I’m Addicted to my Phone, so I Switched to a Dumb Phone
As a Mobile Editor, my life revolves around my smartphone. It’s a necessary tool for work, but I’ve come to realize that I use it more for distraction than productivity. The constant need for stimulation has eliminated boredom but also hindered genuine relaxation.
To challenge myself, I decided to go smartphone-free for a week. I swapped my smartphone for a basic feature phone, the Nokia 110, which offered only essential functions like calls and texts. The transition was daunting, but I was eager to see how it would impact my daily life.
On the first day, I felt discomfort and reached for my laptop for solace. I blocked distracting sites to stay focused and called my grandma, surprised by the clarity of the call on the basic phone. Throughout the week, I navigated challenges like not having a camera for photos and adapting to paper lists instead of digital ones.
Visiting my parents was a welcome break from smartphone dependence, although I missed capturing moments with a camera. I found freedom in not feeling pressured to document everything and enjoyed the simplicity of being present in the moment.
As the days passed, I found myself feeling calmer and more focused without the constant distractions of a smartphone. Simple tasks like shopping and journalling became more enjoyable, and I felt a sense of liberation from the need to constantly check messages and notifications.
By the end of the week, I had adapted to life without a smartphone. While I appreciated the benefits of disconnecting, I also recognized the practicality of having a smartphone for certain situations. My goal now is to find a balance between utilizing the benefits of a smartphone without falling into mindless usage habits.
Overall, the experience of switching to a dumb phone taught me the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment. It’s a balance I aim to maintain as I navigate the digital world with a newfound perspective.
