Marcus downloaded a new game on his phone during his lunch break. His colleague had recommended it, saying it was fun and easy to play. At first, Marcus only played for a few minutes at a time. The game was designed to give small rewards frequently, which felt very satisfying. Within a week, Marcus was playing the game every evening after work. He told himself that he deserved some relaxation after a long day. His girlfriend, Anna, started noticing that he was distracted during their conversations. 'You keep looking at your phone,' she said one evening. Marcus put his phone away, feeling slightly annoyed. He did not understand why she was making such a big deal about it. The game had different levels that became increasingly difficult. Marcus found himself spending money on in-app purchases to progress faster. He justified each purchase by telling himself it was just a small amount. By the end of the month, he had spent over two hundred euros on the game. When Anna saw the credit card statement, she was shocked. 'Two hundred euros on a phone game?' she asked, her voice rising. Marcus became defensive and said it was his money to spend. They had their first serious argument about his gaming habits. That night, Marcus could not sleep because he kept thinking about the game. He wondered if he should have made that last purchase to unlock a special feature. At work, Marcus started taking longer bathroom breaks to play the game. His productivity began to decline, and his boss noticed. 'Is everything okay, Marcus?' his boss asked during a meeting. Marcus lied and said he had been having trouble sleeping lately. It was partially true because he often stayed up late playing. One Sunday, Anna invited Marcus to go hiking with her and some friends. Marcus refused, saying he was too tired. In reality, he wanted to stay home to participate in a special game event. Anna left looking disappointed, and Marcus felt a brief moment of guilt. But the feeling passed as soon as he opened the game. The game event lasted six hours, and Marcus played the entire time. When Anna came home, she found him exactly where she had left him. 'Did you even move today?' she asked with frustration. Marcus shrugged and said the event had been really important. Anna sat down across from him with a serious expression. 'Marcus, I am worried about you,' she said softly. 'This game is taking over your life.' Marcus wanted to argue, but something in her voice made him stop. She looked genuinely scared for him. That night, Marcus decided to look up information about app addiction. He discovered that what he was experiencing had a name: behavioral addiction. The symptoms described online matched his behavior perfectly. Loss of interest in other activities, lying to others, feeling anxious when not playing. Marcus felt a mixture of relief and shame. At least now he understood why he had been acting this way. The next morning, Marcus showed Anna what he had found. 'I think I have a problem,' he admitted. Anna hugged him and said she was proud of him for recognizing it. Together, they made a plan to help Marcus overcome his addiction. First, Marcus deleted the game from his phone. His hands trembled as he pressed the delete button. He felt an urge to reinstall it immediately. But Anna was there, holding his hand and encouraging him. They set up screen time limits on his phone. Marcus also decided to leave his phone in another room during meals. The first week without the game was extremely difficult. Marcus felt restless and irritable most of the time. He kept reaching for his phone out of habit. But each time, he remembered his goal and put it back down. Anna suggested they start exercising together in the mornings. Physical activity helped Marcus manage his cravings. Running released endorphins that made him feel good naturally. After three weeks, Marcus noticed significant improvements in his life. He was sleeping better and had more energy during the day. His boss complimented him on his improved focus at work. Most importantly, his relationship with Anna became stronger. They spent quality time together instead of sitting in silence while he played. One month later, Marcus looked back at his experience with gratitude. He had almost lost important things in his life to a phone game. He decided to share his story online to help others who might be struggling. Many people responded, thanking him for his honesty and courage. Some even said his story inspired them to examine their own habits. Marcus learned that technology itself is not bad. The problem comes when we let it control us instead of the other way around. Now Marcus uses his phone as a tool, not as an escape from reality. He still plays games occasionally, but he sets strict time limits. The difference is that now he is in control. Anna often jokes that she should have taken away his phone earlier. But Marcus knows that the change had to come from within himself. Nobody can help you if you do not want to help yourself first.
English Story (B1)App Addiction
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Marcus downloads a mobile game recommended by a colleague and gradually becomes addicted to it. He spends increasing amounts of time and money on the game, neglecting his work and relationship with his girlfriend Anna. After Anna expresses her concern, Marcus researches app addiction and recognizes the symptoms in himself. Together, they create a plan to overcome his addiction. Through deleting the game, setting screen time limits, and exercising together, Marcus regains control of his life. He learns that technology is a tool that should serve us, not control us.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
How much money did Marcus spend on in-app purchases by the end of the month?
2
Why did Marcus refuse to go hiking with Anna on Sunday?
3
What activity helped Marcus manage his cravings after quitting the game?
4
What was the main lesson Marcus learned about technology?
Vocabulary
40 words from this story
