You tried it for, what, five hours? No way you can draw any conclusions. Do it for a week and don't have your smartphone available as a backup. Mail it to an out of town friend. Alcoholics can drink ginger ale for an afternoon too. That doesn't mean they've kicked their addiction, nor would they think abstaining for a few hours would do anything at all to "kill" their addiction. Kudos to you for using yourself as a social experiment, though.
Oh Lady. You got a flip phone and then you went straight to try to install as many apps as possible. That defeats the whole purpose of a dumb phone. That's not even trying.
Right? She might as well have spent that much time at the movies and turned off her phone for the film, and it would have had the same results. But I guess she already went into the experiment saying "this will be hard, this will be difficult, this will be horrible" and didn't properly think about what she would have to organise without a smartphone.
Deleting the app won't help, you'll just redownload it. Switching to a traditional phone works because it is supposedly impossible for you to download these apps. Of course, that doesn't work as well with modern dumbphones which are actually smart.
@@mars-k1u I have very few APPS, and I have several phones. I know APPS aren't private. Get a de-googled phone, a kosher phone, and a separate smart phone with a cheap plan and use it only when necessary, like UBER, than turn it off and put it in a privacy bag. Device isolation. and browser isolation on the laptop.
The video is good and fun.. idk why so much negative comments are here.. even if we're confused about her in rush experience.. we should respect the woman and the camera man and other people who worked on the video
In early 2000s we all wanted the smallest phone as possible. In the 2020s we all want the biggest screen as possible For me the biggest drawback of smartphones is RU-vid, (Tiktok for younger generations). We spend way too much time on RU-vid, scrolling videos we don't even care about. How many times have we watched the same YT short on 10 different channels?
Here is a crazy idea, rather than getting dumb phone, uninstall waster apps. You will not be scrolled through TikTok if you don't have the app. Same with social media and games. You know, treat a smart phone just a productivity/communication device, not a play thing. Also, $90 is kind of nuts and with $55 plan. You can buy a burner for way cheaper. Frankly, I am on pixel 6a that is right on swappa for $118. And there are way cheaper prepaid plans with super low data. Going dumb phone is like rather than learning self-control that will be useful your whole life, you are taking the dumb route, and making your day to day life harder. Like, to control TikTok use, I'll force myself to give up ride sharing apps. Why?
I agree. I'm a huge social media user and wasted my time. However it's an opportunity to force yourself to be aware and learn self control. How hard is that? Lol. This woman should read atomic habit.
Yeah not disregarding those who wants to buy these types of phone, as it can benefit anything with simply communication, simple entertainment and to save your wallet with a small affordable fee for the phone. It's up to the person on how it can benefit them, whether they can afford it or not.
You may have an addiction, but what can you do? You can't just tell someone to stop. The only way is to physically prevent them from using it, which is why using a traditional cell phone is supposed to work.
i bought a new Nokia 215 2024 months ago as a weekend/day off phone.. honestly it makes a huge difference when i can physically avoid calls and notifications.. this video was just a crap take on the dumbphone usage trend, not enough time taken to actually "use" it as a daily driver or downtime phone.. switching to one requires more than just a few hours
Dumb phones are bad at being smartphones, duh. The idea is to become a dumb-phone user. Carry a paper map, ask the restaurant for a paper menu, text "just the facts ma'am". Entertain your self with our deluxe reality.
Due to my work, I have had to interact with top-level executives from various companies, including Chairmen, CEOs, and Managing Directors. One thing I’ve noticed is that none of them use their phones like we do. They barely engage with social media, let alone spend hours on it. When I asked them why, they said that social media distracts them from achieving their goals.
Love all the comments from people who have legit tried using dumb phones. I've been using the LightPhoneII for a year or so, lock the smart phone in a k-safe when I'm jonesing. The phone she got has a lot more features than the LightPhoneII, you learn to stop pulling the phone out cuz there's no reason anymore. Food tastes better, conversation is better, the ambiance is better with a commitment to dumb phones.
Basically, for people that have no self-control, delete the apps that you think of destructing and just have the necessary apps, I mean we’re all adults. I need to get a flip phone to make a life complicated just deleted distracting apps.
For people who have no self-control, what's stopping them from just redownloading the apps? You can't blame people for not having self control, because apps are designed to be addictive.
I agree. Now i don't even have a choice to use a phone that can only call, no one makes them anymore. 3G is gone, can't even use old phones. And society is so locked onto these being a part of our lives that we can't live without like QR codes in restaurants.
It's not about the kind of phones you're using. It's all about the apps on your phone. Deleting all social media apps and your smartphone becomes a dumb phone.
Wait a minute, that was a joke, wasn't it? If someone can't even stand it for a few hours, that person is addicted. And then she says it's not a big problem... I don't think this person realizes what that means in the long run. Something like that makes me sad, super sad. :(
I haven't done audiobooks, but what device do you suggest, if I try to not to do android google, or Apple? Any old-schooool devices? (I don't know why I left my o's)
@@MissBabalu102 doesn’t matter what you use, I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and I use Audible. It’s a fantastic audiobook app but it requires a subscription if you want to listen to a lot of books.
If it's all the social media apps that makes you stay on your phone for that unhealthy amount of time, then there's a simple solution for that: de-install those apps from your phone, and use facebook/instagram/whatever on your computer instead. You carry your phone around basically where ever you go, can't do that just as easily with even a laptop.
i like how straightforward and non BStery the comment section is, unlike those on a lot of channels that are full of overly polite and positive comments
I don't get how people can stand staring at those tiny screens anyway. I use my computer as a phone, I don't need to talk to anyone bad enough to pay an extra 60-100$ a month for a mini computer I carry in my pocket.
I knew someone who said he is now controlling his smart phone addiction and he also started using a dumb phone. But I also just learned his tablet usage had increased dramatically.
As someone who grew up with flip phones and them slide keyboards, she was exaggerating how tough they are to use. Of course it's very different from a modern smartphone though. I can't imagine how she spends 8 hours on her phone a day, unless she was using it to read a novel maybe and even then who has 8 hours of time every day for just sitting around on their phone? At the restaurant she should've just asked for a physical menu. As far as her addiction to tiktok she should just delete the app. I don't even have it downloaded. I do use Instagram but I get bored by it easily. Idk I get that there is a legit addiction to smartphones but it's like people don't realize they could just put their phone down when they aren't answering texts or calls.
Whoa, that phone was $90? The smartphone I'm watching this video on was $35 (refurbished). That's wild. I get it, it does look cute and if you're looking for a way to wean off of smartphone addiction, it might work, but the experience seems so much worse. It would probably take some serious effort and more time to change your behavior, all while smartphones are so ubiquitous.
So much easier to dumb down a smartphone than to try and get by with a flip phone in modern life anyway. Although I understand for some that's the point. Also, to me $90 seems a reasonable price for a new flip phone. There's certainly some niche demand for them. Any smartphone for $35 is not going to be a great experience either.
@@zoboomaku The problem with dumbing down a smartphone is that its a matter of will to keep it that way and a lot of people don't have that discipline. I certainly don't. My phone is a Samsung A02s, it's a lower-end Samsung but it's a great phone for the price.
@@disky01 You're right, and I've been there. But that power of will is something you can build and have eventually become sustainable through trial and failure. I equate it to quitting cigarettes. You have the choice to buy a pack every time you're at the store, or to bum one off friends and coworkers when offered. And saying no every single time requires immense discipline, and failure in early attempts is extremely common. But what's important is you try again, and become a little better at resisting that temptation the next time. Until one day it's easy to say no. Some are able to be successful right off the bat, but they're few and far between, and I think it's much more productive to temper expectations, expect setbacks, and look at long-term progress. For me, it's been similar with the smartphone. I uninstalled unproductive apps, streamlined the launcher, made it less appealing to use. And locked time-wasting websites and the app store behind a key I've stored in a web vault. I've regressed before, and ended up re-downloading RU-vid or Reddit or whatever and wasting time on my phone in bed again. It's an addiction same as any other after all, it's bound to happen. But I've always ended up repeating the process again, and this time around I'm feeling pretty confident in my ability to resist. Where previously I'd be willing to jump through many hoops in order to satisfy my addiction, now just needing a single extra step to do so gives me that extra time when I have urges to make a choice, and say no. With practice, it's become much easier to do. And to boot, I can allow myself a modern and capable smartphone without worry. Not saying there's any one right way to do things or that any other way is wrong, just felt like sharing my experience. We're all in a similar boat.
@@disky01 This is exactly why using a traditional cell phone is supposed to work. only it doesn't because these new feature phones are actually smart, just without touchscreen.
You could’ve done different things to help you keep up with the challenge. I’ve done this same thing a while ago I had my iPod Classic loaded up with all of my songs and a book to read while I relax during my commute 😆
If the dumb phone had an actual keyboard maybe like an old school blackberry, it would be easier to use and cut down on time,since that is one of the main reasons to use a dumb phone. But they would make great props for a movie with a late 90s early 200s vibe 😅
I really like your attitude of recognizing your own problems and trying to change them. I will try this method when I want to physically distance myself from my smartphone.
I understand the concept, but it just seems like more work trying to still use the same features (ex. Google maps, texting ,etc.) on a device that doesn't adapt well with our modern world (ex. Trying to navigate GPS, etc.) - So instead, I would probably just put the social media apps in a locked folder or just delete them if they are that addicting
I didn’t have a phone for two weeks till I got paid and it was like HELL! I had to use my laptop to plan out my transit trips for weeks, was not safe at all because I couldn’t catch an Uber
In digital minimalism Newport’s group came up with different ways to cut down social media. One of the best way to avoid the rabbit holes was by a lady that said to buy & use a simple watch. Stop using excuse to check the time to scratch the media itch.
Might be talking out my butt, but I remember reading that old flip phones don't play well with modern networks, and if you want to go the dumb phone route you're better off buying a newer one. So your market is still limited to collectors.
The best old cell phones had a slide out full keyboard! Bring those back and I’ll go back! Or remove all your games, social media, and other time suck apps from your phone.
This exactly! It's her fault that she spends her time using the world's most powerful invention to play snake, reading/writing listicles, and engaging in vapid conversations. No phone company is demanding you waste hours on these things as opposed to trying to find meaningful connections. Many things should be addressed by society, but this ain't one of them 😂
I would try for a week+ to actually see better results or just delete / lock out all social media apps so using Google Maps & scanning QR codes would still work without wasting time clicking the down button / typing / looking for apps. Tho i used to type super fast on the 9 keypad on my Moto SLVR back in the day 😂 And I also used to carry a MP3 player or Gameboy with my Nokia brick phone back in 2008 when I rode the bus. Could totally try that. Kinda miss standalone MP3 players
But for Uber I think you can call them to get a ride but for other necessities like translate you it's limited before the apps to use every day you may be also to use the web version of it
She didn't put enough time and effort into it. I can understand switching for the men. Anyway, being _present_ is a big deal. You're less likely to be accosted on the street if you're paying attention. You're less likely to jump into the wrong car, thinking it's your uber driver. Being present makes you safer and better company.
I wound never give up my smartphone for a flip phone. I control my surroundings and my life, not the other way around. I make my payments, speak with my doctor thru mychart, control temp and lighting in my home, pay bills. I may sound even a lil old fashioned at times, but I tend to put my phone away at a restaurant, when riding a train or bus, so I can be aware of my surroundings. Also, when another speaks to you, that way they have your undivided attention.
She completely missed the plot. It isn't about getting more, it's about reminding your brain to be OK and comfortable with less. It's not about whether people see it as a novelty and want to strike up conversation with you, wtf..
New Day New Psyops Edit: Try this same Video idea with someone who is not as addicted as she is or with someone who already uses a dumbphone to show another way of living
A good book is an awesome way to get off your phone. I keep both a real one and load up a few audio books free from the library for commuting, gardening, housework, etc. It can be a relaxing time and is often a conversation starter. I find it very sad how nowadays that everywhere you look, everybody is looking down at a phone and not paying attention to potential friends, mates, artwork, nature, and life in general. It passes by so quickly with missed opportunities and chance meetings. -- And please don't get me started on little kids and babies being ignored by their parents at restaurants, etc. The poor kids often have their own pads shoved in their faces. They don't have much of a chance to build community and healthy relationships these days. Sheesh! 😢
I like your blue phone, but that's expensive for a plan. The point is to just use it for TALKING, very light texting, and I do think they make texting deliberately hard. My carrier has very flexible plans, I could do only $5.00 and change it monthly. So, I have several phones, a flip phone for when I'm just at the store, a de-googled phone by my bed with NO RU-vid, and my occasional android for Uber and necessary features, and I got a nice privacy SLNTbag for it. But now my microsoft laptop is manipulating me like crazy. What to do next?
Well In India we get better support with online payments with 5G and YT music in Features / flip phones. Yes it's possible to go without Smartphones for a long time.
I really miss physical keyboards. I think I would be texting much more if I has one. Sometimes typing on the screen frustrates me souch that I just don't fi
Smart phones have too many useful features to switch to a flip phone imo. Simply not having the apps that waste your time/attention would be the ideal solution.
This video had so much potential, sad to see what a let down it was. It's an interesting idea I have adapted into my life and I could write an entire paragraph about it's pro's (and very limited cons), but I feel like that was your job. As already said by someone else, incredibly low quality for a Business Insider video. Almost feels like some joke.
If I get rid of RU-vid I won’t have anything to watch at night. If I get rid of social media I won’t know what’s going on n the world. But I would save an enormous amount of time…to…do…what? I’m retired. There’s only so many books I can read, yard work and house chores I can do. I have a few projects, but I get those done.
If you finished a book every day from age 5 to 80 you still wouldn't have read through more than 0.02% of all the books in the world. So there's always more books to read. =) But that's not really the point. If you feel your life is fulfilling and your relationship with digital media and technology doesn't keep you from doing things you'd rather be doing in the grand scheme of things, like keeping active, developing hobbies, learning skills, or being social, than you don't need to change anything. But many of us have reflected on our own relationships with technology and found that it is limiting us from living a fulfilled life, and making the most of our one chance at the human experience. And beyond that, there's merit alone in not allowing addiction to control your behavior and taking time...to...do....nothing, every once in a while.
@@zoboomaku A famous comedian once said we rush around to save time. And then when we save enough free time-what do we do? Nothing. Insinuating we’d be better off slowing down and enjoying every moment of every day. Who’s to say what is the most appropriate use of our time on earth? My nephew introduced me to an online game some years ago called “half-life“. I was clearly addicted. I would spend every free moment and stretch it way into the night. I was exhausted at work. But when I got home, I said to myself, “I’ll just play for an hour“. But I wouldn’t get to bed till two in the morning. My eyes were bloodshot, my butt hurt from sitting too long, I was dehydrated. After several months, I completed the game. I turned it off and never went back. I never bought more games or nicer game equipment. I look back on those months with regret. But to be honest, I remember playing that game. I remember being crazy addicted. I remember the adrenaline rushes. If I had done something else, or nothing else, I may not have had any memories during that time. That’s a neat book statistic. So you’re saying there are about 1.5 million books? 📚 That sounds low. What are books but other people’s life experiences and imagination? Experiences we may never encounter on our own. Are books just the slow version of RU-vid? Maybe. When I read I like to learn. I read a book called EUREKA. A conglomeration of great ideas from the growth of humanity. I’ll be reading it again. I also read a negotiating book called “Never split the difference”. I have very little to negotiate these days, but it has helped me with personal relationships. It guess we’re never too old to learn. Sometimes I like fiction from authors like Ludlum and Flynn, but just recently I read a 200 year old book titled FRANKENSTEIN. It was much different than the movies I watched as a child. Then there are books you think annoying that turn out to be great. I’m reading 48-laws of Power. It came free with another book purchase, the chapter titles are narcissistic, I was about to disagree it. But I started reading and the content is intriguing; filled with history and quotes of notable figures. My wife likes to read books on her iPad. That’s not for me. I need the paper pages.
Woow, you`re funny. I switched to real dumb phone like 15 months ago, I don`t cheat with any smartphone, I do not use internet on it, just PHONE + SMS + ALARM. If I had to go to this restaurant, i would just ASK for menu, or it can be printed somewhere in restaurant. I made my life soooo easier, you just needed to do some stuff on internet and didn`t even try, this video is joke ... :/
Holy shit, this was pathetic. In this case I don't think the device is the actual problem. How the *bleep* does anyone manage to rack up 8+ hours of screen-time everyday?!? You don't need a different phone, you need therapy.
With all due respect, I would like to know if this lady has ever used just cash for more than a gumball since she was 16. I mean this in a nice, but frankly honest way. Cards and apps are nice, but cash is king for several reasons.
