i used a dumb phone for 6 months. here’s what I learned.

[@ashtonwomack]

would you try living without a smartphone? 📲 I'd love to hear about it if you do!

[@ShayGlenn]

TBH.. I'd love to... But having to have an app with a Covid pass to get in to places, get flights is making it really hard ☹️ means that I have to have a smart phone. I've been trying different minimalist launchers like indistractable that turns my Smartphone almost into dumbphone. I'll see how that goes 🙂

[@catire98]

It's very hard, but I do have the same phone you have when I want to disconnect but be available for those who need to contact me. So, the dumb phone is a backup or a phone that I use from time to time.

[@rattsjcfanpage01]

I would, but for disabled people, it helps them with communication, and nutrition.

[@varshamehralive]

I am trying the same। to save my time

[@lepolder]

사실 저는 스마트폰 사용하기 시작한지 몆년 안되어 flip phone 사용하던 시절이 꽤 많이 생각납니다. 터치스크린보다는 pad가 좋지요. 그리고, 왜 스마트폰 시대에는 전화기로 통화를 않는지 생각해 볼 일인 것 같습니다. 전화기쟎아요? 그런데 사람들이 스마트폰으로는 전화를 안해요. 전화를 걸면 사람들이 싫어할 것 같으니까요. 스마트폰 전 시대에는 안 그랬어요.

[@readmycomment4696]

The fact that this video is calm, no unnecessary hyper music in the background, no edits super edits. This itself is so nice to watch, this video is refreshing as well as the content covered in it. Great work we need more such fashions

[@gingernichols8419]

great point

[@good1day726]

Agree, great video!

[@sweetluvgurl]

I agree. I hate over the top videos with the edits and stuff. Maybe it’s because I’m older, but I just find it annoying more than anything, and I hate random loud noises and clips inserted into videos.

[@tomb8430]

Agree 100%

[@Ideacatcher]

Attention spans are really low nowadays which is sad but you can blame tik tok and other social media for social engineering the new normal. Meditation and detoxing for a few days off of modern content will help clear the mind. The super edits became a thing because of video retention and if you dont have something exciting happening every once in awhile most young people will leave. But, what I'm trying to say is the issue is bigger in the fact that the main stream media will always follow this new trend of fast fast fast.

[@rayderrich]

The dumber the phone the smarter the user. I love that you did this and talk about it. Thank you!

[@anonymous-cx7ng]

People who never had a smartphone are not really smarter! but maybe healthier mentally and physically

[@chrismiller5198]

I've seen videos here on KZbin of young people who couldn't figure out how to use a simple rotary phone.

[@MNkno]

@@anonymous-cx7ng Not disagreeing deeply with what you said, but not having all the handy apps to rely on CAN make you develop memory, awareness of your surroundings, and see relationships and patterns that your smartphone would never let you see or think about.

[@anonymous-cx7ng]

@@MNkno internet is what made us smart we are literally smarter than our parents and more educated but we have more mental problems

[@costakeith9048]

​@@anonymous-cx7ng It's not having physical access to information that makes you smart, it's having that information committed to memory that makes you smart. The internet actually makes people dumber because they fail to memorize information due to it being so easy to look up.

[@phyllisriley1013]

I’m 76 and my big reason for a smart phone is my deaf daughter. Texting with her and FaceTime with her is so much easier. What a blessing.

[@Iamalemonwhy]

You dont look 76 you look 60

[@Mr.Miyagi907]

Best Video I saw on this topic. Now in 2024 this subject is more important then ever with tiktok and shorts addictive lifestyle. The youth is getting absolutely populated by the internet/smartphone. I am a smartphone addict and it is time to get smart again. Thanks for your input. Greetings from Germany

[@sapphirelane1714]

This is reminding me of life in high school! Back when “social media” was just something you checked on the family computer late at night. Back when everyone was afraid to press the internet button on their Nokias because of the data usage (and the crappy quality). All we did was send a few text messages every now and then, checked MySpace for 30 minutes, then it was back to the real world. I miss that peace and self control. I deleted my social media now, but KZbin still takes up my free time.😬

[@Brian-mp2mv]

ah, you mean back in the days of dial-up by the minute and OG AOL!🤣

[@sapphirelane1714]

@@Brian-mp2mv haha! That’s more like my elementary school days, but yes! Never thought I’d miss the sound of dial-up.🥺

[@TruPunx89]

calling a friend and meet up at a park or whatever on a specific time and you could count that they came a week later on the date you picked out :D

[@mrsmcdonald9363]

Family computer? 😆 We had a dumb phone with a 10’ curly-Q cord hanging on the kitchen wall and a mailbox at the end of the driveway. That was our social media. And guess what? We were just as connected, in some ways more.

[@JYYB]

Sums it up 100% hahah oh the memories

[@P2J2]

Stopped using a smart phone several years ago when I realized how badly it was messing up society. It was easily one of the healthiest decisions I've ever made.

[@MrR40388]

People mess up society. A phone is an inanimate object and only a tool. You could make the same argument about television. If it wasn't for social media,we wouldn't be having this discussion. A smart phone is just a device,what you do with it is what matters.

[@beaware354]

Smartphones track all you do on it

[@josephliptak]

@@MrR40388 P:eople are messing up society more than ever, because of smartphones and TV. People have become conditioned erroneously and they aren't even aware of it. A brainwashed person doesn't know that they are brainwashed because it's their reality in their bubble of illusion.

[@PipoGirlTv]

@@MrR40388 smartphones overhear your conversations to show you fitting advertisement

[@user-dn8hd1de2d]

@@MrR40388 I do make the same argument about tv. I went for 20 +years without having cable, just watched it for the DVD capability. It was heaven. Anything overused becomes a crutch and people on crutches diminish their quality of life...which then diminishes the quality of that society they are in.

[@ryanqvincent144]

I so agree about the reduction in anxiety once you 'unhook' from the 'mainstream media'. It also puts you back in control of who can get your attention directly. Your life personal doesn't really change as you are 'contactable'. However, the anxiety level reduction is so worth it. :) Thanks for sharing this. Appreciated.

[@mikelisteral7863]

ive never owned a smart phone in my life. i use a free online phone on my lapttop

[@Victor-tl4dk]

You know what's crazy? Google now puts news under the search bar. You can't even search what you want to search without seeing mainstream, money-making, if it bleeds it leads mentality without going through many steps. On one of the browsers on my phone I couldn't even turn it off... While it's made super difficult to turn off, to turn on there's this simple button that says "turn on cards" or something (my phone is broken right now; I stumbled on this video after looking for new phones lol.)

[@ryanqvincent144]

@@Victor-tl4dk That must be 'naughty' as they are deciding what 'Mainstream News' they are showing you. I agree that it should be easy to disable. Another way is to use a different search engine... see DuckDuckGo or one of the others. As regards the phone... Are you aware of 'DeGoogled Phones'? worth a look?

[@deanporter9936]

I'm 48 so I remember how wonderful life was without cellphones altogether. Although I do own a smartphone I only really use it for work but I am 5 years now without a TV and I think its the best thing I have ever done.

[@TheLionAndTheLamb777]

Do you remember leaving the house to ESCAPE the phone? I know that I do.

[@Plethorality]

@@TheLionAndTheLamb777 yes!!! : )

[@curtissharris8914]

@@TheLionAndTheLamb777 pay phones were no joy.

[@Plethorality]

@@curtissharris8914 iliked rattle and clunk of the coins, and the smell of the metal and tge weight and feel of the reciever... and the hope of the dialling..

[@hdj81Vlimited]

i'm 20 years without TV, its the best thing you ever can do. no brainwashing anymore. a cell phone is to call and text, nothing more, all the rest is to TRACK you down........

[@MrFun67]

I took a slightly different approach to this: If I got frustrated after using an app (ie Social Media) or if I hadn't used an app for an extended time I deleted it. Also, I turned off all notifications. Now all my apps fit on the first screen on my phone and I don't have the constant distractions or frustrations that I used to have, but I still have access to a good camera, email, texting, and a browser if I need it.

[@AnalyticMinded]

Those are some good pointers, Thomas. I'm gonna try to apply them on my phone!

[@caspianjuniper]

Thank you for the idea! I think I’m going to try this too. ✨🤍

[@sandman8993]

I’ve always turned notifications off as they really annoy me. I’m on Facebook but never post anything and barely ever look at it. The wife set it up expecting me to use it like she does but nah not for me.

[@beautifulrose8619]

This is exactly what I did a long tme ago. All my notifications and alerts have been turned off. When I feel like looking I will.

[@wildmano1965]

Yeah...this approach could definitely work!

[@funnymonkey4456]

I got a Nokia in January not knowing how long I would last but I can now 100% say I will never go back to having a smart phone. I deleted social media a year before to control anxiety and time spent on my phone, but found that I just replaced my time spent on instagram and snapchat with time spent on KZbin and streaming apps. My biggest issue with the thought of getting a dumb phone was also the inability to take photos, but I got a cache of disposable film cameras and an old digital cannon, and I find now that those methods of taking photos makes me cherish my memories more because when I am doing something fun I am enjoying myself in the present rather than pulling out my phone to capture every single thing I'm seeing, which inevitably leads to opening up other apps and distracting myself from the present moment. theres also nothing like using up a disposable over a month, taking it in to get developed and seeing a bunch of photos you don't even remember taking. That feeling is really special. I was also concerned about a lack of GPS but told myself that if my parents drove without GPS for 30 years I can too, and navigating myself through the Atlanta freeway to the airport with all of its exits and ramps going only by roadsigns despite the chaos and confusion was one of the most gratifying things ever lol. I've recommitted myself to hobbies like reading, crocheting and drawing and close friends and family have noticed how much more present we both are when we're together because theres one less smart phone demanding our attention. Having inconveniences in the virtual world is a small price to pay for living a more fulfilled and present life. If anyone is thinking about getting rid of their smartphone, do it!

[@rses916]

❤ love this. Any update?

[@genuinerecovery]

Thanks Ashton for highlighting anxiety associated with “smart phones.” Better to be “dumb,” calm, and in control of your life. Peace of Mind and Quality of Life is the best way. You’re a knockout!

[@stevecarter8810]

It seems like just as society learned about mindfulness we also invented the device that is the biggest challenge yet to mindfulness

[@erinmeggik391]

Having been a teen in the 70s I say Actual conversations are persona non grata lately. Admittedly I chuckle at how distracted some people are due to these Crack-Phones.

[@adlevhashamayim4694]

I took art classes with this lady; I always knew she would do something amazing with her art and creativity. 😄

[@DS-cp3fg]

She looks the artsy type for sure 😃

[@madcatter1]

איזה עיר?

[@adlevhashamayim4694]

@@madcatter1 עיר הזות דאכּולה מיל כּריק

[@DeletedAccountForSure]

@@DS-cp3fg she is super cute ❤️ btw

[@peace2u947]

I hate smartphones.. they r so destructive imo.

[@AdamLacy228]

They were never considered "dumb phones" until the inevitable rise of so-called "smartphones." They were phones.

[@maranathayall]

Seriously! I would've understood it if it was simply called a regular 'ole phone.

[@PRAYINGMANTIS.]

I literally didn't know they're called dumb phones😭 i always thought they were the ogs phones

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

Also, either feature phones or legit smartphones (eg, blackberries).

[@hadouchiken3685]

@@PRAYINGMANTIS.same haha

[@benmclaren]

well it's an important distinction to make in today's world

[@nebster-vp6xs]

I'm also going to put my smartphone away and start using a dumb phone. I really don't like how the whole society got used to smartphones. We started to be dependent on them.

[@ashtonwomack]

I agree. good luck to you!!

[@folksurvival]

@@fletcherchristian2254 Libertarianism is just another controlled opposition movement/ideology.

[@felixli7365]

​@@fletcherchristian2254 I agree with your stance of getting out of the control of smart devices. However I have to raise objection on your reason: Sociopath is one spectrum of the anti-social behavior (other one being psychopath). I can go into the science behind the genetic reasoning of anti-social trait for its relevancy, but I don't think the abstraction will interest you and will probably treat me as a lunatic. Instead, I am going to talk about my own standpoint and experience as a sociopath. I was raised and born in a prestigious city in China (not going to say because YT is practically surveillance hell). At primary school me and my friends found ourselves in study workload that is comparable to foreign high school, as the underlying concept of Chinese education is to befill us with knowledge and useful to society, or as the government advocate it, "to become a brick of the Great Wall of China". It was just a cycle of school, homework, enrichment studies, then bed. Of course, I had no bloody clue at that time as my mum sits next to me all night after school to watch me to my extension mathematics. My dad however senses the failure of a society the CCP has created, eventually moving me out to Australia, after much resistance from the rest of my family, brainwashed by the education by the Party. Before the age of 14 I never had the chance to touch a phone, not even a computer. My mum always keep me away from it, saying that I will break it. I understand her for this reasoning, as at the time the Chinese education hype was all about maths and physics. Who could've imagined that now I would be sitting here babbling about machine learning model with my tutor and tutoring the juniors about computer algorithms ---- It's all irrelevant. After landing in Australia I was put to school in just 5 days. Not knowing the English language well, I etched on in class, 50/50-ing the conversation of my classmates and the words of my teacher. I tried talking to year-mates, only getting laughed at shoo-ed away. Being the 1 of the 3 Chinese in the year makes me stood out, yet my maths and science grades far exceeds anyone else in the year. This is easy recipe for me to be the target of every bully in the year. I would be forced to hide away in the toilet as they block the gate, or lunching in the corner between the canteen and the library. It was not easy, but still barely physical. It was one day when a guy pushed me into the door after the English class. At the time my brain went blank, and instinctly I punched the guy in his face. My English teacher saw me, brought me to the principle's office and put me into detention. At the time i had tears in my eye, because I thought I did nothing wrong, I was just fighting back. I don't know exactly what I thought that night, but after that I begin starting fights around school, telling the bullies who try to invade my space to eat dirt, and anyone who even raise a joke on me. I will not allow other people to challenge my attitude. It was when I entered university I learnt this aggravated behavior is a typical symptom of Sociopathy. Eventually I had to leave the school, I made enemies with not just the bullies, but more than half of the whole year, and even the teachers. In Australia most schools don't need to look at your previous school's records, all they need to know is that you have enough money to pay the private fees. My anger issue, or at least that was what my teacher phrased about me in the P&T report says, slowly improved as I moved to the new school. People are much more civilized, everyone is more academically focused, and I got to meet 2 inspiring and especially talented individuals who received state ranks for the college entrance exams. After entering university last year, I started reflecting on why I my temper becomes so explosive during the high school years. After learning the concept of psychopathic and sociopathic spectrums my problem was answered, yet at the same time more question is raised. Because I didn't exhibit any of the said traits and characteristic during my early years, and I would think that no significant mental trauma was exposed to me at early ages. It is when my dad starts chatting with me about history and politics in the off-time when I start to uncover the answer - the society. China as a society teaches people to be "loyal" -- Loyal to your employer as an employee, loyal to your teacher as your student, loyal to the party as a citizen... -- It was about control. This is exemplified perfectly during the 60s and 70s, when the cultural revolution unfolded, students were driven by the teachers to report "Right-wingers". But it is in fact ANYONE who oppose the voice of the leader Mao. Students have reported their teacher, their friends, even their own parents to the authority to be "re-educated" and "civilized". With my dad's own words, "People's minds has been flattened by the red sun". What people are really loyal to are money and power for their own greed, but at the same time they have to pretend they are loyal to the authority. This is what made Chinese people different (to the others at the time), because everyone has at least two faces, one for the super-power, and one for the under-powered. My dad always call the government officials of China to be "schizophrenia". He started using this term for almost every Chinese, for them having split personalities. No matter what level of education is given, under this environment, people's faith are destroyed, morality erased, and so they lose sympathy. They would even feel happy watching others suffering, because the same or even greater has happened to them, but they are modelled to only care for themselves. In short, I think the formation of sociopath is a systematic failure of the society, of the ruling government over the education system. I am not saying that the US education is bad. It has made some of the most competitive people that I have ever seen in a society. In the internet meme terms of today, "4 parallel universes ahead of me". However, all the time they put into building leaders and raising geniuses, they are also neglecting the necessary moral construct of humanity. IN FACT, with the rising of the democratic party, in particular the Biden administration, is putting this sense of "wokeness" to the extreme. Blurring the basic concept of gender, allowing terrorism groups wandering the streets of neighbourhood in the name of "peaceful parading" etc.. I don't consider myself, especially the violent experiences after all these years, a man with kindness and tolerance of Jesus. But there's a baseline limit to what bad can be done to a society and its future generation, and it is clearly gone past it. The smartphones are not the source of the problem, it is just a medium which it spreads, a tiny piece in the big board where cheaters and corrupted judges controls over. Getting rid of smartphones can indeed block the radiance and the extreme toxicity of social media. But it doesn't help when people around you are also spreading this virus, teachers in school fueling illness in children's minds, and TV hosts with disgusting crimes wanders on their days unpunished... The society has failed. Humanity is going backwards. As a teenager who has come this far to witness all of this, I can only say that I do not see hope in human's future. Everyone's "a little evil" premising the crocs to keep on consuming people's morale and life to power their desire to conqueur a patch of land, or win some meaningless titles so that they can look good in front of people... It is inevitable. Just as God has created the world in 7 days, the species of human has limitless possibilities -- either good or evil. I just hope that I can live to see the light at the end of the dark age that we are living in. Good luck to you, and everyone that is reading this.

[@SilverGirl-925]

@@fletcherchristian2254 That's exactly what we do in our house. We're learning all day long on our computers, but don't hunch over filling every second using social media. I wonder if young people ever just sit with their own thoughts without distractions like people were meant to do. I think there's a lot of brain development going on when we're not constantly entertained by a screen. I see people looking down at their phone at a stop sign and ignore other drivers when it's their turn to go.

[@139-b7j]

Stop using cars and electricity as well. Getting too dependent on them after all.

[@nalakia]

I'm almost 50, and my husband loves his smart phone, but I switched back to an old flip phone. I hated how big the smart phone was and how delicate! Also, I hate having a dang leash. lol If I need a distraction while waiting somewhere, I can bring my sketch pad, or a paperback book with me when I go out.

[@threeriversforge1997]

I'm 50, too. Remember when there weren't any mobile phones at all? Growing up with the street lights as your clock? Good times!

[@davejustice8125]

​@@threeriversforge1997 46 here. Dad had pulse-dial til he died in `05! Carrying change specifically for a pay phone? My later teenage years I delivered pizza with no gps and a lot with no phone at all! We had time to imagine and be creative.

[@davejustice8125]

46 here. Dad had pulse-dial til he died in `05! Carrying change specifically for a pay phone? My later teenage years I delivered pizza with no gps and a lot with no phone at all! We had time to imagine and be creative.

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@davejustice8125 Yep. Too much static on the brain interferes with the imagination and creativity, imo. I can't think of anything that a smart phone would help me with except customers paying at fairs and such. And if that's the price I need to pay.... I'm okay with it. Never really made much money at fairs anyhow.

[@Carolina404ATL]

I’m 40 and reading y’alls comments actually made me feel old as Hell! Yes, I also grew up when the street lights come on is time to go home and I still prefer a paper book than read in a tablet or phone most of the time but we pretty much dreamed of things like this as kids and the younger generations are growing up with such technology. The same technology that can track one’s heartbeat and alert a person if their heart is having hypertension palpitations so in case it’s a heart attack one can call first responders, that actually can take live videos across cities, states, countries and continents and share with us simultaneously like video chatting with a family member or friend that lives far from you, or the ability to learn knew things and receive emergency news and alerts instantly. We all wish we had this back then and even though both situations has its cons and pros we need to stop saying we had better back then because we didn’t, all we had that is actually better is the privacy and be able to do whatever and know it’s not going to go viral somehow, that’s pretty much it. I know I’m 40 but I surely don’t feel the need to act like a boomer and think I had better back then. Also, thanks to Sweet Baby Jesus we have GPS because we all got lost till we learn where we had to go and that was not fun at all and y’all know that deep inside. Aging can also be a state of mind and I surely want to be like Peter Pan if that keeps my brain young/healthy enough so it can keep learning new things, moving forward with technology and society.

[@pastiyass]

when i saw that you switched into another dumb phone and not a smartphone it was surprisingly wholesome to me, like, it shows that you really learned from that experience and you didn't go back to your older habits just because you "technically could", it just made me happy

[@ronniestanley75]

The thing about taking "photos" is the whole idea of taking them has changed over the years. It used to mean a dedicated device that was used to have physical photographs made. Now, it's something done save a memory into your phone. I'm not saying that people don't make real photos. I'm just saying that the vast majority of pictures taken mean absolutely nothing and will eventually either be lost or deleted for space. So, my question is, is having a camera really that important?? It seems to me that the idea of a camera has been completely distorted from a physical media to a virtual media that is a reason to constantly upgrade a phone and a reason for your attention to never actually be focused on your life. Instead of living your life, you are focused on recording it and playing it back for people you don't really know but want to impress for some odd reason.

[@danielboughton3624]

I don't take too many photos with my phone but it is very handy when disassembling something or needing to look at something where you can't easily get your head into the space to see what is what. I snap a pic and then curse at the fact it didn't focus but eventually get a decent shot of that thing under my car or the machine I am taking apart so when I put it back together I can tell where the bits went. Most of the time I remember where everything goes but always good to have a pic.

[@zarroth]

it's good to have video recording though when weird situations arise. Can save you a ton of legal issues.

[@faewashere]

I think its all dependant on the person, I know a lot of friends who use their phones simlarily to what you said where its just a memory space on their phone, but they also have cameras that they take dedicated photos with to print or publish. For example I once had a ton of photos but never shared them, or only shared 1-2 out of 10s or 100s but also have a folder on my computer of photos from my phone i want to print to an album. I have a lot of friends who never post anything on social media but I have severe doubts that they're not taking photos. So all in all, I would consider it a case by case situation. Some people consider cameras very important, others maybe not so much. Some people want to post a billion photos online, others don't.

[@SuperDflower]

Interesting commentary

[@MrR40388]

It's convenience. Easier to use a phone than a film camera where you have to get the film developed. But you can still print photos from the phone.

[@timm7524]

On navigation, yes. I moved to a new area years ago. I realized after 3 years I still didn't know where anything actually was myself. So for a year I stopped using live navigation. I'd look at the directions before I left, then try to follow them. Very quickly I started remembering where stuff actually was and didn't NEED a GPS to get most places. It's so funny what you don't notice til you notice.

[@ashtonwomack]

so true! thanks for watching!

[@adreanmarantz2103]

I transferred my job to a new area and ended up living on the same road as my work, which was also the 'main' commercial road of the town, everything I need is on it. After 15 years people will mention streets and/or places one or more blocks away (off the main road) and I'll have no idea. It's amusing, but also disturbing in a way and I can't blame my phone. When I was younger I would know my hometown by heart and at least the basics of nearby bigger cities.

[@rikavanderhofstad]

i gotta admit. this feels kinda weird to see someone explain how they navigate the way i would too in this day and age XD. iv never been a big smartphone user myself. i got one for the things that i really need it for but thats about it. same as you, when i have to go somewhere ill try to memorize it before i leave the house. i use google maps street view to walk/cycle the difficult parts and most of the time that gets me there. and if i feel really unsure about some difficult parts i might grab a little piece of paper and just write down the street names i need to know or print out that part of the map xD.

[@mjowsey]

Live navigation can warn you of car accidents etc. Can save a heap of time

[@timm7524]

@@mjowsey Oh, I still check directions and traffic with navigation before leaving. I just do it more like the days of Mapquest. I'll look before I leave but then try to go by memory. But also if I hit traffic now I already know a way around!

[@amiblack8294]

I'm PROUD of you for seeing the value of not being manipulated by an Iphone and the value of just BEING without distractions, constant content, etc. This is how life was before these horrible things came into being and it was SO.MUCH. BETTER.

[@danteerskine7678]

How can she be manipulated by an iphone when iphones are the most boring phones on the entire planet

[@azn1011]

i think it's nuts that a store or restaurant would wouldn't provide services unless you scan a QR code. i mean a restaurant not even having physical menus and making people scan QR codes instead? that's insane

[@tinglestingles]

Save on printing costs plus able to update menus and prices instantaneous - many restaurants in Europe only have QR code menus

[@Cruxis_Angel]

I would never eat at a restaurant that didnt have physical menus

[@tinglestingles]

@@Cruxis_Angel Most people are more interested in the price, quality of food and service than where the menu is placed. A lot of eating establishments have menus on the wall or on screens. But it's your decision - I suspect less and less will be printed in future. You'll save a lot by not going into restaurants.

[@mister_oj_zen7345]

About a year ago, I went to Dave and busters. I had to stop a waitress so I could order, she said scan the QR code. I said wait a minute I have to scan a code to order, she said yeah. I eventually got a paper menu. This scanning stuff is out of hand, I mean golly. Well it's already out of hand.

[@tinglestingles]

@@mister_oj_zen7345 faster, more accurate orders with scanning.

[@juggernaut986]

From my own experience, taking my smart phone out of the house really made a difference in terms of clarity of mind. It was really difficult to begin with, but have felt that my dopamine levels have stabilised to normal levels and I'm more in tune to the present. Alot of people underestimate or are unaware of attachments and addictions whether we know it or are unaware of it, not only to what is on the internet, apps, and our dependency on it. We as a whole developed one with nature and this tech obsession will not lead to anything good. The more intellectual we get and less connected to our spirit, the more we devolve and the more enslaved we become

[@ack153]

I first met my husband on the street. He had a dumb phone and it actually made things a lot more stress free when getting to know each other because he didn't have a texting plan and if he wanted to hang out, he would just call me. This was very different from previous guys that I dated that I would obsess over when I wouldn't get a text from them and it would make me more desperate in the relationship. With my husband, we would just give each other the space that we needed and he would always come back.

[@bharathkinnera]

Well said, happy for both of you

[@maddisaaaan]

i love that for you

[@Ambika5364]

Amazing. ❤

[@k-rpen8719]

Wow, thank you for sharing this.

[@mrHello420__]

You should try to use the smartphone in the "extreme power saving mode" where only the device apps like contacts, camera etc. work. Because in our digital world it's just very convenient to have a mini PC on you everywhere you go. You just have to turn off the distractions.

[@jesusavina8657]

That's true I forgot we could even do that. The thing is though me and probly alot of people will eventually just go back to using it regularly like we're trying to stop. When something is so easy rite at your fingertips to go back to yea most people will most likely go back to being hooked to there phones and being on social media and stuff.

[@RedSntDK]

Yup, that's the move. In Denmark I pretty much have to use a smartphone because of how digitalised Danish society has become, but you can definitely choose to keep the phone in a 'dumb state' so to speak, which is preferable. Getting annoying beeps and boops telling me how the weather is, and thinking it's important to disturb me, drives me nuts. Just no reason to have it in 'time sink' mode all the time.

[@mrHello420__]

@@jesusavina8657 You could try to uninstall all distracting apps, like youtube, instagrma etc. Then it would be still relatively easy to use them again, but you have a additional boundary.

[@ChrisDecrease]

I'm down with this idea, especially since using things like SMS and regular calling to communicate deprive you of truly-private communication. I use Signal as my primary app for messages and calls, so not having that available to me is… not great.

[@itsROMPERS...]

My phone allows me to easily control all notifications, so i don't have the feeling of being burdened by incessant interruptions. The worst thing is calls and texts from people i don't want to hear from, but at least i can block some of them.

[@stevecarter8810]

5:02 this is where I get stuck on modern life. I find it outrageous how not only is our phone not a tool for us anymore, but that we can't give it up (qr code instead of menu) and the worst, that the younger generations don't know that there was an alternative.

[@threeriversforge1997]

Just stop participating. If a restaurant doesn't have menus, stop going here. It might sound like an awful thing, but it's worked out far better for everyone I know who has done it. There are tons of small places that still have menus, where you can talk to other humans, etc. You'll find that the quality of your life goes up tremendously once you get away from the addiction that is the mobile phone. Nobody's saying you have to go live in a cave. Just do little things like have one phone at home with your desk top computer, and carry cash in your wallet rather than rely on a debit card. Be just a little bit rebellious and you'll find yourself being welcomed into a whole new world that's just chock full of good people living life.

[@bryantfields9476]

I'm 61 now, and I'm always complaining to my wife, who is absolutely addicted to her iphone, that I remember not having a cell phone, and everything was just fine ! We gave up a whole lot of freedom in the name of convenience.

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@bryantfields9476 And it's really not that convenient when you think about it. Another bill to pay every month, and for what? So people can bother you at all times of the day? So your boss can call you after-hours to talk about something when you're not getting paid? So you can ignore the people all around you? When I had mine for those few short years, I found that I had to make excuses to use the blasted thing, calling people just to say I was justifying the monthly cost of the phone. The things are only "convenient" when you break down on the side of the road somewhere. And how often does that really happen?

[@JishinimaTidehoshi]

@@threeriversforge1997 THIS >>>> So your boss can call you after-hours to talk about something when you're not getting paid? SO TRUE!!!

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@JishinimaTidehoshi Yep. Everyone's experienced it. Crazy stuff, and all the more reason to not have a mobile phone.

[@brookieP6-10]

I was in tears the other day thinking about how out of control I am with my phone. Completely addicted. Even though I don't have social media, there's always something to take its place. And my eyesight has gotten so bad, I have no idea how to read a map, I check my phone even when I don't want to, and I don't have peace. The hours in the days just fly by. I remember being a kid and not having a cell phone or internet at my house and being bored and finding something creative or productive to do. And I remember getting tired when it got dark and sleeping so deep and always naturally waking up at 7 am. Dumb phone is on the way and I cannot wait to put this stupid smartphone in the darkest drawer and shut it forever. I'm not saying that the phone itself made me depressed, I just don't have the self control to not let it take over every spare minute of my time. I have a baby now that I want to be completely present for. He deserves a mom who lives in the real world, not a phone zombie.

[@mayarareis2709]

Can you follow up? How has this process been for you? I’m looking to drop it as well. I finished college and just got my first full time job.. a job that finally doesn’t require me to be on social media so I just want to focus on my work and rid of ads and wasting my time scrolling. I’m ready for happiness again.

[@ismotjahan9769]

❤

[@austinholik8773]

I love this concept. I'm 27 years old and I lived without a smart phone for a year during the pandemic. It felt like traveling back in time. I experienced most of what you said- some inconveniences, many benefits. The exclusion from certain social activities (restaurant menus, Uber/Lyft, mobile-only social media platforms like Snap) is problematic. We can't just exclude people because they don't have a smartphone. Regardless of those few instances, you really can survive without a smartphone. In fact, you will probably see an improvement in your overall quality of life.

[@ufoclips1]

Instead of Uber eats,learn to cook.

[@ghost-user559]

You can just do both. Have a lockbox or “phone free” zone on your house where you lock it up for a set amount of time. That way you have one for work and essentials but you don’t get sucked in out of boredom or impulse. It’s actually really helpful to wean yourself off of impulsive phone habits. Just pick a drawer or get a jewelry box with a little lock and whenever you get home from work or school put the phone there until you absolutely need it.

[@PvtAnonymous]

the fact that in some countries (speaking as a German) you rely on QR codes for everything is somewhat hilarious but also sad. A waiter being annoyed by having to bring a menu speaks volumes. And the reliance on Uber is also a weird concept for me to grasp. I just get the feeling that especially in the US people really rely on those few services that dictate their life, like Uber, Lyft, Apple Pay, iMessage and so on. It's stunning how just a few companies now basically control the whole private sector, each having a piece of the cake. I don't think I've ever seen so much reliance on so few services anywhere else in the world (except maybe South Korea).

[@sandman8993]

A smartphone and cash! I often pay with cash and some people are shocked by that.

[@bigpod]

imo Quality of life will probably go down but then again im not beholden to my smartphone for me its just a tool like a laptop but in my pocket, if i get notification if its not a message i ignore it (i know the difference as i have different notification sounds for differenet things)

[@nononsenseBennett]

The anxiety aspect is interesting. It would be a great scientific experiment to compare blood pressure before and after changing phones. You're on to something!

[@DaddyResonance]

Electro Magnetic Radiation.. Everybody has Radiation sickness.

[@Acetyl53]

All of those experiments were done 50 years ago. They just never bothered to tell anyone. At this point the body of literature is massive.

[@threeriversforge1997]

The studies have already been done, and they haven't really put the phones in a good light. Think about how you feel if you go a day without a friend texting you. Think about a city full of millions of people with low-level anxiety like Ashton speaks of. Think about a city filled with people who have forgotten basic things like social interaction because they keep their noses in their phones, texting with strangers miles away rather than the people IRL right next to them. A goodly portion of the things we're witnessing today are a direct result of the jive going on with phones.

[@ckomarec]

My tween kids have a flip phone. Zero phone addiction. They are jealous of their friends smart phones but are having a full healthy childhood experience instead.

[@MS-wm3ld]

You should be reported to CPS for such atrocity. LOL

[@meowclaws4690]

@@MS-wm3ldbe quiet troll

[@meowclaws4690]

Im gen z and when i have kids im going to give them a flip phone because i dont want them to get addicted (like i did for a period of time)

[@Anonamaious]

@@MS-wm3ld😂 .. seems the direction we’re headed

[@robertaswanson5633]

Wow, I was amazed, pleasantly, to discover that a "younger" person would opt out of a smartphone. I have a very simple, cheap flip phone that I keep with me for emergencies. It's easy to become addicted to stuff on the computer too but at least I give my brain a break when I'm out and about. The older I get the more I want to eliminate noise, simplify my life to the essentials. One of my great joys is sitting outside, smelling the fragrance of the earth, feeling the sun on my skin, watching and listening to birds. Another is walking up my country road to the mailbox, greeting the neighbors' dogs, waving at people in their cars. I have thought for quite a while that I "should" get a smartphone, but your video has taken away my guilt at not having one.

[@2oned528]

God is in PRESENCE. Never be guilty about being anywhere but the present. At one point (my phone broke), I just decided (was tired of my social-network addictions) to hold out on not buying a phone for a while. It started off as a self-test, in a way that I wanted to check how strong my "cravings" would be, a strength-check for my willpower, just overall a hearty good-humored practical joke that I wanted to play on myself and see what happens. Two and a half years later, I bought a "dumb phone" because I absolutely NEEDED one for work now, whereas previously I could get by with using landline to call my destination (friends' homes, plans to meet out, work, etc.) before leaving home, or just borrowing a friend's to make a quick call to let my family know if I'm running late or would be staying out for the night. For the first 8-10 months, it was this itch that I couldn't scratch. Initially it was very annoying to not have a smartphone anymore, or a phone at all, but at the same time a part of me was extremely amused at the situation and how I felt about it. So I transferred my will over to the part that was amused, and sat in that side of myself and let the other side go. And I loved every day of it. My family and friends thought that it was super bizarre, they thought I was nuts for not having a phone. Meeting new people, when I had to tell them about not having a number... it was absolutely gorgeous visually seeing their expression just freeze in time, watching their wheels turn, and not being able to understand how someone in this day and age didn't carry a cellphone, didn't even have one. Some people would just get frustrated of trying to make sense of it and would just say it: "you're crazy! :o" haha But yes, peaceful. Life just... flows all around you... the mystery speaks to you in ways that you could never describe even to yourself. You can just experience the stillness, the peace, the presence. It's a blessing. : )

[@ldchappell1]

I enjoyed reading your comment about country tranquility. I read it twice. The way you describe enjoying the fragrance of the earth. Wonderful. It reminded me of my teenage years in Mendocino County, California. I lived in a cabin about 200 feet from the main house. It was so peaceful there. Just about every night I would sit on my little porch and gaze in wonder at all the stars that you just can't see in urban areas. There's nothing like star gazing to make you realize how insignificant your problems are in the grand scheme of things. I also enjoyed listening to the crickets and smelling the apple orchards that surrounded our farm. I've never had a problem shutting down my computer and putting my smartphone away. Some people dread having to be alone with their own thoughts, but I relish those times.

[@angeloreborn2819]

It is somewhat alarming when you realize how dependent and addicted we are to our phones. From time to time I tell my daughter to give her phone and ipad a rest,to go out and play with the other kids.

[@cjpreach]

"Being alone with my thoughts" = Opportunity for Creative Thinking, when all is said and done.

[@stonehengeminstrel]

Being born in 66, as a teenager there were only two types of phone, the house phone and the telephone box. The house phone rarely got used. Neither me or any of my friends could ever use our parents house phones, the idea of phoning a friend to talk on a phone was at the time a very odd thing to even contemplate for both parties. The telephone box for most suburban kids was generally further away than most of your friends houses that most often was just up the street. In short we never had a desire to phone anyone, at the time it wasn't even a thought process to consider. The mobile/cell phone has changed the fabric of society likely forever that I believe is and will further be to its detriment. We travel on trains and busses, sit in coffee shops and parks, on beaches and in our homes, fixated to these devices, transfixed to a screen that is bereft of the beauty of life that surrounds us. We use these devices to talk but have forgotten what is important to talk about that is usually something we have just seen on your phone. I would also recategorise your definition of phone. The dumb phone is the one with all the latest technology, the smart phone is a back to basic phone, the less time we spend on them the more time we have to live our precious lives. Great thought provoking video. Good luck✌

[@ReneeCaraway]

@Stonehenge Minstrel, you must not be in the US. I was born in 1969, only three years after you, and as a teenager, I and all my friends, dominated our house phones. Our parents had to make us get off of it if they needed to call someone. When we finally got call waiting on our house phone, it was because my dad got tired of always getting a busy signal when he would call home from work.

[@stonehengeminstrel]

@@ReneeCaraway Yes I am English, in England we lived on the streets as children 'playing out' as we called it until we had to go home at night for bed. We didn't hang around at home, in fact we most often were only at home for meals and sleeping, so there really was no need to use a telephone back then as we spent all our spare time with friends. Different cultures of the times✌️

[@ReneeCaraway]

@@stonehengeminstrel yes, as children, we also played outside. But I grew up and still live in Texas, where it’s really hot for about six months of every year, so sometimes we had to stay in where it was cool. But as a teenager, I was always on the house phone with my friends.

[@user-dn8hd1de2d]

@Stonehendge Minstrel Great post ! I remember those days well of running up the street or through backyards to see friends and the beauty of the visceral world we lived in.

[@user-dn8hd1de2d]

@@stonehengeminstrel I had the same experience growing up in the US.

[@bourbongeek]

Back in the day, this phone is what we would have referred to as a "feature phone". It has a camera, some simple apps, and can use cellular data. A true "dumb phone" would have only been able to make calls and send SMS messages.

[@jackkraken3888]

Yeah, its a Series 30 Nokia OS but it's incredibly limited, doesn't even have Wifi!

[@jasminee204]

Compared to today's phones though, I think it can still be counted as a dumb phone.

[@bourbongeek]

@@jasminee204 Comparatively, yes.

[@SynMonger]

@@jasminee204 No, it can't.

[@urukadooedwards7637]

Yes, it can

[@tomwol]

your mention of the unremovable apps reminds me of a general issue with non-smartphones. My dad was an nokia phone user since the late 90's, but made a switch to a smartphone last year. Not because he particularly wanted to or needed any of the features but because of decline of quality and usability of the ones he was buying. Plastics all felt cheaper and cheaper, keys were worse, screen and camera atrocious, UI was a mess hard to navigate and yeah, it came preloaded with several game demos and other useless stuff you couldn't get rid off. Seems to me that even the producers no longer care, this is a product for the poorest markets and customers they assume "won't know any better". So when his latest Nokia suddenly stopped working after a few months he just took the plunge and moved to a smartphone. And don't get me wrong, he loves how much better the pictures of his grandkids he takes a lot of are and how they are instantly synced to the cloud for sharing among other benefits and comforts, but still, he was more chased away from the dumbphone territory than tempted to a smartphone one. Good to know smaller companies may be picking up the slack and still making devices that are not, well, trash straight out of the factory

[@orichalcum_plus]

I had a similar problem when looking for a dumbphone to replace my iPhone, all of them look so much cheaper and less durable than the ones that came out 15ish years ago. Kind of sad but somewhat expected since no one buys them anymore except for (mostly) the elderly. I sense a shift in terms of people maybe wanting to return to a more simple phone, so hopefully the big brands will make more phones aimed towards digital minimalism. If that happens maybe we won't even need to get feature phones, fingers crossed.

[@mciantar1999]

This is a really interesting topic. As a 51 year old I remember life before smart phones so I really appreciate their benefits. Like most things it's about moderation. Don't become a slave to your phone. Easier said than done though.

[@ufoclips1]

I have seen a 2 year old throw a tantrum on a bus until his mum handed him a "pacifier fone",that he could already swipe and find a game,a chill went down my spine.

[@aniket8350]

@@ufoclips1 yeah i don't think kids under 15 should ever be using smart phones other than for studing or very strict time limits.

[@ufoclips1]

@@aniket8350 I could once again see addiction at such a young age,when the power goes off they will have no idea what to do,there`s not an app for that.

[@mciantar1999]

@@ufoclips1 that’s sad

[@ufoclips1]

@@mciantar1999 And very scary.

[@haardikmanjani742]

i really appreciate people like you because they are so rare these days..everyone is into their phones all the time rather than chilling out with your own self & interacting face to face observing little details around you while travelling...Having a smarphone is a really good thing if you know to use it the right way..even i dont use social media as such as there is just nothing out there worth my time..just ppl showing off & aimlessly scrolling..i follow really few creators that i think add value to my life

[@fjtalleyauthor2242]

I appreciate the point about navigation. I always worried that if I used my phone or my previous GPS to get everywhere, how would I learn my surroundings? Back in the day-and this is a long time ago-when I moved into a new area, I would get a street map so I could learn where neighborhoods were, or how to get around, and that served me really well. I find that I pay attention differently so I learn how to get places rather than listen to a disembodied voice telling me.

[@OnlyCitrus]

To me not using a smartphone in my late teens 14-19 was a huge relief. It was the time period when the smartphones start to penetrate our country, with people around me going crazy with social medias and filters. I had zero pressure on me. Now I use a smartphone as a daily driver but not getting addicted in my teens helps me to be not dependent on it for my dopamine.

[@bland9876]

You needed to scan a qr code to get service at best buy? That's the dumbest thing because what if the reason you are in there is because you need a new phone. I'd be so pissed.

[@sonjawalkerreactionscommen3501]

Haha right? It's like: Customer: Hey... uh... I need help here, my phone got water damaged and can't be saved, I need a new phone, can you tell me where the iphones are? Employer: If you want service with us you need to scan this qr code. Sorry.

[@SuperKeithers]

hope you can elbow your way into talking to a real human instead of a robot ;D

[@Auberge79]

it's like the Corona story: you have to wear a mask to get the mask, so you have to get the first mask somewhere outside.

[@joannec4356]

Love the fact that you acknowledge you can drive confidently without navigation help from your phone. Definitely agree how a driver can be distracted too when they rely too much on the GPS.

[@reggiep75]

I had a dumbphone from day one, and was still anxious about getting that, but I got it for easier comms between people. When smartphones arrived, the thought of being enslaved by notifications, with no place to escape, made me stick with the dumbphone as peace, quiet, sanity and no anxiety are things to appreciate... not obliterate!

[@nocathedral]

Something that has worked for me was changing my smartphone display to greyscale (on Android you need to unlock the developer menu for this). You lose none of the functionality, but I find that I don't check my phone so much.. it seems like a trivial thing but seeing social media feeds in black and white make them seem much more informational than entertaining.. so I still get easy access to things I need (e.g. checking maps or using QR code menus) but I find that I don't get drawn into videos or posts that will lead me to wasting some time on something that really adds nothing to my life.

[@kpeyton3]

I really like that idea! I might do that myself!

[@ritamargherita]

Same, it's so easy and really makes a difference. Some former Google and fb developers recommend that. The brain gets hooked on colours, especially red notifications. Keeping it in greyscale doesn't trick the brain into thinking that digital reality is real life. Phone BW, real life in full colour. It's not as healthy as a dumb phone, but it's certainly helps free your brain.

[@vanglover6030]

This is a wonderful idea.

[@piggypooo]

.You're missing out on all the groovy , trippy colors, mannnn. ✌️ ☮️

[@ericaparsley8534]

It's great to hear someone else saying things I've been thinking. People look at me like I'm crazy when I talk about what I don't like about smart phones. Maybe I'll take the plunge after hearing your story! Thank you.

[@tracym4132]

Do it! I used a Nokia for over a year. It helped me figure out exactly what I do and don't want from my phone. No regrets.

[@VirtualGuth]

You've done a great job of presenting a concept that is more than worthy of consideration in a calm manner without loads of hype that is so typical of nearly everything on KZbin these days. 👏👏👏 I have actually thought about doing the same and might well cross that bridge whenever my 2016 iPhone SE goes kaput.

[@wrightstudiosllc]

I did the exact same thing a couple years ago. Literally 6 months as well. It was AMAZING!!! Lots of peace and wayyyy less stress.

[@vickijd22]

This was refreshing to see a younger person take it upon herself to do this. I don't consider myself old (58) but I have lived a lot. I used to schlep up to Brooklyn NY from PA alone at 19 yrs old to see a guy I was seeing- and then drive home alone at 3am. All with no GPS or cellphone. This included getting lost many times in his hometown. Tell you what we did back then, we pulled into a gas station & asked for directions to the nearest highway. From there we knew how to get home! And here I am, living to tell about it! Lol. Now I am so phone addicted that I am up half the night mindlessly scrolling. Nobody (myself incl) seems to have a good memory anymore & I think it's bc of these darned smartphones aka spying devices! Just my two cents.

[@ANobodyatall]

Before smartphones came out I usually had a book on me to read (during college/uni days anyway, or when on trips, say on the train). Books are a way better way of 'killing time' then the phone when waiting somewhere. Alternatively daydream or start doing a 'Kaiser Soze' reading of posters etc.

[@aniket8350]

I still carry a book. You can do both

[@randomcommenterurl]

Silly question, but how do you carry a book? Do I need to have a bag with me at all times? Moments like this make me resilient to getting rid of my smartphone

[@slchance8839]

@@randomcommenterurl i hold my book in my hand. There is a very cool eastern european coffee shop in nieghborhood full of great looking women and people from all over the world. I can usually hear 3 different languages when I have coffee. Nearly every time I go, people say "what are you reading?" "it's good to see someone reading." "i love that guy" (author Russel Brand, pic on back of the book) I travel a few times a year. I get the same responses at airports and train stations. Sometimes, a person is lonely and wants to talk. Other times, a girl is interested, but doesnt know what to say. I've even come to realize that certain books get more reaction than others. At this point, it's not just a distraction, it's a prop for starting conversation.

[@nt5898]

@@randomcommenterurlI have a e-reader from Kindle. Have tons of book in it.

[@Rinabow]

I remember that when I was younger, I was very reluctant to get any type of mobile phone. I'd always been a heavy internet user, but something about me was really keen on sticking to my PC for all things of that nature. I didn't get my first phone until around 20 years old, and the main reason at the time was because personal circumstances had rendered me homeless, and my friends and support workers needed a way to contact me while my location was unpredictable. It wasn't even anything fancy, just a nokia-style device that cost like $20. Nowadays, I own a smartphone, and it has instilled some habits into me that I'd rather not have, but for the most part I keep its use to a minimum. Most of the things that a smartphone offers are things that I have other dedicated devices for, so the phone is generally only a fallback if I can't access those. For example, if I want to check my messages or browse the internet, I have a laptop, and I carry around a DSLR camera because I'm vehemently against ever using a phone camera. This does mean that I miss out on a few conveniences similar to those mentioned in the video, like snapping and being able to immediately send a photo, but I the flexibility of my laptop, and the quality of my real camera are absolutely worth that. Outside of calls and messages, I think the only other major use I have for my smartphone is playing music. I also can sometimes rely a bit too much on it for navigation, which makes me feel a bit nostalgic for the days when I would physically print a map of a new place in order to find my destination. Outside of that, I tend to keep apps on my phone to a minimum. I like to have my phone relegated to specific tasks, and I don't like having to add new apps for frivolous things like displaying a travel ticket, or looking at a restaurant menu (I don't think I even have a QR code reader). It does concern me when I see increased reliance on smartphones to the point that you're expected to have one to access specific services. It's a lot of the the same reasons that I'm not keen on attempts to phase out cash and shift to digital payments. Everyone is expected to have a particular commodity, and you're excluded if you don't want to, or can't have one. A particularly infuriating one is my bank, which requires me to use its mobile app for any online banking at all. Even if I log in on my laptop, it asks me to confirm the login on the phone app, and also expects me to open the app to make online payments, even if the payment if from a different device.

[@ninamartin1084]

If there are people in the place where you need to find a specific location......just ask them! That's what we did in the olden days before everybody had access to internet and a printer. It works! We survived!

[@Thorenhard]

the bank thingy is just 2FA - a security measure (which is kinda needed. recently saw someone who had the name of their children as a password). There are other options to do 2FA of course, but the phone is the most convenient lots of times.

[@emileconstance5851]

I've never had a smart phone and I love it. Every 3-4 years I'll do a mental pro/con list, and not having a smart phone continues to come out on top by a large margin. You can't put a price on having peace of mind, or on real social connection.

[@erinnorris]

I've been looking into something called the Light Phone - it uses a paperfeel screen like an e-reader but it has a handful of apps - you can listen to music that has been saved on the device and stream podcasts, and it has GPS and Bluetooth capability - sort of a happy medium between a smart and dumb phone. I think I'd also struggle with not having a camera though, and I hadn't considered the QR code situation! When I was traveling last summer I didn't have a data plan, so I could only check my phone in the evenings when I was connected to wifi, and I really noticed that it made a big impact on my mood/stress levels day-to-day.

[@SuperPuddingcat]

I also travelled without a data plan and was restricted to Wi-Fi at my Airbnb or at cafes and it was great. After that I considered getting a dumb phone but I like having a good camera on hand, so as happy medium I decided to delete all social media apps and unnecessary apps from my phone and have it paired down to stuff I actually use and benefit from. I live in Europe so luckily don’t have the issue with QR codes. The light phone looks quite interesting though.

[@TBButtSmoothy]

the point of a smart phone is the ability to use apps and access information, defeats the purpose. smart-phones where smart when caller-id came, the rest? is just convinience computing

[@markschultz1606]

I went through the 90s-00s tech revolution from the sideline. Dumb phone: try no phone, no email, no pager, no socials etc. I live a simple, cheap but free life; watching the world and its participants rush about for little gain. I'd rather go without than be on the hook for 'connectivity'.

[@picachugirl2036]

But youre literally watching youtube

[@markschultz1606]

@@picachugirl2036 - on a TV in my lounge room with no account. I don't pick it up, stick it in my pocket and ignore life when I'm out. KZbin is TV on demand for me: I don't go beyond that. You should try going without ya phone (etc) for a week: you'll find fomo is a self induced scam.

[@marisuvi0]

@@markschultz1606 would you mind explaining what fomo is?

[@katieegan5178]

@@marisuvi0 it’s an acronym for « fear of missing out »

[@chadpilled7913]

@@markschultz1606 you're typing on a television? And you literally have an account, your name is Mark Schultz

[@yoriregalado5163]

I’ve been considering switching to a “dumb” phone as I’m growing tired of the tracking and the smartphone actually listening in suggesting something related to anything I’ve said. The constant updates install more invasive technologies under the guise of “fixing glitches”. Yeah right! I’m in Atlanta as well. Has the Daisy phone worked well?

[@jmhjmhjmh]

We can track dumb phones as well.

[@wormbo2]

@@jmhjmhjmh doesn't really matter though. The point is taking control of your own attention and mental health. Social media is poison, no argument. So remove the poison from your life, and thrive. :)

[@PeterJavi]

@@wormbo2 That's entirely the point that was being made in the original comment.

[@pda49184]

Brilliant. There needs to be more folks like you who can 'think' independently and not rely on tech 24/7. I'm 73 and have never owned a smartphone, but have a PC for internet use etc. Tech is becoming quite dangerous and leading us down a road that we'll all regret if we continue to rely on it to he level we do today .

[@MrR40388]

Tech is like alcohol,it shouldn't be used too young.

[@anonymous-cx7ng]

@@MrR40388 true I have autism and depression and anxiety I got my first phone at 9 and I immediately became obsessed with it and addicted to the internet! I’m 19 now I’m still the same! I would actually say alcohol is more healthy than phones

[@RyderMCG]

its because youre 73 you dont need a smartphone

[@pda49184]

@@RyderMCG 😅😅😅😅

[@rhebucks_zh]

@@MrR40388 logging in should require an ID

[@ndv135]

This video was quite interesting since I'm a 23 year old who has never had a cell phone, (by choice, I could get one if I wanted to.) When you tell people that they get absolutely flabbergasted. I don't really use much social media either, (the only real social media accounts I use are KZbin, Goodreads, and Reddit, with Reddit not that much.) Being the age I am I was present for the transition into most people having smartphones, and I can tell everyone who has one, the second you take those things out you become the most boring people in the world. I'm glad I saw this video though, because getting some cheap cell phone like a Nokia might be a good idea since I would like the travel, and it could help me stay in contact, and I didn't even know that they still made them. The whole QR code thing is really distressing to me obviously. I'm the kind of person who I bet would get addicted to a smart phone, and that it would give me lots and anxiety, and that there are places that effectively require you to have something that can scan a QR code. The assumption that you have a smart phone gets even worse though. I am going to have to wait a bit on travelling overseas because my government (Canada) have demanded that citizens have to have a specific app to get back in the country! It really is distressing that I effectively have a choice between ruining my life with addiction and anxiety, or have life be way harder in other ways of basic functioning. Hopefully more people stop using smartphones, because it might make more people think about exactly what they are demanding of people. Also obviously it saves a lot of money not having to deal with cellular internet and data. All you need then is a plan for home internet and home phone. It feels good not being connected to the wider world all the time, it makes you appreciate the world right in front of your face.

[@dammar117]

The ArriveCAN app is the most ridiculous thing the Trudeau government could come up with. It costs millions and just makes travellers' lives miserable, even those with a smartphone. As a Canadian citizen, try to prevent me from entering my own country.😡

[@jo9732]

Yeah. Canada has gone off the rails. You all need to vote in some more normal leaders I think.

[@mhzprayer]

Dont scan QR codes. Tell businesses it's a bad practice. The only safe QR code is one you can see the Url before scanning it. Except that's not how they work. Anyone can make a QR code with a URL that infects your phone immediately when scanned. You won't know until it's too late. Aren't you told not to click links in suspicious emails for the same reason? But you'll visit a site with its Url hidden in code that you have no visibility whatsoever of its address? Dont be easy targets. It just encourages more bad guys.

[@dammar117]

@@mhzprayer Wow, wasn't thinking of that. Thanks for the warning.

[@anonymous-cx7ng]

How did you write this then? With a laptop?

[@ladiemmanuel5773]

Congratulations Ashton you have been smarter and a better person from removing your self from a device that has made people dumber. Seriously, joking or not you have found out how the "smartphone" has made people dependent on an artificial sense of intelligence and lost their natural life skills. Ya, I hate phones in general and HAD to get a cellphone for work. As soon as I am able to quit the rat race the phone is gone...but will get a flip phone out of just simple necessity and nothing else. Thanks for sharing your finds and thoughts♥

[@gavinreid2741]

My first mobile phone made calls and texts. It also included a couple of basic games. That was it. No camera, no apps, no Internet. I have never heard anyone call a basic mobile 'dumb'

[@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784]

Its a term that only came out really when phone OS's started supporting the installation of applications (apps), so for eg with Nokia when they moved to Symbian OS

[@PawsumGaming]

My first phone made calls.. not even texts... just a screen to see the number you called. It was a great idea for about 10 minutes.

[@blueskygal255]

That QR scan is outrageous. more tracking selling etc. this is setting up something bigger. battery life is great.

[@srfrg9707]

Here in Europe restaurants used QR codes to forbid assess to unνaxineted people. In China, those QR codes are already used for political control of the population.Recently when a few provincial banks froze the accounts of their customers to avoid bankruptcy, clients tried to gather to the city where the banks have their headquarters but their coνid QRcode turner to red (=contaminated) when they tried to purchase railways tickets. Your smartphone is Big Brother for real.

[@KristyBryson]

The whole issue about QR codes was a major eye opener for me. I use an iPhone and I'm happy that I haven't actually run into the need to use QR codes much. Usually there's been a URL option that I just use. You've given me a lot of other things to consider, too... Thank you!

[@jaredenem]

The compromise that I'd be trying in the future would probably be small smartphones. Small enough that I wouldn't want to consume content in it for hours (because the battery definitely won't let me) but convenient enough to have convenience apps around (especially services like Uber because my government's idea of having a good public transportation infrastructure is for the idea of it to go over their heads).

[@dammar117]

Haha! Seeing this just after I posted my comment on getting a mini smartphone as a happy medium between a flip phone and a regular smartphone!😅

[@paulobas]

I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't have to be that extreme. Just have the discipline to delete social apps. The smartphone is the Swiss Army knife these days and with discipline you can get the best things out of it.

[@oneboss7648]

Great point

[@vinit33pratap]

This is the root.

[@slimshady7625]

There's are actually focus mode on Android phone which disables app you don't want to use until you toggle it off to reuse them,helps if you don't have the discipline

[@shuki1]

@@slimshady7625you are right, but the vast majority of people don't have the will to do even that. Best not to have the tool available with the temptation.

[@lukesdoings7150]

Agreed!! I deleted my social media apps and I have never been happier... Yes, one can still use the browser to access Facebook. However, I found it is clunkier in the browser, so, I don't find myself pulling it up when I'm bored. Not caring about posting or reading posts is very liberating.

[@skyserpent14]

It is indeed frustrating how having a smartphone is an expectation nowadays. I didn't want one for a long time but had to get one in high school because there were teachers who actually utilized apps for classroom purposes, so my flip-phone wasn't going to cut it 😔

[@markwarrensprawson]

Hey! I performed the same experiment a few years ago and can completely relate to everything you said. There was, however, one area in which I was screwed, and that area was... WhatsApp. Sure, I stopped receiving a hundred notifications a day and it was AWESOME. On the other hand, (and I'm certainly no social butterfly,) I quickly fell out out of various loops I'd been in - band practices, drinks after work, all that sort of thing - but the thing that REALLY tripped me up was the company I work in set up two WhatsApp groups for my colleagues and I to use to communicate everything. So in the end, that was that. The WhatsApp's team-friendly, cost-effective cheap messaging option sent my sim card back into the smart phone. Were it not for that, I'd probably still be using the dumb phone.

[@MrR40388]

Whatsapp is CHinese spyware.

[@xcyted4now]

Or you can just communicate it in person.

[@MegaNarwal]

There are loads of dumb phones, a few by Nokia, that can run WhatsApp. Just in case you wanna try again! 😃

[@sfw99]

I have what I call a "semi-smart" phone. It only has memory for one or two apps. I have a ticketing app for going to gigs and WhatsApp for getting messages that keep me in the loop for social stuff, like you said, but it also enables me to have video calls for free with my parents who live on the other side of the world. As for anything else a genuine smart phone offers, I neither want it nor need it.

[@bluffmasterhara]

Be brave and try leaving the house without a phone, it's the most wonderful feeling! Totally disconnected. That's how I knew the world before the mobile phone. Everyone is just head down focused on their phones, it's really sad.

[@jacksnyder7318]

I grew up without any of this, phones were hardwired at home or phone booths everywhere. That being said, I like having a flip phone for emergencies, in the car. I've had to walk a long ways, in the old days, to get help with my car, I wouldn't want do it now, at my age, so a flip phone is good back-up. The smart phones are a new heroin, very addictive.

[@julieanderson7078]

Very good for you! The thing that I liked hearing most was that you are paying attention in traffic!! So very important. I am in my sixties and cannot understand my smartphone. I would like a simple phone. Thanks for your honesty. So refreshing.

[@allthingsmotherhood3206]

I agree with you! This is the reason I will not get a smart watch. It owns you, you literally cannot escape. Thinking of doing this.

[@azerlynno]

This is such a great idea! I’ve wanted to do that for so long but honestly have been afraid to because I’m addicted to the convenience and entertainment of my smartphone. But I think trying it for 30 days is a great place to start!

[@_stevenfoster]

Algorithm kept putting this video in front of me. I finally caved and ended up being legit. While I haven't abandoned my smart phone I found just getting social media off my phone has done me wonders. I also try to entertain myself or relax with audio books so I can give my eyes a break. Hoping you continue to make these videos!

[@threeriversforge1997]

I happily live without a "smartphone" or any kind of mobile phone. I'm old, sure, but it was growing up before there was an internet that gives me the insight into just how damaging and dangerous these phones have been to society. When I was a kid, you had to remember things. That might seem like a silly thing to say, but it's important. As noted in the video, Ash forgot how to pay attention to her surroundings because she trained herself to rely on that phone. Absorb that and then ask yourself how much else she's missed in life because her face was planted firmly in that phone? There are actually videos galore on the youtube where people walk into buildings and street signs because they are stuck looking down at their phones while they walk! I used to go to the bars for a beer after work and would sit there all by myself.... even though there were a dozen adults sitting at the bar with me. Every single one of them had their phones out and were typing away like Lemmings. Grown adults playing stupid video games rather than interact with the adults around them. How many business opportunities were lost because those people didn't establish a report with an actual human in the same room as them? They obviously wanted the semblance of human contact because they went out in public to a space where others frequent, yet they then shielded themselves from interactions by pulling out their phones. They'll never know what they lost because they didn't talk with the people around them. Worse, though, is that they were telling the people around them that they aren't nearly so important that they're worth putting down the phone for a few minutes. Think about what kind of message that is. You'd rather browse the internet than talk to the person right beside you... even though you sat down at the bar beside that person? You'd rather text to a friend miles away rather than get to know someone right in front of you? What opportunities passed you by? I remember all too well what the world was like before there was even a PC in the house. While I'm sure it seems like something all old people say, I think it bears consideration all the same -- life was actually better back then. Why? Remember how Ashton notes being very at peace and no longer being filled with anxiety? Yea, now multiply those feelings by a few million and you've got a city of people using mobile phones and not even realizing that what they are feeling is produced by their addiction to the stimuli on the phone. A million people in just one city, all feeling anxious, unsure, scared, sad, demotivated.... how is that going to turn out well? And that's just one city. Addiction is never a good thing. Ashton said several times that she was feeling the withdrawal symptoms when she got away from the phone and that her life got better as soon as she did it. The easiest way to confirm people are addicted is to try talking them out of the phone in the first place.... and watch them fight it tooth and nail. They'll come up with a ton of excuses why they can't. Even Ashton couldn't stop herself from having some kind of phone so she was always in contact with the hive mind. Texting and picture sharing is still fundamentally necessary to her life because she wants people to be able to reach her no matter where she is. In the "olden days" when I was a kid, we had one phone in the house. Maybe two phones if you were a somebody. That phone was on the wall, and there was a long cord hat always got twisted up. If you called and I wasn't there, too bad. Years later, answering machines were invented and that was pretty cool, but still wholly unnecessary for 99% of the population. How that stuff gets you is by making you feel wanted, but it also makes millions of people feel unwanted. For every upside there is a downside, remember? How depressed do you get if you go an entire day without anyone calling or texting? What relationships are you forcing to happen because you're desperate for people to interact with you? And because you were so busy trying to get people to interact with you on the phone.... you forget all about the actual people right there beside you at the bar. Psychologists have noted that texts and emails are actually a very good tool for deeply introverted people because the human mind doesn't recognize the characters on the screen as a real person. Thus, the introvert can interact and learn social skills by emailing and being part of online forums. That sounds good, but how does that prepare them for dealing with things in person? If Ashton forgot how to navigate on her own, what other social skills has she forgotten because she's so well trained by her phone? How does that ripple out into society as a whole when you have millions of people in the same situation? As a blacksmith, I'm a natural Luddite and am glad to be rid of such things as mobile phones. It's cost me a small fortune in the business sense because I don't have a way for people to swipe cards when I do fairs and such, but that's okay. I'd rather be broke and alive, than have a mobile phone and be a zombie.

[@spaghettiking653]

I very much appreciate your philosophy, but I think you juxtapose the two sides of "using a smartphone, therefore becoming a zombie" and "having no smartphone, and practically attaining enlightenment over all the confused sheep and cattle in society" much too strongly. A smartphone was invented because it represented a technological advancement, and many benefits still exist of having a smartphone which do not need to cripple your life socially. I use my phone to read books and learn languages, etc. all the time, which is just impossible when I'm outside and moving. In your case, you don't need to become a walking cadaver of social media use to provide some convenience to your customers, for instance; there are nuances beyond "pure" and "tainted" that you connote with smartphone use. I wished I could divest myself of the smartphone years ago, but my mum still insists I use a smartphone for her own paranoid reasons. One day I'm hoping to get around that problem, anyway, but in the meantime, there is no reason why my life needs to be chained down by my use of a smartphone. I've disabled my KZbin app to prevent myself from becoming a wasteman just consuming content all day, and in that regard, I have never had more time in the day than on those days where I don't watch KZbin. All in all, thanks for your very conscientious and thoughtful comment, which these days are seen much more rarely, but I can't agree with you on all these matters equally... Have yourself a great day!

[@jackaubrey8614]

@@spaghettiking653 Well done for achieving a sensible balance - but so many others don't (or can't)

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@spaghettiking653 You're misrepresenting what I wrote - a sure sign of addiction. 🤣 My points were only what was brought up in the video - like not paying attention to her surroundings. Having witnessed this same thing countless times in my own travels, I feel quite confident in saying that there is a widespread problem that needs to be addressed. That you use your phone for some good things is anecdotal and doesn't mean that the majority of people do likewise. In fact, I'd suggest that you are the odd duck in this equation. I should also point out that you don't need to read and learn languages when you're "outside and moving". One must wonder just how much learning you can do under those kinds of conditions.... and also how much you miss because you're nose is stuck in your phone. Again, it seems like the addiction is doing the talking and you're trying to justify your use of the phone. Your mum wants to be able to contact you in emergencies? Great. No need for a smart phone for that. Any dumb mobile phone will allow texts and calls. So how is that anything more than the addiction trying to come up with justifications? My entire point was that you can live life with out a computer always there at your hip. I grew up before there was an internet. Before there was even a personal computer. I've lived 99% of my life without a mobile phone of any kind. And while I use the internet, obviously, even having a big computer here on my desk has shown me just how easy it is to get lost in the world wide web. I love reading and learning things. I'm an addict and admit it. My belly would be a lot smaller if I was more active, but reading has always been my cross to bear. As such, I can recognize just how addictive these things are and how much of your life is lost before you even know it. It's very easy to justify whatever we find ourselves addicted to. Ash notes some very big changes in her mindset after getting rid of her "smart" phone and I have no doubt you would experience a similar benefit. What should worry you isn't that you're some awesome example of the righteous use of technology, but that you're the statistical outlier. If I'm right, and I think there's more than enough evidence to suggest I am, you're looking at entire cities filled with people who have low-level anxiety issues and don't even know it. As someone who grew up without phones like these, who knows what the "normal" actually looks and feels like, I can say with certainty that what I'm witnessing now is not normal or good. This is especially so when we're talking about children growing and developing with these contraptions before their minds have fully formed. The level of addiction there will be bone deep, and that's never going to work out well. Thank you for chiming in, though. I always enjoy a good conversation and appreciate when people take the time to spell out there thoughts in detail.

[@woahtherr5371]

You drive great points. I just want to say that there are young people out there fighting this, and many more of the things no one even knows about. The world we live in today was created for one purpose: to enslave humanity by means of attention grabbing and debt. We are slowly becoming 100% dependent on the technology that is destroying our lives. I even dare say some people would be rendered completely useless without their phones. The beauty of these devices is that they really are convenient, but then the question becomes when is convenience better than freedom. We blame adhd and other mental "diseases" for our lack of mental health, but as a morbidly obese person wouldn't, we never dare consider the devices or things we use/consume on a daily basis as the fundamental cause of our corruption. Food, medicine, and technology have become drugs. They have become the drugs which will become the chains of slavery far too fast for the majority of people to understand the severity of the situation. The sad thing is, when we try to explain to my fellow young people the dangers of the world we consume, we are met with excuses and ridicule just the same as someone addicted to something not generally seen as bad like hard drugs. "I'm not addicted, I can quit whenever I want".

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@woahtherr5371 Thank you for your kind words. As a blacksmith, I try to counter the addiction by showing people that they can do stuff with their hands and end up with a product that's infinitely more rewarding. I push people to study Marlinspike Seamanship by constantly pointing to the Ashley Book of Knots and showing how rope is far better to have handy than things like ratchet straps and bungee cords. I talk about the scythe and how it's a measurably better option than the motorized weed whackers and such. I don't do these things because I'm a Luddite or Old Fogey who can't get with the times, however. While a lot of people will suggest that's the case, the truth is that I'm working to point out how just because something is new doesn't make it better. And that, sadly, when people adopt these new things because they think they're better... they lose the knowledge of the old thing. For example, everyone thinks the motorized weed whackers (Strimmers if you're in the UK) are better because they're motorized and that must make them faster and more efficient. However, did you know that tests have been done and the exact opposite is the case? The Scythe is actually twice as fast. The Scythe also doesn't require constant maintenance and fuel. It runs on breakfast, as they say. More importantly, maybe, is that the scythe also makes working in the yard pretty fun because it isn't a burden. It's actually enjoyable to use and there's a tremendous psychological benefit reported by people who do use them. Without fail, they all report that there's something deeply meditative about the experience. Soldiers with PTSD find the quiet, repetitive motion to be very stabilizing. Think about what we did as a society -- the scythe worked wonderfully, but we thought the "new technology" had to be better because it was new. As a result, we've spent millions as a nation on fuel, oil, string, and everything else that goes along with the "new technology". We've also shut down the hundreds of scythe manufacturers there used to be around the world. Tens of thousands of people out of work, an entire industry destroyed, and for what gain? With the scythe, you can cut your small lawn, edge your flower beds, at the crack of dawn without worrying that you'll wake the neighbors. You can walk along rain-sodden fields without worrying you'll create ruts with a heavy tractor, or sink to the axles. If you own a tiny parcel in the city, your lawn no bigger than a postage stamp, the scythe will keep it a perfect as a putting green at the Augusta Nationals and take up absolutely no room in your garage or shed. Something as simple as the Scythe is far more environmentally friendly both in manufacture and use, but folks have forgotten all about it. They look at pictures of the things and think they are some horrible contraption from the Dark Ages. Ignorance has been embraced, and all for the sake of "new technology" Marlinspike Seamanship is much the same. Today, people complain about plastic tangling up whales in the ocean, but how many forget that they own hundreds of feet of plastic ropes that will one day end up in the landfills if it's not lost somewhere along the way? People jump for the mass-produced nylon ratchet straps because they've forgotten how easy it can be to simply lash something down with rope. They think the ratchet strap and bungee cord must be easier and faster because they're "new technology", but the truth is that neither of them are as good as simple rope because the rope can be used in a dozen different ways. R&W Rope Co. actually sells "tarred marlin" that's made from natural fibers soaked with pine tar. 100% organic and a pleasure to use, but folks still opt for the plastic "parachute cord" because they think it's better. Better how? When have you ever needed the extreme breaking strength of parachute cord in the real world? Never? I sure haven't. More to the point, though, I've never needed it so bad that I would trade that for a thousand years of polluting our fields and waterways once I'm done with the plastic line. I can buy pine tar by the gallon, a perfectly natural byproduct of trees we love, and actually tar my own cotton line (butcher's twine that I buy locally) for use around the home. It lasts for years because of the tarring, and that's more than good enough for whatever I might be doing. And, oddly, it's exactly what our ancestors did for thousands of years before plastic was invented. What's really interesting is that like the scythe, you find yourself slowing down a bit and really appreciating things like Ash talks about in the video. You're more attuned to the world around you. Kudos to First Class Amateur here on KZbin for showing people how small rope can be used for a hundred things around the home -- normal things folks are doing every day yet relying on mass-produced trinkets to accomplish. I highly recommend checking out his channel. When I started my Subscribe Star campaign, I had hoped that it would allow me to reach more people, to share more of these ideas, but it's growing exceptionally slow. If I can reach only one or two people, that makes it worth it for me. It's a tough row to hoe, but I think it's important to discuss these things because you never know who will read what you write. Maybe soon I'll have some videos up that show neat and interesting ways of doing "old" things and talk about how they can be better than what we're used to today.

[@jigsound]

Interesting to hear experiences from someone who has transitioned between two different "phone lifestyles"! 😁👍 I've had a "dumbphone" since forever (the current one is a Nokia from 2009). In 2017, though, I had to invest in an iPhone for work, but it didn't turn out to become a replacement for my existing phone; it still lies on my desk without a SIM card, connected to the wifi and is very useful for the nowadays obligatory messaging apps, web bank, and work-related social media, for sure, but virtually doesn't leave the house at all. My brain seems extremely picky about letting new categories of technology define the normal for my daily life - but no complaints so far! 😅 - Eero

[@dammar117]

I'm just like you: I had my little Nokia since 2009 (It broke after 10 years and I replaced it with the new version, which of I don't like as much, so I might be getting a mini smartphone, certainly not a big one). Now I have a new job, for which I needed a smartphone, so I got a tablet with a SIM card and it's a separate line, so I leave it at home like you. I only use it for work and it's not with me 24/7. So, I totally agree with you!

[@nomadben]

You seem like a thoughtful person, Ashton. I'm glad it's helped you find peace.

[@Danjovisagat]

I downgraded from a Samsung A90 5G to the s4, its been way less addicting since I switched. With the s4 being slower im more likely to put it down, as the speedyness is more likely to draw you in. Self control is important, as technology is really good at consuming your time. Take time and disconnect and enjoy the world around you. :) At this point you can use the powerful technology as a tool not something to consume, just like the internet. I thrive for videos like this as its all I need, one video with an uplifting message where I can disconnect feeling more uplifted. Thank you Ashton.

[@InevitablyLeslie]

I don't think I would ever go back to a dumb phone, because there are genuinely useful applications that exist on a phone. The maps function, things like WhatsApp and FB messenger for my international friends, and generally the fact that it makes it so I don't have to have and pay for multiple devices like a camera, a GPS, and a laptop, so it's a lot more financially viable. However, I do think there is some value in getting rid of/quitting the parts of a smartphone that suck up your time, like social media and games.

[@Progan666]

Yes, you get it.

[@diegojimenez3138]

Exactly that

[@mowgli6345]

It's a societal trade-off. Technology has this weird relationship where it's designed to solve a problem, and ends up creating a significantly more complex problems that make technology necessitate itself. For example, cars were designed to take humans further faster than they ever could on foot. Now, you need a car to get anywhere and everywhere in the US, and if you don't have one, you don't get to enjoy the world that was built around cars. With phones, you get a lot of convenience, but that results in hyper dependence on them for everything.

[@Living_Dead_Girrl]

Just get a TomTom for navigation. Anyone going on a serious roadtrip knows to use a real navigate system instead of Google Maps & depending on your phone's GPS where you're bound to have spotty reception. TomTom's are crazy affordable and just as easy to mount to the dash as your phone. WhatsApp can be used on most flip phones, and Facebook's been on these phones since at least 2008. Hell, Facebook even released their own branded flip phone back in the day with a dedicated hardware button that launched FB. Flip phones have always had games, btw. It's also really hard these days to find a true "dumb phone," which is just a real flip phone... Rather than a flip phone that's just a small screen smartphone attached to a flip phone keyboard that technically flips open and closed. Most modern flip phones avail on the market are still smartphones, unfortunately. And they don't come with the durability flip phones used to have. Nothing feels better that flipping your phone shut to hang up on someone, and yes, we used to be able to throw our phones across the room and they'd be just fine. Now, our only outlet is tapping furiously on the screen to end the call, and gently tossing it on a throw pillow... Until you remember you need to check something on it immediately after and get annoyed that you have to reach for it. Smartphones are pure hell. That is all. Besides social media, they serve absolutely no purpose. Helpful for those who can't and won't own a laptop/computer - however, they're terrible at being computers.

[@xylo5750]

I don't know what you guys are talking about, every modern Nokia "dumb phone" has Google Maps and WhatsApp integration.

[@lynnealuebben1967]

Love that you focused on this. I noticed having a smart phone has decreased my attention and raised anxiety as well.

[@humayyyra]

Watching this I wish I was in the headspace in which I could do this in my own life. Unfortunately I'm only at the point where I accept I have a problem. The addiction is real. Hoping for this in my future.

[@nocillis]

It is amazing watching this video and how you have pulled yourself out of the digital destructive spiral. So many people live their lives attatched to smart digital devices that they aren't really what their true natures are inside. I'm part of the group of people that dreamed up, invented, and designed these 'now' digital vices, and so I was never able to drown in that digital reality where my constant validation came from likes and news feeds. There's so much disaster each generation can leave behind for the next generation to suffer through, but I am impressed and happy you can see how much you can be 'more you' without those digital vices. I myself have a smart phone, but i turned many features off by choice and just treat it as a phone to talk and message only.

[@emaldon7]

Great vid! Dumb phones are so nostalgic for me as well.

[@ericjohnson9468]

I can totally appreciate the improved mental health aspect… Smartphones cultivate ‘separateness’ of people…… …… walk into a bar/cafe/pub & notice no one speaking to each other….. even if sitting directly alongside of others, since everyone has their faces glued to their phone’s screen. Also, the driving thing drives me NUTS….. you can tell drivers ‘driving by phone’ while completely brain-dead to their surroundings…. including vehicles behind them being held up as they’re ‘smartphone’ catatonic. Plus, those ‘drivers’ never learn their surroundings… they remain spatially ignorant in solely relying on the smartphone to pilot them, they are literally disconnected personally from their vehicle’s milieu.

[@nolitetebastardescarborund9761]

Here at a restaurant in France I see husband & wife sitting opposite each other & each staring at their phone. And work buddies on their lunch hour glued to their phones rather than talk to each other. Once the food comes, they may make some comments to each other between mouthfuls. This old fogey finds it depressing.

[@stellas5352]

I read most of the comments here and I kinda relate with most of them. The only thing I want to say is that I EXTREMELY miss the time I had abroad in a foreign country (either on my Erasmus or just any trip abroad) while having a trip. On my Erasmus, my phone just broke the moment I land and I had to learn and navigate around the city by myself with a map. It was just 2019. And about the trips I had in other countries, I just forget to look anything on my phone because I want to see as many things as possible! That's the whole purpose, I guess. I saw a significant change in my mood, too. More happy, excited and ready to plan stuff! ....but I guess everyone wants to connect and share "their momentum" in one way or another.

[@usernotfound7531]

I have contemplated this for a while and your assessment has been helpful. Thank you. Wishing you continued independence and confidence in your travels.

[@johndavidthacker]

I've only eaten at one restaurant that insisted on me scanning for a menu. It's so stupid. Even if I have a smartphone with me, I don't have data and if the restaurant doesn't have public wi-fi, then there is still no way to scan the QR code. Plus, I would rather look at a large menu than try to read on a small screen. If I ever run into a restaurant that refuses to bring me a real menu, I'll just leave.

[@driesvandenbroecke1697]

indeed ridiculous

[@driesvandenbroecke1697]

@Judas Priest no they can't, the qr code for restaurants just contains a download link for the menu. But still who as a restaurant owner wants everyone on their phones

[@Agapy8888]

I don’t go to restaurants since kvd.

[@myu5519]

I agree with this; also since C-19 most restaurants (or cafe’s) now expect you to scan for track and trace (at least this happened for some time in my country before restrictions were lifted). In that case, I only go to restaurants that don’t have these absurd scanning requirements and one cafe (which is a local one, no Costa or Starbucks for me).

[@kross199]

I never owned a smart phone so if we make plans to try a new place, I will use my lap top to look up their web site so look at the menu before I go there. It is crazy to think that a restaurant would not have a few menus for people that chose NOT to have a smart phone.

[@tomraw4893]

Thanks for your refreshing video. It made me feel so happy. I am an older Australian guy, and have never had nor wanted a Smart Phone. I know they are technological marvels, but I am put off by seeing so many people in the streets and restaurants noses buried in their phones. I make use of a 'dumb phone', and I hate those QR codes as invasive and don't want Big Tech reaching into my life by any means if possible. I have a car navigator for use when driving in strange places. Thanks again you dear girl.

[@RandomRetr0]

Ran into this randomly on the youtubes, and found this to be incredibly insightful. Thank you for doing and documenting this 👍🏼

[@noonespecial1178]

I been using a dumb phone for years 3 or so my anxiety has been reduced great vid

[@MiindGames]

Thank you for making this! I have been called to do the same but worried about Uber. Very inspiring and massively beneficial! Wishing you well.

[@robynp8697]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the device that "doesn't ask anything of me." - love that! So many benefits you shared.

[@gwillock5891]

I’m 23 and fully plan on buying a flip phone soon (currently have no money lol thanks college). The biggest thing I’ve noticed at my campus is the amount of people who walk around starring at their phones… all day… no matter what they are doing. Before class, during class, walking around, eating, it’s incessant. I want to break away to be able to be with my thoughts and creativity again no matter what the inconveniences

[@sonjawalkerreactionscommen3501]

I'm 25. I hate that about my generation. Everyone just sitting there quiet, no wonder people start to feel so alone despite being around others. Half the time I don't even take my phone with me. If I'm somewhere like full-day outings I might, but I just don't use half the stuff that people use on their phones.

[@clementcardonnel3219]

I'm an iOS developer and I've always been into tech all my life… I don't think I want that to change. But I liked your reflection anyway. Definitely interesting to listen to 🙂

[@LucasDimoveo]

I was looking for a comment from a developer!

[@growingmelancholy8374]

It's nice knowing there's one less person taking and sharing photos in the world.

[@rattsjcfanpage01]

I thought of a tip, for those who still use smart phones, when you get up every day, wait at least until 8am to pick up your phone, I try to use the bath room first every morning, before I pick up my phone. And I put timers on my apps. Some are turned off, until I actually need to use them.

[@ashtonwomack]

that is a great tip!

[@rattsjcfanpage01]

@@ashtonwomack thanks

[@daveys]

Really interesting feedback on how you coped and how you felt about the different user experience between “smart” and “dumb” phones. I went “no social media” (apart from KZbin) some time ago and really enjoying it. Following watching your video, I think I may strip my existing iphone back to a bit more minimal setup than it currently is.

[@marinathea990]

OMG, that was so insightful! Thank you, great video!

[@vroomfondel42]

Really interesting video! I'm in sort of the opposite situation - I didn't get a smartphone until 2020 (when my ancient dumbphone finally died). I still try to keep my smartphone as "dumb" as I can (disabling most notifications, not installing social media apps, etc.), and because of that I think I've managed to maintain some of my old phone habits and not be too dependent on it. Even so, my smartphone still distracts me a lot more than my dumbphone ever did... The thing about QR codes is so true, too - even a few years ago there were a lot of businesses that just assume you can access the internet on your phone. It was (and is) a pet peeve of mine! Even if you have a smartphone, not everyone has a data plan, so it's really not fair to require that of your customers.

[@Gabsengeii]

My biggest pet peeves with the smart phones are it's constantly notifying me for something. I think I should switch to dumb phone. Just gotta hunt one down. Seems they're hard to find.

[@rhebucks_zh]

did you know that you can block notifications

[@ProAvgeek6328]

@@rhebucks_zh of course not

[@maggiemoody2341]

I am considering going dumb as well. Thanks for your thoughts on the subject. Your video was encouraging.

[@ogdrummer3826]

I’ve got a Nokia 2720. I still have my iPhone but only use it for home stuff (essentially like an iPad/mini pc) as it’s got all the apps I need for work etc …. But when I’m out I don’t need any of that crap so I’ve reverted to retro phone. Great video 👍😊

[@SK-ut6tw]

I'm 30 and this is literally what we all had... People actually lived their lives back then without being on socal media every second of the day. We had a Myspace and a home computer. Maybe after hanging out with friends after school or work went in our home computer to check our social media and Myspace at night. Miss those days.

[@ninamartin1084]

Live in the past! I do. Just refuse to engage with all the madness. You will find that the law is generally on your side - eg. if you are excluded from accessing goods or services because you not have a particular item, it is the retailer/service provider who is at fault, not you. You could have a whole new hobby as a microlitigationist - a letter to whichever organization governs that sector highlighting your unfair exclusion, together with a copy to the organizztion in question, is like a magic key and you don't even need to take them to court. It's a fun hobby! And helps keep the world real.

[@belindaannewilliams7168]

Thank you for your videos Ashton, I am ready to go back to a flip phone. The sunbeam daisy sounds like a great fit for me. I am 61 and started my career many moons ago before phones and computers and managed just fine without either of them. Now, I want a simple phone to makes calls with. I used to take and send a ton of photos with my phone and realized I was living through my phone. I’ve gone back to using my camera for taking photos. Being present is such a gift.💝

[@Cruxis_Angel]

I really wanna try this out. I've noticed not using my phone before bed and putting it in a different room really helped me sleep easier now. Feels like my brain can actually shut off before bed instead of constantly needing to consume something. Phones are an amazing tool but we're mostly slaves to it now. Too much consumption isn't good

[@AnubhabKundu]

Read my comment. You can really do it.

[@PeterJavi]

My issue lies exactly with the fact you're going to have to carry dedicated devices for everything that isn't included in the phone. I'm not carrying around a map, a camera and a compass when I'm cycling or hiking in unfamiliar places. I do share a lot of pictures about stuff I see in nature or other interesting stuff, but I can get around that. It's simply the fact that I can carry around one single device weighing less than 400grams instead of having 10 things that take up lots of space.

[@robertbarton1344]

I've been tempted many times to do exactly what you did. Thanks for the video and sharing your experience.

[@zaphot6056]

I absolute relate to almost everything you say and I mostly agree, except that the drawbacks are much more huge for me than just having no camera on my phone. I need my smartphone as a 2nd-factor-authentification device for various things like bank transfers, logging into the intranet at work in homeoffice, etc. Also, not having access to messengers would massively impact my social connections and would make organization of the activities (school, sports, their friends) close to impossible, this all runs via messengers. I guess all the drawbacks from not having messenger access (Whatsapp, Signal) can also be done via PC, however you still need a parallel active smartphone to get this access. I absolutely get your point that we're spending too much time in front of our smartphones every minute we have a little downtime, but I'm more in favour of addressing this issue by self-control than cutting off any possible contact to a smartphone. Just put your phone away in the evening and put it offline, don't ever take it to bed. Don't instantly grab it when you're in a waiting room or have any kind of downtime. Not having access to messengers would massively impact my social connections and would make organization of the activities (school, sports, their friends) close to impossible, this all runs via messengers.

[@SharonPiano8]

Rob Braxman has a video on 2FA being a big tech scam.

[@Shirumoon]

I totally get it and I think it's really... curious, how ignorant people are to different lifestyles. Not the girl in the video but the many arrogant sounding anti phone comments. Like you, I do online banking and even invest via an app, most people want to talk via text and what about travelling? Of course you can figure out your own city but the thought of arriving to a new country, having to ask random people for direction to a tourist office - which may be closed by the time I arrive - to ask for a map? And the same thing over and over again if I do a trip with multiple stops. Also (public) transport in many places straight up requires a smartphone. So did my last job even. It is unavoidable for most people nowadays to have at least a laptop if not a smartphone and while I would love a collective pushback to go back in time, it won't happen. We don't treat alcoholism by hiding all the bottles but instead look at what is driving the urge + face it heads on when it arises. Smartphone addiction imho is a symptom in most people and not the root issue. Social media certainly causes new root issues but it doesn't all stem from there.