How to Manage Your Increasingly Desperate App Notifications
Because your attention is valuable — and every app wants a piece of it.
Do you ever feel like your phone won’t stop buzzing? Every app, from Facebook Messenger to Grubhub, seems desperate for your attention — sending constant pings, reminders, and “updates” that don’t really matter.
What began as helpful alerts has become a modern-day attention war. Let’s break down why notifications are getting worse and, more importantly, how you can take control.
Why App Notifications Are Getting Worse
Today’s apps aren’t just tools; they’re part of the attention economy. Every second you spend inside an app increases engagement, which boosts revenue.
According to a 2025 analysis by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, news publishers have dramatically increased their use of push notifications to reach readers directly, instead of relying on platforms like Google or social media.
However, 79% of smartphone users no longer receive any news alerts, and 43% have turned them off completely. Users are fighting back against the noise.
From Disney+ reminding you about shows you’ve already watched to Discord alerting you when someone changes their status — the competition for your screen time is relentless.
How to Take Back Control of Your Notifications
1. Use Built-In Notification Controls
Your phone already has powerful tools to manage notifications — if you know where to look.
On Android:
- Long-press any notification to access quick controls.
- Choose between Priority, Default, or Silent.
- Tap the gear icon to open app-specific settings and disable promotions or irrelevant alerts.
On iPhone (iOS):
- Swipe left on a notification, tap Options, and mute the app temporarily or permanently.
- Visit Settings → Notifications for detailed control over how, when, and where alerts appear.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to fix everything at once. Adjust settings as soon as an annoying alert appears — it’s faster and builds a cleaner notification habit over time.
2. Dive Into App-Specific Settings
Many apps hide their notification options deep in menus. It takes time to find them, but it’s worth it.
For example, in Reddit, go to Settings → Account Settings → Manage Notifications. You’ll see dozens of toggle switches — from mentions and chat requests to trending alerts. Customize what truly matters and turn the rest off.
If you use multiple accounts, remember to repeat the process for each one.
3. Use Smart Third-Party Tools (Android Only)
If the built-in tools aren’t enough, try BuzzKill.
This $4 app lets you:
- Filter alerts by keywords.
- Block repetitive messages.
- Mute group chats automatically.
It’s a great option for Android users who want advanced control. Unfortunately, iPhone users have fewer choices because iOS limits third-party access to notifications.
4. Send Feedback to Developers
Most apps monitor user engagement. When you consistently disable or mute notifications, it sends a signal that their tactics are backfiring.
Go a step further — use the feedback or contact support option in the app to explain why you turned off alerts. Developers track this data and often tweak features in response.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Your Attention
Your time and focus are valuable resources. Notifications may seem harmless, but together they fragment your attention and lower productivity.
By setting limits, customizing alerts, and occasionally disconnecting, you train your devices to serve you — not the other way around.
Take control today. Because managing notifications isn’t just about silencing your phone — it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind.