a weapon of mass distraction,’ says imam, and Ramadan gives Muslims a chance for a digital detox

Apple has added a “screen time” feature to help users track and reduce their smartphone usage. Silicon Valley bigwigs are hosting tech-free parties and weekend retreats to help tech evangelists themselves disengage from technology. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has deleted her Facebook account, declaring social media to be a “public health risk.”

And two popular new books — journalist Catherine Price’s book “How to Break Up With Your Phone” and computer scientist Cal Newport’s “Digital Minimalism” — prescribe a 30-day digital cleanse to break the cycle of addiction and reintroduce healthier habits.

For years, many Muslims around the world have used the holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity to do just that.