Dark Side of the Dumb Phone (Or, My One Year Update) | Classical Charlotte Mason Home Education

I want to give a little update on my year without a smartphone and talk about the DARK SIDE OF THE DUMB PHONE.
I'm not even being dramatic.
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[@naftherainbownerd]

I have been putting off getting a dumb phone for these exact reasons. I don't wanna disconnect just for the heck of it and i can't tbh. I have been off of most social media for years now but youtube has been a hellhole for me, i am completely addicted to this app. i just found out about the CAT S22 flip phone today and I am looking a lot into it and i think it's the best dumb phone for me. I can still use whatsapp which is my primary way to communicate (also in a LDR so NEED it haha), maps, banking apps, Google Classroom and Gmail (i am a uni student so having constant access to these two apps is a must). I don't click tons of pictures for years now but also have an old but sleek digital camera from 2006/7 (i have to see if it still works) which i might start carrying with me to click the occassional photos for the sake of memories.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I think it takes time to find the right tool and the right way to use it!

[@amymorgan1844]

I learned a lot from the book “Digital Minimalism”; namely that to break bad habits around tech, it’s best to cultivate “high-quality” leisure instead. Things like service, community, learning new skills, etc. I still have a smart phone, but I find that I’m just not as attracted to it anymore, so it mostly stays on its “parking spot” in our home.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

That's an excellent book! I recommend it all of the time in Common House.

[@KristyEichar]

Could you share the author? I see a few books with that title. Thanks!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

@@KristyEichar Cal Newport!

[@thehomesmith]

A great video! I think we are so trapped by social media, by seeing things 24/7 that can make us discontent, that we need this reminder that “Hey just because I’m doing it doesn’t mean it’s the only way and that you’re failing”. If our loves aren’t ordered and our egos in check in anything (sourdough, clean eating, dumb phones, no social media) there’s a dark side that comes out eventually.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Boom. Yes. Ordered loves and egos in check.

[@RosieJ7223]

The machine strikes again!!! 😆💀💀💀 this is such a delightful video. And you are so right! We get in so many fights about this and that particular, when really there are many of us actually going in the same direction toward a principle. I love that. I once heard someone (pretty sure it was Aquinas via New Polity, but can’t recall) say that each virtue is manifested particularly, i.e. the virtue of prudence isn’t flat, but when cultivated in a soul it becomes “Autumn’s prudence” and is specific and unique to that soul. There is no other “prudence” quite like it. It gets all metaphysical and is a bit more than I can understand, but I love the vibe, the gist if you will, of each virtue showing up uniquely in each person. I used to have this idea that if everyone became virtuous and acted like “good little Christians,” we would almost be like lemmings or robots…but that’s modern television’s idea, not mine! Virtuous people are diverse, deep, whole….umami. That’s it. A world full of virtuous people is an “umami world.” Boom you heard it here first, folks 😂

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Totally nailed it. I read a section in On the Human Condition (writings from St. Basil the Great) and he talked about the creation story repeating, "made according to our image/made in our likeness" and how these aren't the same thing. The "made according to our image" is the imago Dei stamped on every soul. But the "made in our likeness" is our uniqueness insomuch as we pursue God. Rather than make us all one way (and doing it all on his own), we were made to become like him in our own ways. Our skills, interests, delights, and struggles will create a particular person-not grey mush copies. I love that!

[@lovemercy7966]

As you said…that is really the dark side of everything. It is the insidious sin of covetousness. Comparison. Jealousy. Also, I love how you admit in your videos that you might change the way you do things eventually, that you’re a young mom, a “common mom,” not an expert. Yet you are so thoughtful I love getting to hear your thoughts as you share them with us. Thank you!! I was curious about the dumb phone idea too, so thank you for updating. Funny enough that you picked on these two, I am someone without a television or social media (and that is a whole long conversation in and of itself-didn’t realize it was ever a “trend” since I know literally no one else in my boat yet I would never consider “going back”) but I don’t ever plan to get rid of the “smart” phone I have, mostly since it is my camera.😂 Anyway, thanks again for all you share!

[@VioletPersuasion]

The camera connecting to gifting groups, so I can post pictures of things I have to gift, quickly, is my big hold out, too.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

So happy to have you here! I would say that saying no to the norm of tv, social media, and smartphones is going to be a better decision than not, but I did want to acknowledge the hard work necessary to keep those things and still aim for the ideals. Online, as you said, there can be a dark side to everything. I continue to watch women make one particular THE STANDARD and many crumble because of it. But if we stick to those ideals and principles, we can actually all pursue Lady Wisdom in our actual lives. Huzzah!

[@lanite71]

I have that oven!!! That was so weird to hear.... I thought what in the world did I start cooking???? haha

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Hahaha, best comment I've ever had.

[@carolynhommes]

I resonate with your video, Autumn! I believe social media is the root cause of the comparison and jealousy we are seeing in the world around us today. About two years ago, I deleted my social media accounts and soon after that I "dumbed down" my iPhone by disabling and deleting all unnecessary apps, I just use it for calls, texts, maps, and music for my kids lullabies in the car. It can be so hard at times, I either feel left out, out of the loop, or frustrated by seeing people on their phones constantly. Thank you for sharing this!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

You're working that muscle with the iPhone in hand! Exactly what I was thinking of when I filmed this. We're still aiming in the same direction!

[@jcav7]

Aah, yes, your videos on these topics DID make me realize I can set the limitations I want to set for myself with my iPhone because not having a smart phone isn’t really an option in my personal circumstances. I can still embrace a humanizing lifestyle. I just have to fight myself once in a while.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Love this. I hope this is what happens when anyone listens to a video and has a different set of circumstances but the Internet can be wild!

[@morgananderson4917]

Wow, did I need this! I feel a bit of a weight off my chest and encouragement in my own circumstances that I can have "the good thing." Grateful for you!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Very happy to hear this.

[@teresacarpenter7266]

I don’t think her book had come out yet when this was made but I know in The Opt Out Family, Erin Loechner talks about how to basically turn your smart phone into a dumb phone.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

This popped up on my radar! I'm hoping to grab a copy from our library.

[@laurenramecourt1829]

People need to know that we STILL have the right of not being available. I can relate with some of the comments bellow (I did quit my family whatsapp for example) but I learned that we don't owe anything to anyone in life, our time is ours. Mental health is too important for being worried about everyone everytime, anxiety is a poison. Also, learn that people that juge you or make you feel guilty for not being enought available should deal with themselves before. Even family members. The lesson of this new generation is to leave the fear of not being in control. I am from the team dumbphone and that is just my point of view :)

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

My husband has been so consistent in the belief that he's not immediately available to anyone (beyond our little family) and such a great example for me!

[@janellewhite8030]

Hooray! 🎉 I've been waiting on this update!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

It was about time!

[@reaganhaskins3718]

Wonderful video! Wondering if you take pictures of your kids in everyday life to remember or send to people. I know my in-laws enjoy daily pictures of the children but if I didn’t have a smart phone that would slow down drastically as I would carry a camera and then have to put them on a computer and so on. I also know some people just don’t take very many pictures of their kids and today we’re so used to always pulling out a phone to capture the moment, which in my opinion ruins it.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I use my film camera, print once a quarter, keep a family album and mail them to family!

[@janagrote1040]

I just found your channel last week and have been thoroughly enjoying your videos. I worked through your dumb phone series and just LOVE how you brought out ideas and questions that are not typical in the smartphone vs dumb phone discussion. I deleted most of my apps and am going to start treating my smart phone more like a dumb phone and truly just use it as a tool instead of let it use me! I'm loving your channel and really appreciate your thoughts and the way you talk about education and motherhood.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

So happy to have you here! Have you read Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport? His framework to discern what is a good tool and how to use it is so helpful!

[@janagrote1040]

@@thecommonplacehomeschool thank you! I just requested it from the library! I just started digital liturgies by Samuel James.

[@britneygriffin6704]

Great video! I found that my perfect combination right now is a basic phone and a tablet. That way I have the access to the tech I need or like when it's helpful, but I can turn my tablet off or leave it at home and just have my basic phone. It's especially helpful when I'm in public and a tablet is not easy to carry around or convenient to use. I find myself using my tablet less and less, even at home. It's surprising how much you don't need something when you start to get used to not having it. I'm starting to mostly use it like a computer since I don't have one right now.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Yes! This sort of combinations seems to work well for people. I know I have to watch my computer usage or I can keep it next to me like a phone!

[@britneygriffin6704]

Yeah, that temptation is definitely there.

[@orthodoxmindandheart]

Well said. There is never a one size fits all approach. Principles first, always.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Principles first! Always!

[@freelandtr]

Going back to a dumb phone isn’t practical for me. We live in a rural area where my only option for internet is my phone. Even satellite internet is unavailable unless we build a tower to get above the trees.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Not building a tower to get above the trees = 1 Autumn Point

[@RaeBehrs]

Same here! I use the Simply Charloyte Mason Organizer for my homeschool planning and record keeping. That requires an internet connection, so i just use my phone. My van also doesn't have a CD player, so I use my phone to listen to our Composer Study, Hymns, and audiobooks. Plus, I don't think I'd get anywhere without my Google calendar to keep me in track and Google Maps to get me there on time.

[@AlishaGarciax]

​@@RaeBehrs same with my Google calendar. My mostly used app

[@Lowesisters]

I like knowing we have such a creative Creator. People are fascinating!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

100%

[@SaraMaysDC]

Well, I need to recommend a book I just finished that lays out a lot of these type of ideas. To us here it is no surprise that Charlotte Mason is mentioned multiple times and Karen Glass is cited...Childhood Unplugged by, Katherine Martinko. I highly recommend it. No rewards for this plug, I just really loved the work.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Oh, thank you! I love a good book recommendation!

[@chantellenolan]

I'm going to purchase a dumb phone today, and get rid of the iPhone. I found a sweet Kosher phone with no internet whatsoever. Exactly what I'm looking for. So sick of the addiction and constant pull... and for what? Thanks for putting this out there!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Woo! Welcome!

[@ezekielfenjavandehei3189]

Thank you for this video. I always feel a lot of pressure with minimalism because everyone talks about how much easier it is when you don't have as much stuff, but I've found that a lot of the stuff we have and keep is because of the stuff we're holding onto in our inward lives and when that is dealt with the outer things go much more easily. Similarly, the discontent we feel is directly related to the fear we let dicate our choices and actions and our beliefs we're holding onto. Thank you again. I really want some good things for my family, but we're not there yet for some of those things, I so appreciate the encouragement.❤

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

The internet usually doesn't show the long process of things either! But, like you said, pursuing good things takes a long time and that's how it's done. I'm glad this was an encouragement!

[@samanthaborlaug8854]

I will also say for those that want a few extra things besides text and call you can get an iPhone but not have data but still have texting, calling, photos and GPS which I hear are so many hindrances for those making the jump. This is what I have and it works great.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Yes! Such a good way to make it work.

[@wellhavenco]

About a year and a half ago, I got rid of my smart phone and replaced it with a a Light Phone... although good things happened with dropping my smart phone, I have decided a month or so ago to (eventually) get one again. To me (and my family) the benefits of not having a smart phone do not outweigh the conveniences for my family, specifically, of having one. I'm all for being the odd one out and going against the grain. Not having a smart phone has seemed like it's now the "cool" thing to do, and not only does that not make it appealing for me anymore, but I think having a smart phone again will help my family in ways that not having one has caused some inconveniences for us. However, I still do not have social media accounts, and that is something I am still not going back to.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

That's the lovely thing about principles: you can pursue them in various ways. I enjoy not having a smartphone (and it helps with some of my own machine-like temptations) but I know it's not the only way to pursue good, noble practices. Always good to hear another's experience with this!

[@wellhavenco]

@@thecommonplacehomeschool yes, I was glad to hear some of the conclusions you drew in this video. Great thoughts for all :)

[@courtneycrusenberry6238]

As I was watching this series I had an idea that struck me. Why not have both? Remember iPods? When they had the ability to play music and download apps but weren’t really a phone? I was thinking that I could use my smart phone apart from cell service and have very limited weekly limits where I answered texts on social media or engaged in group texts (in apps) but then also used a dumb phone for when I’m away from home or people need to contact me. It seems like a win-win. I can see myself having more self-control if the smart phone is turned off and put away and only used in small bursts. Just an idea! 🤔

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Oh yes, people have great success with creative plans like this!

[@MelonieL83]

Very excited for this update!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Enjoy!

[@juliequates9529]

Im considering one of those Aura? cell phone lock boxes.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I'm not familiar but I can guess it's use and it seems like a good plan to me.

[@curtisfamilyadventure]

I needed this video! We live overseas and giving up the iPhone is not an option. I delete apps, then redownload them and get sucked back into the dehumanizing traps 🤦‍♀️ Closing out of KZbin right now to delete a bunch of apps and make my iPhone more dumb so I can be more human!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

So glad it could be helpful!!

[@emrose1980]

SO helpful....I really needed to hear this. Thank you!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

You're quite welcome!

[@lovesarahwells]

So good ♥️ thank you!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

You're quite welcome!

[@julia.mattei]

I went dumb phone for a year too, but I missed the family whatsapp, it was isolating me from everyone back in Brazil. Also missed the camera to capture kids.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

The camera is a big one for a lot of people! And I completely understand the feelings of isolation from family back home. This is where technology is a good gift!

[@ljenk6752]

Ahhh you’re just wonderful 😊

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Glad to have you here!

[@girlwithadopelife]

I thought your oven was mine while I was in the other room 😂

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

This has been the best side effect of this video. The panic over ovens!

[@FirmBeliever1007]

I don’t have my iPhone paid off yet but I know that it is almost paid off so I’m going to sell it and use the money I get to pay it off of course letting who buys it know that it is on the current plan or if you have a phone that is new you can return it back to the facility your buying it from. So it’s okay if it’s not paid off there are ways around that “valid point” just thought I’d share that perspective on that point I really like this content thank you! 😊

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Oh, thank you! I wasn't aware!

[@sargoni.3663]

There are “dumb phones” with limited apps like maps, and WhatsApp. They have a few essential apps but they ara still a flip phone. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Yes, I think those options like Wisephone. Light Phone, etc. are really great options.

[@Stephaniekirk7]

Love this. I limit my phone and often have it grayscale. My people think it’s odd. Although I need it in color for maps! (I live in a metro area) I’m curious what your husband and friends think. Does your husband have a plain phone?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

My husband has an iPhone but has considered a dumb phone. He thinks it's great that I have one. (Except for the fact that I rarely remember to keep it on me and he can't easily get ahold of me! Whoops!) My friends think a variety of things: great for you; can't be done if you're not a homeschooling, self-employed person; love this so much; and everything in between! But some of my friends did switch to dumbphones last year after I started the series!

[@nanningas]

I am loving the channel. I know Charlotte Mason didn't approve of fashion obsession. Yet I cannot help but wonder what your go to clothing stores are because you seem petite to me and I want clothes I do not have to think overly much about. Ha ha.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Hahaha, I just made a similar comment in a recent video about Mason and clothing. It's one of my small smirky delights on the internet when a mom influencer talks about Mason while selling me a dress and discount code. Ha! Most of mine are from Not Perfect Linen or Son de Flor. A few old Madewells sneak in too.

[@mackennanesky790]

This is very encouraging - thank you!! What type of “dumb phone” do you have?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I had a flip AT&T; now I have the Light phone!

[@mackennanesky790]

@@thecommonplacehomeschool thank you! What type of film camera do you use? Wanting to take photos of my children is my biggest hold up to switching to a dumb phone so I love the idea of a film camera.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

@@mackennanesky790 I use a Pentax K-1000 and love it!

[@SWKS_AG05]

Well said ❤.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Thank you!

[@shelbymshook]

Can you share how you like the light phone?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Well, I didn't. To put it plainly. I didn't mind how "slow" it was since I was coming from a flip phone. My issue was regular tech troubles. For instance, when someone would call, it would ring but it wouldn't display a name or allow me to "open" the phone to answer. After the call ended, it wouldn't record a missed call or who called. I had NO idea who was calling me. And it's a phone! I reached out to Light and they asked me if I had tried turning it off and on (Yes, of course; I'm a millennial so that's how I solve all my tech woes.). They don't offer returns/refunds, so I sold it. I'm back to the flip phone.

[@nanningas]

How do you take your photos?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I use a film camera!

[@StorybookHouse]

When I am in the company of people who presumably think like I do about smartphones (not a big fan any more), I state my opinion with a little more passion (sorry) since I thought it was safe to do so. I don't really state it to people with the opposite opinion because --hopefully I want to think the best of the people I am keeping company with and assume that it's none of my business or that they have good reasons for their choices as well. Sorry if my stated opinions were overstated on any of your previous videos. I deleted them. LOL.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Oh, please, you can certainly share your opinions! If you made it through the whole series, you know I have strong opinions, too, about the dangers of the smartphone mentally, physically, and spiritually! This was just another angle to the conversation (and still encouragement to make any smartphone "dumb" through limitations).

[@priscillatucker7716]

Do you think being on Facebook is bad? Been thinking about deleting it.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I think something like Cal Newport's questions in Digital Minimalism are a good place to start: What good am I pursuing in this? Is this the best way to get that good? If yes, how will I use this technology? If no, stop using it.

[@emilyspector7585]

Where is your bookshelf from??? ❤

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

CB2! We put three together.

[@areoivy]

It wasn't possible for me to trade my iphone for a dumb phone so I got rid of internet on my phone (my husband changed the password for me so I couldn't add my phone) and it worked really well. Where we live Data is super expensive and only enough is included in my plan to look up maps (we were new to the area and so I didn't know where ANYTHING was) when I'm out. If I do more than that because I'm breaking my own rules I won't be able to look up a map by the end of the month or recive texts from our family text chains (almost everyone lives out of town so we have one for my husbands family and another for mine that are always running. Apparently 5 way text chains use data.). The risk of missing a text from my mother in law helps keep me in check ;) (she wouldn't be mad but I wouldn't want her wondering why I didn't text her back)

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Thank you for sharing! Limiting the data plan is another great way to limit the phone too!

[@carolynmineau2714]

Please let us know which dumb phone youve now purchased, thanks

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I went with the Light phone!

[@heatherr8696]

For people that want to try the dumb phone experience on a smart phone...you can make your phone black and white! It's super easy.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

A great tip!

[@theherbalcarnivore4284]

Interesting! I didn't know this, I think I'll look into it; thanks for sharing!