The Internet used to be something you had to reach out to, with a dial-up connection, in order to connect to it. Now the Internet is in our pockets, follows us everywhere and nags us with nonstopping alerts.

Alerts is what creates addiction. They are rewarding/interesting only sometimes, like a slot machine.

Just disable most or all alerts. Every time you get an alert, consider if you want a similar alert in the future. If the answer is no, disable it.