Chapter 1: The Smartphone Dilemma

Do you recall a time when your existence didn’t revolve around your smartphone or any digital device? For me, those days felt rich and fulfilling, as I was truly the focal point of my life. In stark contrast, today’s youth are often given smartphones and social media accounts before they even understand them, which seems absurd. As I grow older, I increasingly appreciate having experienced life without constant technological distractions.

My first mobile device was an LG flip phone, which I thought was incredibly cool—until the advent of smartphones reshaped that perception entirely. My mother gifted it to me for "emergencies," and it served its purpose well, allowing only calls, texts, and a few games of Tetris. I didn’t feel anxious without it, nor did I rush to find a charger when the battery ran low. Nowadays, that LG flip phone would be labeled a "dumbphone."

Dumbphones are essentially devices that limit functionality to basic calling and texting. A contemporary example would be the "Light Phone," marketed to minimalists and priced around $299, designed to simplify our tech-laden lives.

Technology has become central to our daily routines, creating a widespread phone addiction that often goes unacknowledged. Phrases like "I need my phone for work," or "I rely on Instagram for my business," illustrate how we surrender our freedom by asserting necessity. People convince themselves that smartphones are essential for daily functioning, but this belief is misleading.

Our ancestors thrived for generations without smartphones or complex technologies. They lived without the constant barrage of information and social media validation, focusing instead on hobbies that required genuine effort and skill development. Families shared meals and engaged in meaningful conversations rather than texting or messaging every hour. Amazingly, they managed to live fulfilling lives.

I’ve taken significant steps to reclaim my autonomy from technology, such as reducing my screen time and deleting social media accounts. However, I’ve recently noticed that despite my reduced social media use, my smartphone still consumes too much of my time. I continue to contribute to the smartphone addiction that plagues many of us, and like any addiction, it often takes more than it gives.

The normalization of being tethered to our devices is deeply embedded in our society. Our smartphones act like portable computers, providing constant access to everything and everyone. This convenience can be as addictive as a drug, and breaking free requires conscious effort. How do we adapt to life without our "drug of choice," and what does that transition entail?

I’ve been considering the possibility of completely abandoning my smartphone or at least transforming it into a dumbphone by restricting its functions—primarily using it for calls and texts, not carrying it everywhere, and perhaps using it for music or GPS during commutes.

There are two perspectives on the debate surrounding smartphones: one recognizes the remarkable advancements in technology that have enriched our lives, while the other questions whether we truly require devices that offer excessive convenience.

Our smartphones are so efficient that they complicate our ability to connect with our humanity. Do we genuinely need phones that cater to every whim? Do we require constant access to vast information and the lives of others? What parts of these devices are truly necessary?

What’s intelligent about devices that distract us from reality and the people who matter most? Perhaps smartphones are the true dumbphones, or at least they diminish our awareness. The real intelligence might lie in recognizing the value of our devices while setting boundaries and understanding the long-term effects of technology on our lives—both good and bad.

Sometimes, I imagine a world free of smartphones. More importantly, I hope for a society where individuals reclaim their autonomy from technology, discovering a richer experience when they look up from their screens. While it may seem unlikely that society will abandon smartphones entirely, we can initiate change by embodying the transformation we wish to see. What change do you aspire to create? What kind of change do you want to be?

Thank you for taking the time to read! If you found this article insightful, feel free to explore more of my work below. You can also connect with me on Substack.

Chapter 2: Exploring Alternatives to Smartphone Dependency

In this video, titled "I Tried To Kill My Smartphone Addiction With A Dumb Phone. Here's How It Went," the creator discusses their personal journey to reduce smartphone dependency by experimenting with a dumb phone, exploring the challenges and revelations they encountered along the way.

The second video, "Why a Dumb Phone Won't Help Your Phone Addiction," delves into the reasons why simply switching to a dumb phone may not effectively address the underlying issues of smartphone addiction, offering insights into healthier tech habits.