An individual implemented a significant lifestyle change by replacing a smartphone with a dumbphone. The decision stemmed from a desire to reduce screen time and engage more with hobbies, following recognition that extensive smartphone use led to rapid passage of time.
Previous attempts to manage smartphone use, including charging the device away from the bedside, altering screen colors to black and white, and establishing app time limits, proved ineffective. The individual concluded that smartphone ownership was not mandatory.
Research into dumbphone experiences led to the acquisition of a Light Phone III via eBay, at less than half the cost of a new iPhone. The Light Phone III, described as a small, thick black device, offers functionalities such as calls, texts, directions, photography, music and podcast playback, alarms, notes, a flashlight, a calendar, and a hotspot. It notably lacks internet access, social media, Google, or email.
The transition presented challenges, including friends being unable to track location and the necessity of carrying a physical wallet due to the absence of mobile payment options. Initial urges to use social media and a feeling of missing out were reported.
However, the transition yielded perceived benefits. The individual reported an extended perception of daily duration, cessation of a music streaming subscription in favor of downloading CDs, increased time spent reading, and more frequent phone conversations with friends and family. A reduced awareness of distant acquaintances' activities was also noted as acceptable. The individual has no immediate plans to revert to smartphone use.