one month using an iPhone (after 8 months with a dumb phone)

I’m using an iPhone again after 8.5 months of using a dumb phone in 2022. In this video, I’m sharing what I learned during my iPhone experiment and whether I’ll keep using a smartphone or go back to my flip phone.
☎️ If you have any questions about using a flip phone, making the switch from a smart phone to a dumb phone, why I use a dumb phone vs. smartphone, or digital minimalism in general, leave your question below so I can answer it in an upcoming Q&A video! 💁🏼‍♀️
I've made an entire playlist sharing my dumb phone journey: • digital minimalism (my...
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:49 My iPhone Experiment
01:42 How It Went
03:35 Experiment Recap
04:48 Dumbphone Q&A
Please note: This video is not sponsored. All products shown were purchased by me. All opinions are my own.
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[@glenramos6519]

"It turns out my boundaries are not as strong as the addictive power of the iphone." Great thought and comment.

[@AlexR_44]

I hope this becomes a trend and so popular that things start to swing back to the way they were in the 90'-early 00's.

[@Karlijn2]

I was watching Notting Hill yesterday and I was like, oh I want to live in that era. Much simpler and less rushed.

[@gusmonster59]

They early 90's? No, go earlier. Before mobile phones were a thing everyone 'had' to have. No one needs a phone in their pocket 24/7.

[@silverxstar01]

I highly doubt it, but I hope so too.

[@emward6858]

Would be wonderful if it did

[@emward6858]

​@@gusmonster59 phones weren't a had to have in the 90s really , they just became more popular in the late 90s. But nowhere near as popular as phones are now

[@csehszlovakze]

you're right 100% a smartphone isn't designed to be a great tool (despite the marketing), it's designed to be an addictive drug!

[@sparky6757]

Social media is designed to be an addictive drug. The stuff that’s downloaded to iphones by default, that’s pretty much all a tool. Can’t blame the phone itself if everything the phone does that’s addictive, it does because YOU chose to download the addictive app

[@aquaponieee]

@@sparky6757 yeah but like the hardware itself is also designed to be an addictive drug too. just look at how huge those screens are now!

[@user-yk1xb6nc9i]

It's designed to make us want to spend more money on the phone itself and it advertised the newer version by the software slowing it down.

[@ldreith1]

I love the comment about "decision fatigue". I absolutely experience the same thing whenever I get in the car with my smart phone. It's interesting how smart phones create that decision fatigue in things that prior to 2008 would never have even involved decisions

[@bettywhite8407]

Time wasted on smartphone, s abilities to work/ connect. Watch that wheel go around and around, time + $$$.

[@notyourtypicalgirl9802]

This was so needed! I have been using smartphone for 5+ years and I can say I don’t like it. Smartphone feels like liability and constant distraction. I'm 25 btw.

[@dglass1999]

First of all, thank you, because with these series of videos it was the incentive i needed to migrate to a dumb phone and at least manage to reduce the time of use on the smartphone! I'm still learning to adapt to this, but I'm already surprised at the amount of time I spent on activities that seemed to be necessary, which in reality was an exaggerated hyperconnectivity

[@ashtonwomack]

hyperconnectivity is such a great term for it. I'm so glad to hear that my videos have been helpful for you. thanks for watching!

[@dayegilharno4988]

As someone who never switched to smartphone (might be age related...), the only "social media" I allow myself is YT commentary - and even there I feel the suction effect that you guys describe. The only applications I can think of that I am missing out on are probably fact-checking on the fly and a navigator in areas that I don't have a map in the car for...

[@dayegilharno4988]

@@ashtonwomack ...and I really like you non-drama style of presentation!

[@AlexLopez-nj2sj]

Thanks for the update! Us dumbphone users don't really get to see the perspective of someone who decides to try out smartphones again after long-term use of a dumbphone. Most switch back after a 30 day trial phase or stick with smartphones forever, so it was refreshing to hear your perspective since you've been with a dumbphone for so long.

[@ashtonwomack]

glad you enjoyed the video!

[@shanelson1]

I used the Alcatel smart flip for about 7 months. It was great! I Then I decided maybe I can go back to an iPhone. Well I ended up getting super addicted to the point where I was always on my phone. It even began to affect my marriage. So now I'm back on the flip and everything in my life is so much better. Crazy how easily you can get sucked into smartphones. Great video!

[@LordFleaBottom]

Hi, Ashton. Was watching a couple of your videos last night and you're really inspiring me to follow this habit. I've been a phone fanatic back in 2004, or 3.5 years before the first iPhone was released. You could say I'm very much like Michael Fisher AKA Mr. Mobile. I do miss those times when I could clear my thoughts and not be swayed by online influencers all over social media. My current phone is a Motorola Razr 5G. The second modern reboot of the RAZR. I also have a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 I use for gaming and streaming. But ever since I got them last year and they're clearly my two favorite phones I've ever owned, I've been wanting to go backwards to a time when information was NOT coming at me at 100 MPH. I think having clearer thoughts is something I want again. Less anxiety. Less hyperactivity. Less time getting influenced to buy more stuff like more phones you don't really need or to choose which side you're on with politics. I miss the 2000s when we still had phones for EMERGENCIES but we weren't staring at the screen like 3-5+ hours per day. About 12 years ago, my mom wasn't into smartphones. She bought an iPhone 3GS but she wasn't addicted to it. But during the last 7 years, she's always on her iPhone 6 Plus, 8 Plus, or her current 12 checking for information from Facebook or KZbin. Right now, she's looking at her phone. And she's the least techie in our family who struggled how to email a decade ago. She was the last to be addicted to smartphones and now she's the most distracted from them. She's become a smartphone zombie that I thought she would never become 10 years ago. I really love how you are handling this. I've seen other videos regarding this topic and those same people ended up enjoying it too! I actually want to use an old RAZR but I read T-Mobile shut down their 3G networks recently. So if I want to go back to a dumb phone, it needs to be 4G minimum. I believe each generation network lasts about 20 years. So 4G should still be around for another 10 if not longer. You broke free from the downfalls of smartphone/online addiction and we need to applaud you for it. 👏🏻 So much of the information we are getting can be false or distorted any way. A way to sway moderates. You really can't trust what the mainstream media and social media tells us. It's just pitting us against each other so we can argue. So we can act mean-spirited towards one another with hurtful comments if we don't agree. Ignorance is bliss. Better to stay off from all this manufactured drama. I think a dumbphone + laptop might be a healthier combo than a smartphone. So when we go outside, we are far more aware with our surroundings. We can actually talk to people and look them straight in the eyes. You became revolutionary by going backwards and it's paying off. Thank you, Ashton! You deserve a lot more subscribers.

[@thedude5295]

I got rid of my cell phone 12 years ago, so I don't even know what the addiction feels like. My old man never upgraded from a flip phone. Except for my grandma who never even had a computer, he's the only person in my life that isn't addicted to looking at a little screen all day. Good luck quitting man. I'm so glad not to even have a dumb phone these days, but I don't even know how somebody would ever be able to go from smart phone to no phone anymore.

[@JohnOBryan]

I really like this journey you're sharing. In 2020, I found myself constantly being stressed out over all the politics and etc going on in the news and social media. I stopped using pretty much every form of social media (with the exception of KZbin). Over the past few years its amazing how much less stress I have and also how much free time I have. I'm a techie at heart, but as you stated sometimes it's just too much information. I'm really thinking about giving this a try.

[@markm0000]

You know the saying in big cities only rich people can afford empty space? Within tech, only the awaken use a dumb phone to clear their mind. I worked with a senior IT admin and never quite understood why he had a flip phone until now. It’s post-nut clarity being able to see the world and not having a iPhone glued to my eyes every waking second. I decided to go with a Voiceping so I can run some Android apps in a pinch. The screen on it is so small there’s no way I’d ever slip back to the same addiction I once had.

[@SuperRJ2012]

Thank you for this Ms. Womack 😌 I've looked at all of the dumb phone videos thus far and by far my biggest reason i want to switch is the fact you where able and relearned to navigate around even an unfamiliar states and cities by memory alone like you said in the video it is a lost skill that I've always wondered why older people still have and that's because they aren't as dependent as we are on cell phones for navigation and everyday commutes. I love this series and I love the dedication you put into doing this ☮️✌️

[@realhkv4082]

Your videos have really made me think about the time i spend on smartphones. I use my phone to study as i don't have a pc or a laptop . But i spend too much more time doing everything except studying. I'm having to think hard about all this. thank you

[@thedude5295]

Good for you. I was kind of worried this video was going to go the other way for you after watching your first video on switching last night. I was the first of all my friends to have a cell phone back in the late 90's and couldn't get enough of new tech. But about 12 years ago I got rid of my cell phone and never looked back. I missed the whole smart phone thing, and now everywhere I go people are just staring at their screens like zombies. I'm so glad I will never even know what the addiction of a smart phone feels like.

[@LuvPureCom]

Thank you. I feel validated. I've never had a smartphone, and don't want one. When people ask me when I'm getting one, my answer is "Never". I actually like interacting with other humans when I'm out in public, instead of scrolling thru my phone.

[@emward6858]

Good for you 😊 you get to live life more freely. I grew up in the 80s and 90s so I remember life before smartphones took over . Life was good then . I do have a smartphone, and I don’t have a tv or computer so that doesn’t help with me from staring at my phone to watch things . I do enjoy photography which I use my phone for . When I am out , unless I absolutely have to phone someone or reply to message, or there’s a great photo opportunity that I want to capture, I usually leave my phone in my bag , as I prefer to connect with life around me when I’m out and about . And I do feel better when I’m not staring at my phone .

[@David-sg1yi]

I know I'm dating myself here, but I grew up when there was no internet and no cell phones. I have a smart phone now. Life before the smart phone, even the dumb phone, the internet, etc., was slower and you had a lot of time to be alone with your thoughts. There wasn't this constant onslaught of information or social media. It was really nice. I don't have social media really. I only check in on FB to see how some friends are doing. I'm always surprised that I end up spending at least an hour on FB even though I try really hard not to. I'm currently cutting down on the number of apps I have on my smart phone. Honestly, most of them I don't really use.

[@erikas.369]

Just came to say I’m so happy for this update! I bought my dumb phone from sunbeam wireless a month or so ago and haven’t made the jump yet. I did some mods to my iPhone to help ease the transition but and reluctant to switch. I have a month off of work coming up and decided I am going to switch my phone over during that time. I’m so glad I ever came across your videos and a little relieved to know you’re still using your dumb phone. Thank you again for your updates!

[@ashtonwomack]

thanks, Erika. you can do it!! 😁

[@techdev105]

Thanks, pure inspiration to feel life outside of the screen.

[@AnkitKumar-er5fy]

This was a no bs video that really explains the things well without drama. Surprised to see only 12k subscribers. I also followed the same thing, I didn't know abou you though. I used dumbphone for almost 8 months. But when I used the smartphone for like 20-25 days, the bad habits started picking up fast and I was really craving to go back to the dumb phone experience that I had. I was also trying to make a video on the experiences like these only but I was not able to create those. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheTuareg]

My questions for Q&A video: 1. How do you take pictures when there's no one else around but you want a good picture? 2. How do you navigate in unfamiliar areas? Say you need to go to a certain place but you don't know how to get there 3. Do you send SMS? If yes, how expensive is it? 4. What are you doing when waiting in a long line?

[@larsbitsch-larsen6988]

Thank you for making your points so clear. I totally agree.

[@animeshjha5058]

Wonderful video Ashton! My work requires being plugged in to Mail, Slack, etc so a dumb phone is not an option for me. However, I try to maintain control over my attention by deleting all apps except work apps, removing Music/Podcasts from the home screen and turning off all notifications.

[@JoseBriones]

Interesting findings. Thanks for the update. Glad you are back to the voice phone life! I feel like the allure of the smartphones is just inescapable sometimes.

[@ckelly5141]

So true Ashton! How crazy has life become with smart technology. Stressful, anti-social, anti-productive, anti-etc.....It’s no wonder why society has disintegrated so much over say, the last 20 years. It’s heartwarming to know that we can take control back, at least on an individual basis. Let the freedom, creativity, and much needed social interaction begin!

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

im actually glad i came across your videos on this. i cant give up my smartphone for various reasons....HOWEVER, what i did take away from this was the app overload, options, the QR code things, etc. im going to take away from this the digital detox part of it. removing all apps, leaving the phone in another room, using it for minimalist things such as communication and work only and removing social media apps (i have already deleted a few over the last couple of months). i know its not totally what you did, but i can dumb down my smartphone as much as possible so to say.

[@rattsjcfanpage01]

I bought a flip phone. I'm just hesitant to switch over from a smart phone to a flip phone. Social media nowadays is getting to be crazy.

[@CaptainAiryca]

Okay now you have me intrigued about your journey! I have also switched to a dumb phone and a lot of people I see online make the switch only temporarily. Good on you for switching back. 👏 I understand the lure to have the smartphone.... They're so amazing!! Amazing at stressing us out. Lol!!

[@GTLyons]

... I subscribed after watching a previous vid and felt hopeful... the beginning of this vid, I felt some real anxiety and I nearly un-subed because I thought you were going to go back to the iphone... so glad you came to your senses... thumbs up!

[@eondrache7786]

Some habbits you can try with your smart phone to try to get into asre doing things like leaving your phone at home. Using DND more often. Disable social media. For those with a samsung phone you can turn on the "ultra power saving mode" and this will disable all but the essentials on the phone but let you keep the keyboard and camera.

[@JordanSeal]

I'm finding your channel/videos because I'm shopping for a dumb phone, having finally accepted that my willpower is nothing compared to an army of smart programmers and engineers, all chasing the goal of keeping my attention on their apps for as much time as possible. Thank you for this (and your other) videos!

[@Pooh0Bear8]

You have inspired me to research this topic more

[@saivindyadatta1066]

Quality content I appreciate the insight

[@ecochicmuse6918]

Thank to you (and a few other videos about this topic) I bought a semi-dumb phone (nokia 4g 6300) ... After a while, when I felt I was finally no more addicted to my smartphone, I tried the same experiment: I got it back... And I had the same experience: in the beginning it was fine, I felt mature and immune to distractions, but after a while I became addicted again. I'm back on track now and I plan to live with my nokia because it makes me less distracted, less anxious, less fatigued and more content. Thank you for your honesty!

[@qwazse4]

Thanks. I just retired my flip phone and switched to my wife’s used iPhone. Hopefully I can use your insights to proceed wisely.

[@7775Kevin]

I am glad to hear you went back to the dumb phone, because I agree there are just too many addictive distractions with any smart phone. I have been using a flip phone for a while now, and I know that I am much happier for it. Thank you very much for doing these videos. They’ve been very helpful.

[@Love_Street]

I saw the other videos before this about switching and I couldn’t believe you did it . But everything you say makes sense especially the navigation part . I remember when the Garmins came out our company got one for me and I remember saying to someone this thing is great but it makes you dumb. Interesting videos.

[@danprather6896]

Good for you, Flip phone is all I use. I have the Sonim XP3 plus.

[@sboy1955]

This is interesting. Not sure why your videos showed up in my feed but they did. So I just watched your earlier video on going ‘dumb phone’ (4 months ago)… then I had to find out how it all turned out and searched for this video. Well, it looks like you kicked the suger for good - that’s awesome, congrats 👍🏽 I had to chuckle because, you mentioned taking your iPhone to the bathroom… then it hit me, I do that all the time. Not so funny when you think about it. I will have to think about all of this! Thanks for the videos. Good job!

[@GhostIntoTheFog]

I used a flip phone until 2012. Had a detachable GPS in my car. Never felt I needed a smart phone until I flew to France and was terrified I wouldn’t be able to communicate without a translator app (turned out most people spoke English anyway and I was worried over nothing). I fully acknowledge how addictive it is and how my phone is never far away. Maybe I should go back to a flip phone. It seems like it’s done wonders for you.

[@przemekmikulski4680]

adding a mic was one of the best decisions :) The only thing that your blog was missing!

[@peremptorypachyderm5884]

I relate to the podcast stress and fatigue so I just gave those up too.

[@revbikerbigd8664]

We use our smart phone as a dump phone! We take pictures, talk text , and make, receive calls away from home . where we have a land line VOIP with an real answering machine! Only time we answer our smart phone is when anyone in our contact list shows, if not, we hit hang up button! Real freedom for us. Great video 👍👍👍👍🙏

[@soulreadanalytics9781]

Good stuff... They are "black scrying mirrors" , quite literally.. programming us no doubt... Crazy times , refreshing to see these vids . God Bless 💜

[@MissFoxification]

An alternative is you can also pick up an Android and disable/freeze or even remove any superfluous apps. If you are going to take that path just buy a second hand flagship, get the benefits of a decent camera, QWERTY keyboard, quality build/construction with the simplicity of a dumb phone. If you want to take it further you can replace the software or buy a phone without google, which means no play store or easy "spur of the moment" method of adding apps. I am tempted to sell less-than-smart phones. You can even pick up an android music player that can download podcasts, but has zero social apps. I have the Fiio M6 for music. The only distractions/notifications I get on my phone is for the weather, once on waking and any severe weather alerts. That's exactly what I want. If there's a notification on my phone it means it's important. I have a decent PC and have always preferred that so I never really went down the phone reliance path. Anything I want to do online usually means waiting until I am at my desk. My phone is an accessory, not my daily driver. I can use the phone browser but it's limited when compared to the desktop or laptop.

[@danielleprestidge7614]

I am heavily considering switching to a dumb phone. Group messaging is a must for me though, as both sides of my family have running group text threads. Does your Sunbeam phone handle group messaging well? Also, I really appreciate your adventurous spirit to try out and stick with a dumb phone. It's encouraging to see the benefits in real life rather than in theory.

[@lnu2372]

I just ordered my first dumb phone in 15 years. Im really excited. Did you find that you had anxiety when out and about without a screen to look at? How did you deal with it if you did?

[@Jerakye22]

Thanks for this video! I’m buying two old phones tomorrow for me and my husband . Totally agree with everything you say .. I’ve lost so much valuable time

[@christian.j.stevens]

I switch between my flip phone and my smartphone quite a few times since 2019. Sometimes I can like go 6 months on my flip phone and sometimes it's like a week and half, but every time I switch back to my smartphone I fall into bad habits again and can really relate to what you said in this video. It's just too powerful of a machine to not resist, I haven't figured out how to beat it yet besides a wholesale switch to have something not a smartphone haha

[@set3777]

My son accidentally broke his flip phone and bought an "unbreakable" tough Android phone but only bought a long-expiry SIMM that allows only phone & text and ZERO DATA.(In Australia AUD60 4G Optus prepaid last one full year)

[@biglyredly8637]

Love your demeanor

[@slidingdownthehill]

Thanks, excellent overview on how the draw back works and the impact it has on you , and no doubt many others. Tell me - if you had to advise a younger you , (new to phones ) on what might help would you start with a smartphone again and change over to dumb phone or … dumphone and other tools to do those jobs specifically ? Thanks again.

[@threeriversforge1997]

Can't say that I'm surprised you went back to the Iphone, but I am surprised that you quit it again. Great synopsis of the experience. As a funny aside, a study found that women had a much higher "decision regret" factor than men. If you put free gifts of equal value into three paper bags, women reported by quite happy with whatever it was they got. However, if you upped the choice to 20 paper bags laid out, the study found that women reported far higher scores of worry, dissatisfaction, disappointment, etc. In other words, they were happy to have gotten a free gift, but they always wondered if something better was in one of the other bags because they had so many options to choose from that they were sure something better must be in one of the other bags. Even though they got something nice, and they knew the value of the gifts was all the same, they still wondered and worried, making things up in their mind. When you mentioned decision fatigue, it reminded me of the study. Glad to hear that you recognized the symptoms of addiction and the slippery slope. The phones are programmed to be addicting, to keep people on the hook, so it wasn't as shock that you'd find some "justification" for going back to it, even temporarily. Hopefully, you're videos will get a lot of traction and maybe wake some people from their slumber.

[@steveyjay8657]

Super informative

[@caterinac534]

Awesome!

[@emailant]

im thinking of keeping an iPhone 13mini as a backup for things like QR codes and taking pictures and all those mandatory apps i need for (like govt apps). otherwise i wanna go with a dumb phone as my main communicator. gosh i really love what having that mental space feels like.

[@avejst]

Interesting expirences Thanks for sharing 👍😃

[@christopherofficial9017]

I love the flip phones specially the Motorola RAZR from 05 and setting them on the charging dock I might actually get a flip phone myself I miss them

[@DmitryDobriy]

More that a year since i've shut off all notifications from both of my iPhones (corporate and private), but sometimes i still found myself dumping to the screen like a zombie. But, somehow, i used to be a teenager withount an internet a long time ago, may be it's time to bring something back from that era? Thanks a lot for your experiment!

[@99debris]

Wow, I feel the same right now about being overwhelmed by podcasts and music. Only today I took all my music off my iPhone and took podcasts off a while ago …. And put the radio on in my car!…… aaaaaah! 💆🏼‍♀️

[@theonlygus]

Hi Ashton, Really inspiring to see how you gave up your smartphone! Part of the reason I havent given up my smartphone is i feel like it would cut me off from my friends and family. So i have two questions: 1. Have you felt any social isolation as a result of not being in group chats? Are your friends and family keeping you in the loop or excluding you (not intentionally) because you're simply not in the group chats? 2. Do you find people are OK with you calling instead of texting? I know a lot of people dont like phone calls and texting on a flip phone can be frustratingly slow. Really cant say how much this is inspiring me to do the same!

[@MarkCuda]

I know you were hoping for a reply from Ashton, and I can't speak for her, but here are my thoughts (as someone who's currently in the dumb phone switch process). 1. If you become isolated simply because you have a different phone, you have to ask how truly connected you were to begin with. Those you love will find a way, and you will find a way for those you love.

[@crosslink1493]

Yeah, two of the problems I have with smartphones is 'spoofed' phone calls and advertisments, and messaging is a way to avoid them. I'm wondering if using a dumbphone would eliminate this. I know Ashton mentioned she gets lots less (if no) ads, so the spoofers might be missing her; not sure if it works to eliminate messaging ads, too. As long the phone number that shows up is valid on the dumbphone you should be OK.

[@thedude5295]

Man... I can't even imagine what it would be like to feel as if a virtual connection on a device were my only way of keeping close with people. I do get your question about calling/texting though. I have a brother I hardly ever talk to anymore because he simply will not ever pick up the phone when somebody calls him and he does all of his communication via text. His addiction has pretty much ruined our relationship. If something similar happens to somebody you know when you switch, just remember that's not a YOU problem. That's a THEM problem.

[@CaptainAiryca]

Are you talking about texting groups or other apps? I use a dumb phone that allows for group texting. And I have learned to use the predictive text just as fast as a smartphone keyboard. For other apps, most have computer or online versions, so you could do those instead.

[@Julia-iy5oh]

I'm so glad that I came by your video while compulsively watching KZbin videos from my smartphone 😆 Wouldn't it be cool to start some sort of movement where people from all over the world came together for a limited period of time to challenge themselves to mass-detox from smartphone addiction? Maybe this is just what the world needs!

[@emmav.l.9395]

I just bought a flip phone (a senior one haha) with only whatsapp. My necassary apps I keep on my tablet (that I use for work). This way I dont have stuff on the go, but I can acces my banking/contorl my roborock. You are so right! I love it already.

[@videobiker9131]

I just want to say that your videos are among the videos that gave me plenty of food for thought with regards to giving up my smart phone. I was recently going out with someone and when I told them about my feelings, they said, why would you want to go back? At some point, I’m going to stop listening to that voice in go back to a dumb phone. Thanks

[@herecomesthesun21]

Thanks for your videos! KZbin recommended them when I decided to switch to "dumbphone". I just ordered one today! It was unbelievably difficult to find a phone that didn't have any kind of internet possibility. Also in my country it's difficult to find a cell phone plan without internet. Finally I found a phone that is extremely simple, only calls & text messages, Nokia 105. I love the idea because there will be absolutely nothing to lure me in to the phone. It cost me 20 euros 😊 (about the same in dollars). Now I'm waiting for it & my internet cable to arrive, since I don't want wireless internet anymore either. It's a surprisingly big process to get rid of a smartphone. I also have to figure out how to do many other things without smartphone, like buy buss tickets, tune my guitar, use a camera etc. But I'm sure it will be worth it! I'm excited about this change and the benefits I'm sure will come. Although for sure I'm going to have some withdrawal symptoms, too.

[@Bladeclaw00100]

It's all about self-discipline. Phones, contents, and advertisements are a big distraction. And they are everywhere. It's about learning to focus your energy and thoughts. Meditation and exercise can help with this. Learn to identify what you need and want. I have a tough time with this too. But instead on a phone problem. It's a KZbin binge watching problem. I should not even be watching this right now. Well, it's time to refocus again. lol

[@xanataph]

It sounds like you had an experience similar to where someone gives up an addictive substance for a period of time, but then returns to it under the belief that the clarity obtained while away from it now has given them a measure of control over it - inevitably, that turns out to be a fallacy. However, in your case you sensed the slippery slope before sliding back down it too far, which is excellent. Stick with it though,. If you want to listen to something in your car there is always the radio. Sometimes it's nice to let someone else pick the songs. Sure, there will be a few you don't like but when you hear one you do, it's even more awesome. Want to have more control over the selection? Just play a CD! Sometimes changing CDs in the car can be a hassle. So just let that album spin around a few times and you'll probably find you're enjoying that music even more. Don't have a CD player? Then maybe your car stereo has a socket for an SD card or USB drive. Make that a virtual album collection. Either way, you'll hear music every time you start the vehicle. Oh, and maybe stop calling your standard cell phone a "dumb phone", because that turn of phrase has negative connotations, therefore negative energy. And the efforts you have made to liberate yourself from the so-called "smart phone", are incredible and about as far away from "dumb" as you can get.

[@Elijay44]

You are wise! Many people fall into the trap of going back for conveniences that are not worth the trade off. Inconvenience is a tool for growth!

[@revoltoff]

You have an addictive personality, watch out, you will and can get addicted to anything you touch.

[@rhobot75]

Thank you! I appreciated this series you did- I watched I think 3 videos including this one. My questions are, and pardon my naivete, or ignorance, whichever. Did you just move your SIM card from one phone into the other? You kept your same phone number? You make it sound so easy to switch between the two phones. So, there's no conflict switching from one phone to another as long as they are both unlocked? Thank you.

[@jacquesbazinet2172]

I found your channel today and subscribed.

[@dylanhughes4548]

Never heard of you or this channel but ended up here due to the whole dumb phone situation. Great videos, really enjoyed them and loads of great info that's well presented. Very helpful 👍🏻Edit - oh questions - how do you handle not having things like WhatsApp for groups? For example my sports group organises sessions via WhatsApp so without it I cant really attend. Thanks

[@MrLordScotland]

Cool experiment

[@glyph_official]

Speaking as someone with an absolute truckload of gadgets and a massive top-of-the-line smartphone with no interest in giving it up, these videos are still super fascinating to me and I've appreciated learning about this journey. As a very heavy smartphone / tablet / computer media consumer, I have this problem with podcast and media apps all the time. It's the same as social media. Every one of these apps thinks that the problem that they're solving is "discovery". The moment you open them up, they want to present you with *more*: more choices, new music, new podcasts, new apps, featured picks, editorials about how great the newest movies are, just more more more new new new all the time. And what I want is to *very rarely* go out to do some "discovery" in a dedicated context (usually while at a computer - I don't want to do this casually on my phone!) and then, having done that discovery, queue up the things I want to watch, to read, to listen to, and then just go through that queue and listen / watch / read as time allows, *without* constant interruptions from new and exciting things that I might be reading or watching or listening to or playing instead. In other words at the moment I get in the car, I want a maximum of 2 buttons: "play" and "play, but my kid is in the back seat so keep it PG". Again, I'm an absolutely inveterate tech nerd but I suspect that if they made an iPhone that you were happy to use, I'd probably want that one too. (Also, this is a bit of a nitpick, but "decision fatigue" is a somewhat discredited term. If you look at the bottom of the wikipedia page, you'll notice a brief "criticisms" section which more or less says "nobody can actually repeat the experiments that introduced the concept". The feeling you're having is obviously real, but it might more accurately be referred to as something like "overwhelm" or "analysis paralysis".)

[@markm0000]

tl;dr. Just know every piece of technology you are using right now will become worthless landfil within your lifetime. It might be 5 years, it might be 20 years. It will get there. Mental wealth is a concept that I think everyone has forgotten. I think, therefore I’m rich. My smartphone used to think for me and I was never able to stop it.

[@williamlee2142]

Thanks for sharing, have you tried just removing all the distracting apps on your smartphone?

[@aoppeneer]

hey, love your video! I'm curious what type of plan you use / how you manage your phone number. Do you maintain the same number with both phones or you call forwarding? What provider are you using to accomplish this? Thanks!

[@dirks4093]

This is really great content. Thank you for making it. Everyone in the world should watch this!! :) I am going to make the jump to a dumb phone. I've been wanting to (that's how I found your channel). I'm excited to try it. 🙂 Also, I feel the need to call it something other than a 'dumb' phone. "Health" phone (as in mental health)? "Life" phone (because you live more of your life with it?) Not catchy enough. I'll come up with something. Thanks again for the video.

[@Latrocinium086]

Applaud what you’re doing! Phone calls used to be something you could only get at a location. Hence answering machines. Personally I think it made you value the call and caller a little more. Little longer conversations and cords 😝 Good luck

[@emward6858]

The good old days when we didn’t constantly feel we had to be connected all the time . I miss those days

[@fraserbailey6347]

It's good to know that Ashton returned to the dumbphone.

[@TomDoesUtube]

Looks like nice work..

[@gl3832]

Ashton, I’ve tried going to a dumb phone many times, and like you … I always return to a ‘smart’ phone. The reality is it’s hard to function as. Working member of society without one.

[@guillermodelamaza1244]

I remember the days when people actually knew important phone numbers from the top of their heads. Nowadays, many people can’t recite back on their own. I remember when all you needed to drive around a big city, was knowing the main roads that crisscrossed around it and a sense of NWES. Today, people can’t drive to their own office, without a nav app. I remember when writing was not only important (love letters anyone?), but also doing it in a proper way and with a nice style to it, was enough to get you noticed. Now people (especially younger generations) can barely express themselves using full words, ordinary phone calls, let alone a pen, and paper. Back when my Palm PDA was dumb, I wanted it to be smarter. Now that phones are smart, I wonder why people are way more dumb.

[@markm0000]

People in this new smartphone realm are so dumb in fact it’s known they search for answers to questions on social media instead of using Google or Bing.

[@laideae]

@@markm0000 Indeed!

[@swaha55]

Hi Ashton, Very interesting video. I have never had a cell phone and now I feel like I am being forced into getting a cell phone for things like 2 factor authentication and for security reasons. I don’t want to get sucked into over using a cell phone. Have you ever looked into those really cheap cellular services like Tello where you can actually limit your dara and mainly use your phone for texting, emergency calls and for me having a good camera like the 12 mp cameras on the iPhone would be a big plus.

[@synthianovia]

One of the reasons I sold my light phone 2 was because of their podcast app, I think that was a mistake to put that on that device. My current setup is an iphone with heavy screentime features and I put the code into a monthly time capsule.

[@tepung_gandum4612]

i am taking alternate approach, i am using "lousy data plan" that limit 1GB of internet. the monthly payment is 3 times cheaper with 1GB is still enough for necessity things eg: google maps and whatsapp no problem if restaurant need QR code, i can still take picture, back to home and upload them using wifi. and i can still use uber (pre-install everything at home using wifi first) with that being said 1GB for necessity had remove the needs of tiktok, youtube, twitter etc from phone since if im at home i can just watch them from my laptop if you looking for same approach, find a data plan that can "boost the quota" so that when you are on vacation or travelling you can boost to 10GB quota for 1 week for example. want to face time with SO that outstation for 3 days? boost data plan for 3 days

[@2Truth4Liberty]

Finding the right balance. Very creative. :-0)

[@ronan24]

Interesting stuff. I think all of us smart phone users feel those negatives like decision fatigue but go on not realizing. I would like to know your thoughts on whether do you think just uninstalling social media is good enough, or does commiting to a dumb phone have further benefits, in your experience.

[@Tinamuhammed]

Hi there. I use a dumbphone, but before that I actually started by deleting all of my social media off of my phone. And while that worked for a while, I didn't have enough self control, and found loop holes around it. And so I deleted most of my accounts on social media, and that helped. And I still think that was the biggest step in getting used to this new "lifestyle". Like I could easily just use my laptop to go on social media. But I found actually buying a dumbphone the most benificial. Because, at the end of the day, by having a smartphone, I could always find some way of entertainment, when waiting in line, or sitting on the bus, etc. A big factor for me was music - I could not go anywhere without it. And so by buying a dumbphone i forced myself into the real world, where i no longer could destract myself, like I used to. I've felt a huge change in behaviour. In my experience it's about the reason why you want to do it - I mostly wanted to feel more alive, and be more present overall. I still have Facebook because of uni, but it doesn't have the same "wasting hours" charm. Anyways, sorry for this long message, I didn't mean to sound like a "know-it-all", but I hope this helps a bit:)

[@xrrrismickey]

I love how we have relationships with electronics now

[@honestjoe632]

It would seem that using a smart phone is totally addictive and the more we do it the more we want it, as I type this on my iPad🤣…

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I've enjoyed your videos (I saw your video about the Sunbeam) as I have never owned a smart phone. I use plenty of tech all day, and when I walk out of the house I have no desire to continue that relationship and am satisfied with my simple flip phone. I don't rule out getting a smart phone but it's just not something I've needed. You probably have plenty of questions but here are a couple that I already think of from time to time: (1) Have you ever been in a situation where you run into a problem and you say, "If only I had a smart phone, I could solve this problem"? This hasn't happened to me yet, but who knows. (2) Do you ever consider a compromise along these lines: I myself have an iPad Mini and have been considering getting one with a data plan for times when I need that functionality and there is no wifi readily available. This would just be in my suitcase for business travel, not something I would typically carry around of course. I realize a person might say well why not at that point get a smart phone? Well, I don't care for small screens (poor eyesight) and I don't care to have a device of this type on my person at all times, that's all. Take care. - Dave

[@derrylew8843]

I've been using a full android smartwatch as my phone for about six months. It has my sim card and everything. It can do nearly all the things a smartphone can do, but the small screen is just inherently less addictive. It's not a perfect solution, but it does the job.

[@soniateach]

I bought a sunbeam after watching your videos! I have lots of questions for you after using a flip phone for two weeks! Are you using their premium service that includes voice to text? I don't really want to pay extra, but I'm thinking of getting it because it's way easier to speak than use their texting feature. Did you completely put your smart phone away? I still use mine at home like a tablet during the day. What are your tips on staying organized? I'm used to having my Google calendar wherever i go and can add things to a grocery list/task list when needed. This syncs with my husband's calendar as well. I went to a networking event yesterday and was embarrassed when people were exchanging digital business cards and things. They were teasing me for not using much technology and taking a break from social media. Do you attend events like these, & if so, do you carry around physical business cards?

[@soniateach]

How do you explain your decision to use a flip phone to others? I know it doesn't matter what others think, but it's still felt awkward to me in social situations. And do you use anything for navigation when driving?

[@AlexLopez-nj2sj]

I've had a dumbphone for about 15 months now and I found that the easiest explanation is to just say my switch to a dumbphone is a fun personal experiment I wanted to try out. People love to present these emergency scenarios in which you need a smartphone or suggest alternatives like deleting social media apps when you try to explain, but if you simply frame your decision as something you did on a whim they don't go prying or arguing with your viewpoints on smartphones. I also find that framing the negative effects of smartphones as a personal issue rather than a universal issue tends to avoid interrogation. People don't feel the need to argue with you when you say "I felt like my smartphone was ruining my attention span and making me feel less connected with others," rather than saying "smartphones are ruining our attention spans and making us less connected." For the most part people are very understanding though. The vast majority of people I talk to mention how they want to reduce their screen time and people are always deactivating social media when they need a break already. Switching to a dumbphone is fairly radical to most people but they don't find the motivations completely mind boggling.

[@wild4fp]

I tend to say I like using my Nokia and say I use my smartphone on occasion. I don't need to say to people, well because I'm addicted etc...it's your life and don't need to lay out your life to anyone. Reading your comment, it reads, yeh but what if, how do I etc... with this alone tells me to get a dumbphone and give yourself time to detox, find your own way. No time limit to this as we're all different. But, paper and pen works well... and again, mindfulness, appreciate what you have already.

[@soniateach]

@@AlexLopez-nj2sj thanks, that's helpful!

[@soniateach]

@@wild4fp she asked for what questions we have, which is why I asked. I'm sure if I'm trying to figure things out then others are too, especially as someone like me who runs an online business. 🙂

[@sameermehta5811]

Very nice videos

[@TheMangeGrain]

Before switching to smartphones, I was very much into "feature-phones". They provided many features now associated with smartphones : GPS, web browsing (therefore : news feeds, facebook, youtube...), music/video playback, java apps... Main change with my first smartphone was this annoying notification bar : always harassing me and trying to steal my attention. Just disabled them, those from social networks, and I was back to a more normal life. Having options is better than having no option : I don't consider "decision fatigue" as a big issue. Focus is more an issue, but this is not related to smartphones : even with the dumbest phone-and-sms-only cellphone in my pocket, my computer could easily steal my focus away.

[@mycharmtech]

Interesting experiment ... I would love to try it and report back.

[@idance0001]

I have an Iphone, but I don't read news on it and watch KZbin only on my laptop and I don't use social media, except Whatssapp. So I use my phone for Whatsapp, calling and my camera, also the weather app, Spotify and google maps, but that's it. My screen time on average is around 23 minutes a day. I don't feel the need to switch to a dumb phone, but I also don't want to become addicted to my phone so I decided what I can do on my phone and things I don't do.

[@karent1717]

I am really interested in how to manage with just a dumb phone. Tips would be great. I use my iphone a lot and it's definitely a distraction.

[@Danger_Dingus]

So I have a question how would you suggest going about listening to music? I currently use my phone as dumb as I think I can right now but I think Spotify is my most used app by far. I love listening to music and I think I would really miss having it. Previously to having a smartphone I had an iPod but that would be prohibitively expensive to buy another iPod and all the of music I love. I’d like to hear your take and suggested solutions.

[@julianafortino3778]

Ashton help! I had a flip phone for 7 weeks it was amazing I didn’t want to go back. I got overwhelmed with all of the group chats and group activities it actually malfunctioned my flip phone. I had to download each individual text in groups and I was missing messages with friends. My last straw that overwhelmed me was when my internet went out I couldn’t look up the Fios phone number online and I couldn’t get it on my flip phone either. Sounds stupid but I love the simplicity of my flip phone but how do you get around these hurdles?

[@gmon8170]

Hi, really enjoyed the series! For me one of the main things I use my phone for is group chats in WhatsApp and Messenger. I quit social media nearly 4 years ago and haven't looked back, but group chats is what I've fallen back to. I'm always checking my phone to see if there are any messages or I'm spending lots of time chatting in them. Would be great to know: 1. Do you have this problem? Is it sustainable to go months without? 2. Do you set any rules around using group chats? I.e - not during work hours or at all? 3. I also work at a computer for 8 hours a day. Do you use WhatsApp or Messsenger on your computer during the work day? If not, how to you resist the urge to do that?

[@gusmonster59]

Why would you even consider using a chat app while at work? You aren't being paid to chat with your friends. Grow up. Be an adult. Stop using your employer's time for personal use. You should not be using any social or personal apps on your work computer. If you can't control yourself, then you ought to delete those apps off your phone. It isn't that tough to do.

[@gmon8170]

@@gusmonster59 yes, you’re right. I can’t control myself, I’m pathetic. I’ll resign first thing in the morning. Oh wait, I’m self employed. Maybe I should close down the business then as I’m wasting my money. Maybe you should take a moment before jumping to conclusions.

[@randomthoughtsfromacrazedm3372]

I never had a smartphone until recently when I got one for free from tracfone because my dumb phone would not work anymore with their service. I love having one but still do not use internet. You can buy data with tracfone for $10 and have it on the phone to use when needed and I find that really useful. But it eats data fast so really cannot use it all the time. It is the best of both just having minutes and limited data.

[@plainseed]

i have the same experience.

[@Frida3728]

I feel as if I have trapped myself with my smartphone. I have not allowed myself to delete apps I use no longer use, nor delete apps that hook me for hours. The time or two that I minimized smartphone use, I felt more of my self identity.