I'm 17 and switched to a flip phone last September and it has been a great change in my life. I noticed I was spending the majority of my time staring at my phone screen not accomplishing anything and I wanted to change that. My family does think I am crazy but trust me I have felt a lot better not always having a easy distraction in my pocket. I started reading books again, doodling in my free time and even just sitting and thinking about the future. If you are considering making the change after watching I say give it a shot, if it doesn't work for you you can always go back. EDIT: Over one year later now and I am still smartphone free and I dont regret it at all. There are definitely some drawbacks but overall I am still glad I made the switch and I dont plan on going back.
As a 17 year old, you're family shouldn't think your crazy. Most 17 year olds (as you know) are so deep in this tech stuff they don't know anything different. I applaud you man for getting out of it at a young age like ourselves (i'm 18) I'm thinking of doing the same, instead of drinking coffee at my computer, just go outside sit down, and enjoy my coffee outside where i can see the sun coming up and the birds chirping. It's something i'm really considering.
@@hunteradkins7024 Thanks, I would definitely say you should give it a shot. You can start off with trying it for a month and keep your smartphone in a drawer/closet incase it isn't the right fit and you want to switch back. I recommend at least trying it and I have really felt better without having an easy distraction in my pocket at all times.
Hey! I am 15 and just made the change to a flip phone today. I want to live a distraction-free life and be more connected to the world. Glad to see other teens have the same idea!
@@irelanddickey1538 Good for you! I am now over one year with mine and I still highly recommend it, it is difficult for the first month or so as you get used to it but after that it just becomes your new normal
I am being humble when I am telling you that I am the most powerful strongest coolest smartest most famous greatest funniest Y*uTub3r of all time! That's the reason I have multiple girlfriends and I show them off on my ch*nnel all the time! Bye bye gon
@@serenes Earth: "After 30 days of no humans, I feel much better, I can breathe, I feel refreshed. Now that the experiment is over...I'm going to be sick again... :(("
@@esmeraldarodriguez1722 I miss thatttt! In fact your comment just made me look for 123 keyboards on the app store, I don't wanna use the qwerty anymore 😄
@@buppy4976 for real lmao It instantly brought all the "Jimmy has 47 watermelons" (who the fuck is Jimmy and why does he casually have 47 watermelons lying around??) problems to my mind lol
There’s a certain charm to the simplicity of a flip phone. You stop looking up useless things, take pictures when you don’t have to. You have to think and plan.
I don't really take.photos with my phone. So if I went back to a flip phon I wouldn't be missing out. I gotta get a computer first so I can back off the phone
This is Maria. I’ve never had a “smart phone”. I have a laptop and an iPad. We also have no TV and no cable bill. We do have internet. My husband has a “smart phone due to work. I have an old Nokia and cats. Cats better than a smartphone.
Back when we had a flip phone we had a social life Now we have smartphones and we dont even call each other I would rather trade all the tech i have to have a few good friends to talk to
I’ve never had a smart phone. Always had a flip phone. When I get a major text I just call the person and actually communicate with them. Small things I can do texting. My flip phone is like 8 years old and still works good. But I grew up with a phone on the wall and called people with phone numbers I had memorized. I did buy a gps for my car.
I also choose to still own a flip phone....I just don't want to be looking down at a device 24/7. I would MUCH rather talk to someone than text to someone. Works for me so far.
Friggin right! So cool to hear others like me. Lol. Im mid 30's and never owned a smartphone. I have an old LG from about 6 years ago that i am about to retire and get a new flip phone. The biggest reason i don't have a smartphone is because i have a very expensive computer setup at home that i spent enough time in front of as it is, i don't need one in my pocket too. When im not at home, i am free from devices! Well besides my old Garmin gps that i occasionally get out when im on my country drives.
Honestly dont think the idea of smart phones are bad, its just how they are designed. They are designed to be addictive. If they are used for the functional uses like the internet, calling, texting, direction, notes, etc smartphones are great. But as of now for most people phones are just time sinks.
Depends on the apps too. Certain things, like maps and what not can be really useful, and games can be fun occasionally. But social media I think is the most toxic section of it, and comes with the most benefits. It wouldn’t be such a big problem but nobody has self control anymore so they would probably just redownload the apps they don’t like anyways
There are a few controls you can put in place to limit yourself but they are not very complete. You can't set a lock for your iphone that won't expire after a set number of minutes, and the limits you put on apps are just as easily turned off by two presses, I haven't looked for any parental controls but these types of things should be available. Even apps that are not social media can have you compulsively checking.
@@dropit7694 I've decreased my phone usage a lot. I always leave it in my room when I'm at home so if I need to use it I will need to go back into my room and I'll leave it there when I'm done, another one is not having the phone with you outside if you dont need it, if I'm grocery shopping, going for walks, etc and I dont need the phone I wont bring it with me. I'm down to around 10-35 min on workdays and around 20-50 on weekends. I really wanna reduce my weekend usage, there are some days where I can go up towards 90 minutes but thankfully those days are rare.
I was thinking this as well. What is we used a smartphone as a supplemental tool, rather than primary. I could Imagine taking mine out if I needed a gps or if I wanted some Insta time after dinner. Or not.
Or just use a smartphone but only have certain apps on it? 🤷♂️ So you can still text, use Gmaps etc but you can't use it to do random crap throughout the day? Seems to me like the best option and what I'll be doing when my contact renews in a few months
Had the internet removed from my smart phone, turned off all notifications and removed all game apps. Still am able to text normally and now phone only used for speaking and text.
I feel like a lot of these should be less about how bad technology is, and more about how important self control is. You can have the conveniences of a smart phone without it making you unhappy, just stop being so invested in the worrying things you get out of your phone. Turn off notification for everything but the necessary stuff, get off social media, etc. Now you can have google maps and improve yourself.
your self control has to be abnormal to be able to resist all of the things companies try to distract you with to get you to use their products. The notification tip is a very good one though, disable all. Your phone should look like a toolbox when you open it up.
@@romiromr People are addicted, but any addiction can be overcome. And it's not like most people this kind of video is aimed at are people so addicted they can't tear themselves away from the phone. Outside of extreme cases like that, it really does just come down to self control. I get notifications and ads for things vying for my attention all the time, sometimes I cave to it but more often than not I can determine it's not worth my time or attention. Which can be helped by turning notifications off things, or even deleting the apps entirely
I'm a retired senior and have used a flip phone for years. I have no desire to get a smart phone. My van has a built in GPS system which I hardly use as I rely on google maps. I'm finding with the shut down we went through I have become more addicted to my laptop. Most of my day is taken up with sitting in front of that screen. The You Tube censuring has really gotten on my nerves as they have removed many of the channels I enjoy watching. Like you I will wean myself from this device and try to spend quality time doing other things.
Hey Matt, I’ve just been catching up on your content from recently and I’m not sure if I’m only just noticing it or if it’s a conscious change you’ve made but I really like how you’re not reshooting a whole scene if you stumble on a word or stitching takes together to cover it up. It feels way more real than the way people curate themselves so heavily and feels like more of a conversation. People do bloopers of their ‘failed’ takes but this feels really genuine and I think what often makes a blooper scene is people getting caught up in their filming mistakes to the point that it dominates the scene but you just move on with grace and acceptance that it doesn’t have to be perfect and it’s a powerful reminder to me. Thanks :) Also welcome to Australia!
@@arifhussain926 as a gen z myself, phones are making us miserable but it still helps us to be "unmiserable". its one of the reasons why phones are addictive, tbh the newer the generation the worser
@Pete Melon In older generations most people lack the ability to self-reflect on their own habits, doesn't make them better that they simply haven't been accustomed to this particular habit.
@Pete Melon my parents use the smartphone more than I do. It's not just the younger generations. It's a persistent problem across all generations. Maybe you have developed self control. It's too tough for me to do it. Next best option is to throw away my smartphone. Works like a charm, helps me to improve my life.
@@julesby1085 Maybe it will serve as a wake up call for this person. They’re wasting their precious and very limited gift of time to waste on passive consumption. (While others build their success). Pussyfooting around the issue and enabling this behaviour won’t help.
@@annamoore6304 maybe it will! I agree that it is an issue and it needs to be addressed, you're right on that. I just think you could have worded that another way, that's all :D
Smartphones are really really useful: notes, photos, maps, research, time tracking (for me), efficiency...but at a cost. In 2018 I found out about Matt and it was from that moment that I started to notice the problem with the use of my phone. Now I’m not perfectly intentional, but I have rules, like not using phone when with people. Smartphones, tablets, PCs, are tools that will simplify our life, if used correctly.
I have always had a flip phone, in my current job I work with people 30-40 years younger than me driving cars for a dealer, and every free second they are looking down at their phones. They don't see anything anymore unless it is presented to them on a screen. I see the flowers and the birds and the interesting things beside the road, ugly or cool cars next to us when we are driving. None of them can find their way anywhere without GPS, even to places we have been to 3 or 4 times before. It kind of makes me sad.
I remember being able to memorize the keyboard and would be competitive with friends on who can type the fastest on our little flip phones 😭 Then when the sliding keyboard came out it was game over
I went bald too. Last month. Doing a 1 year hair growth and beard journey. Been taking pictures every other day and gonna make a timelapse slideshow. Start Nov 27.
@@---ql7dr It's actually way better, has helped a lot with my communication. If I need to send a long text I'll just call them and there's fewer distractions when I study
I think the best way is self-discipline or doing so many activities after work that you literally don't have time to look at the phone. I admit I use the phone quite a lot but I have imposed myself to not look at messages while still in bed...and that already saved me 30 min as you said. After work I study Japanese, go to the gym, play the piano, enjoy movies (when I have time)...so basically I am reducing the time I look at the phone by doing other things. I mostly use the phone to watch youtube videos while cooking or to listen to music when my laptop is not available. But as for social media I have cut down a lot by just...being busy in doing things I like to do!
I'm old. Never had a smart phone, or even a cell phone until few years ago. Media and the phone are a trap, and very addictive. Regrets. May go buy a old-school, flip phone, jitterbug. Lol
The Universe is not in a hurry. You are. It’s why you’re tired, it’s why you’re anxious, stressed, and disappointed. Trust that what was meant to be yours, will be yours Unrush yourself. Hope our channel helps you on your journey !
When I was a senior in high school (1975-1976), I had a job as a delivery person for a small local pharmacy. I had to memorize, in order, the streets in the neighborhood, and carried a Thomas guide map of Chicago to get me to the locations outside of the neighborhood. Fun times.
I think during the time of the pandemic this was a power video. I talk to a lot of people who are just mindless absorbing screen time or tech without much thought on the impacts of our well-being. Love the way you put this together.
I've got a flip phone. Had 1 for 5 years now. I love it. I Also have a tablet That I keep at home . Sure, there are drawbacks to a flip phone But I've got a Sonim. It allows group messaging so I don't miss out on that. Driving and just everyday l8fe has become so much more enjoyable. I've become very involved in my community. I volunteer for alot of things now I never even knew existed beforehand. Life is so much simpler with a flip phone and my happiness has skyrocketed. 1 major perk on a flip phone? It'll hold a charge for almost a week. My smartphone couldn't even last a day
Maybe add a routine like "intermittent fasting" phone edition: one hour before sleep, during sleep, and one hour after sleep, use the flip phone, then the time after that, use the smart phone
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND not going on your phone for a while after you wake up. I always like to get ready and eat and do everything before I go on my phone in the morning (sometimes I don’t even go on it until the afternoon if I wake up late).
@@he-ch1559 Yeah those are what I used to use. Small MP3 player I'd bring with me to the gym. My grandma bought me one of those garmin GPS things for my car, etc. Then I just had an old sprint flip phone to make calls and text. That's it. Life was much simpler back then without all of this social media contagion and being glued to a screen
@@he-ch1559 I'm basically back at it now. I just bought an old used droid turbo for texting and phone calls with a cheap red pocket $10/month plan. Then I got my GPS and tiny mp3 player for the gym or when running. And I use my mom's nice camera she bought from QVC lol
Interesting experiment. As someone who grew up in the 60's and 70's, it's shocking to me how dependent I've become on my smartphone for all the things that you've mentioned. I think the most significant sacrifice to improve mental health is to get off social media. I did this back in December and I can already tell a difference in my demeanor. Arguing online with people I didn't even know was sucking the happiness out of me. So, I treated it just like I did smoking years ago and quit it cold turkey. You can change your undesirable habits, it just isn't easy sometimes, but it is almost always worth it.
I live in a very rural area, where digital phone reception is pathetically poor, and that has been a blessing in that it keeps me from spending too much time on my phone.
I think when Steve Jobs introduced the first IPhone he envisioned a device that looked good and felt fun to use and most importantly to help you through your day. No Social Media no TH-cam. Just Navigation, Texting, Music listening, Calling and capturing Photos. That’s all
The only thing that stops me from getting rid of my smartphone is the communication now (especially in my life) mostly uses social media app. Also for work, requires to be on a certain social media messaging app on phone. As well as news, I no longer watch tv and I rely in my phone reading news.
I just deleted all social media and news apps from my phone. I did download a few essential apps for school and my phone usage is about 20 mins per day.
I enjoyed viewing your experiment. I've often thought it would be good to switch to a flip phone, but I admit that the gps navigator issue is a deal breaker for me. My smart phone often losses power due to lack of use when I'm home. I prefer to confine my web presence to my desk and interact via computer where I have a decent keyboard. While I do tap into social media, such as youtube, facebook, twitter and a few more outlets, I do so at certain times of the day. It helps maintain my creativity and peace of mind. I do use the features of the smartphone when I travel. I switch it on to become my travel desk so that I can keep up with email, groups, or even use it as a writing machine on the go. A BT keyboard pairs with it quite well during such times. I think the key is the ability to switch these features on and off depending on where I am. I make sure the phone serves me and that I do not serve the phone. I had to laugh when you mentioned that printing your boarding passes and travel information was tedious because that is my preferred way to bring my information. I've had phones go dead due to lack of power too often in my life to trust it for that sort of thing. Paper doesn't need a battery. A simple travel portfolio always comes with me. But to each their own. If returning to a smart phone is a better comfort level for you, then more power to you. Keep up with the videos. You have a new subscriber. :)
In college I worked for Papa John's in 2001, picture looking at a map and remembering the roads and turns, house number. Man it wasn't easy but you start to learn the area well.
Regarding using Maps for driving around: I used to live in LA and more often than not went places without using Google Maps for navigation. I would look up the place on Maps beforehand and memorize the way, and would only use the navigation if it was in an area I was completely unfamiliar with. I'd like to think it helped keep my memory fresh and was a good brain exercise but I've got no idea. It definitely helped me develop a great sense of orientation though. It obviously helped a great deal that LA is mostly laid out in a grid system (which isn't as common in European cities).
I live in LA as well and I like that idea. But I have noticed that traffic can change pretty fast and you may start on a direct route but then it may turn into a much slower route, so even if I know my way around I like to use GPS to prevent my 1 hr freeway commute from turning into 2 hrs. But on surface streets I do what you said and can make my way around without GPS or checking just before I leave.
I switched to a flip phone full time in 2016, and just recently "upgraded" to the Light Phone II, which is a minimalist cell phone. I hated how much power my phone had over my attention and mood. It was the right decision for me and I haven't looked back!
Distracted boyfriend meme: Me checking out a flip phone and my smartphone is shocked.. BTW I have used a flip phone for 1 year in my college and I can totally relate to Matt. I was really focused that year but had to ask for help as professors usually sent assignments on WhatsApp or Slack.
“Do NOT reach for your phone in the morning, no no no. Instead, fill yourself up. You can do Hal Elrod’s Life SAVERS” But also set the same time to wake up everyday 😉
Guys at work laugh at my flip phone . " You gotta upgrade " . TH-cam, Netflix, live streaming podcasts, GPS , Google, blah blah blah. How much ? " well the phone is $ 1200 , but you can make payments ,plus ALL the data and stuff. Really ? My bill is $30 a month. Long pause........they walk away.
@@authorgreene In Finland you can run flip phone for years at 10 euros (depending on usage). Prepaid number €4,90 one time fee and the rest is 0,069 min or sms.
@Sven Lumia How much data does $30 even get ya? Most people I know pay at minimum $70, and sometimes hundreds for unlimited data. Maybe they're exaggerating or don't realize they're being charged additional fees?
"It is a mistake to suppose that any technological innovation has a one-sided effect. Every technology is both a burden and a blessing [...]" - Neil Postman
Being a first responder, when I was working, I was tied to several phones. For that reason, I hated phones. Now, being retired, I use a flip phone. I have very little desire to text. Call me old, but I watch others with phones and they are constantly starring at it. The phone is never more than 3 feet from their hand. Conversations don't exist . Memories have become weaker because you don't have to remember, just look it up. Convenience verses necessity. Try going without your phone for a day. It's refreshing.
I still love flip phones but they really don't meet my lifestyle needs anymore. However, I still can't get used to seeing people using their smart phones to video "everything". I can't get used to not seeing people will real cameras. The truth is, I don't think we should refer to them as phones anymore. I used to have a "PDA" with my flip phone, even a beeper before cell phones. So, the truth is that what we have are not phones anymore, the phone is just a small part of the entire unit. What should we call it? Maybe go back to PDA, personal data assistant, with a phone too. As for me, I just can't see giving China more money. No one "needs" the latest phone, TV, or gadget in general. The point of the video, I believe, is just that. We have allowed technology to become an obsession and to control our emotions. Maybe people are just drones, sheep, or mice that follow the sound of a flute without looking ahead. I have the iPhone 6, I've had it for many years. It does everything I need and if I fast forward to the latest iPhone, I see that the only thing I don't have is a higher pixel camera, a larger memory (quick note, icloud takes care of that), and maybe there's something I'm missing, but if I don't know it, then I don't need it. I say that people need to put the brakes on technology. All this whining about censorship on Facebook and being booted from Twitter, information being stolen, and yet, like any dumb animal, we keep coming back for more, well I don't, I dumped Facebook after 10 years in one click months ago. Social media, it's just crazy. It's not social. Next time you're at a table with people and their faces are in their phones, slam your fist down on the table, you'll see how engrossed they are by how high they jump. Something's gotta' give. My advice is to follow Matt's lead, give it a go, cut down your technology wherever possible. I don't need Alexa to lower my thermostat. On a final note, people have to recognize that strangers know more about them through social media than their own families, there's something very wrong with that. The companies are data mining, they have so much information about you that they can predict your likes and dislikes before they target you. These are dangerous times, our government is too large and too much a part of our personal lives, but we, the People, have given them permission, haven't we?
I still use a flip phone. Well, once or twice a year anyway. Everything Internet gets done on a corded desktop computer -- no microwave radiation for me, tyvm
Beautiful. I feel you, brother. Me too. I'm getting there! I have all these little tricks I use - using your Cue, Routine, Reward idea to section out ritualized times of day and sequenced routines that involve my phone intentionally and creatively - never idle scrolling. TIME OF DAY and ROUGHLY RITUALIZED SEQUENCE OF USE seems to have helped! Thanks, as always!
If you get an android there's an app called stay focused which is great. I can time restrict or delete apps which no possibility of installing again. Seems like the best way to do it, have the useful benefits of a phone without the bad points
The right choice for using maps is either buy and use Thomas Guide map, or use your desktop or laptop computer at home to find directions , view map, or print the map. You can do most of this without needing any smartphone. Something like map on paper, even published map on paper, or Thomas Guide map, you can take with you during your travel trip. Remember when you were young and nobody had any smartphones? They used paper maps, or maybe started to use "MapQuest" on their home-computer.
I'm 17 and switched to a flip phone last September and it has been a great change in my life. I noticed I was spending the majority of my time staring at my phone screen not accomplishing anything and I wanted to change that. My family does think I am crazy but trust me I have felt a lot better not always having a easy distraction in my pocket. I started reading books again, doodling in my free time and even just sitting and thinking about the future. If you are considering making the change after watching I say give it a shot, if it doesn't work for you you can always go back.
EDIT: Over one year later now and I am still smartphone free and I dont regret it at all. There are definitely some drawbacks but overall I am still glad I made the switch and I dont plan on going back.
As a 17 year old, you're family shouldn't think your crazy. Most 17 year olds (as you know) are so deep in this tech stuff they don't know anything different. I applaud you man for getting out of it at a young age like ourselves (i'm 18) I'm thinking of doing the same, instead of drinking coffee at my computer, just go outside sit down, and enjoy my coffee outside where i can see the sun coming up and the birds chirping. It's something i'm really considering.
@@hunteradkins7024 Thanks, I would definitely say you should give it a shot. You can start off with trying it for a month and keep your smartphone in a drawer/closet incase it isn't the right fit and you want to switch back. I recommend at least trying it and I have really felt better without having an easy distraction in my pocket at all times.
Hey! I am 15 and just made the change to a flip phone today. I want to live a distraction-free life and be more connected to the world. Glad to see other teens have the same idea!
@@irelanddickey1538 Good for you! I am now over one year with mine and I still highly recommend it, it is difficult for the first month or so as you get used to it but after that it just becomes your new normal
@S I am glad my story has helped!
Me, with 7 hours of screen time per day:
“2-3 hours on your phone in a single day?! You addict!”
I am being humble when I am telling you that I am the most powerful strongest coolest smartest most famous greatest funniest Y*uTub3r of all time! That's the reason I have multiple girlfriends and I show them off on my ch*nnel all the time! Bye bye gon
Me with 9 or more :)))
I try to stay under 6 lol. But that is because I am on break and don’t have school work lol
Same :(
@@Productimothy 😂
Year 2040:
"I stopped using my Neuralink brain implant for 30 days"
2030:
"I manually drove without Tesla autopilot for 30 days"
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
year 2080:
humans go extinct for 30 days, then come back
@@serenes Earth: "After 30 days of no humans, I feel much better, I can breathe, I feel refreshed. Now that the experiment is over...I'm going to be sick again... :(("
@@grafando i think it will be forbidden to drive without autopilot
My daughter can text faster on a flip phone than most people can on a smart phone. it's amazing watching her.
Well yeah its incredibly difficult to text on a touchscreen when t9 is quick
Was she using blackberry?
I desperately want tech companies to bring back flip phones, I find them quite cool lol.
They are still being sold. I own one.
Samsung already has mate
I used to be able to text super fast and without looking by using T9. It was great.
@@esmeraldarodriguez1722 I miss thatttt! In fact your comment just made me look for 123 keyboards on the app store, I don't wanna use the qwerty anymore 😄
it has come in motarola and samsung
"I've got about 40-50 hard drives I need to recycle." - no one ever
Not enough people are talking about this
I may sound stupid but instead of recycling wouldn't it be better to sell it off to someone in need??
As a video editor I'm on my way to this struggle too. I TOTALLY understand.
@@buppy4976 for real lmao It instantly brought all the "Jimmy has 47 watermelons" (who the fuck is Jimmy and why does he casually have 47 watermelons lying around??) problems to my mind lol
@@cr3atur321 I know LMAO
The video quality of the phone was quiet decent
Also the way how he only spent 3 hours a day on his phone i- 😭
@@SamuelSamuelSamuel1 to be honest I'm a pretty productive guy I always get stuff done everyday and I spend around 12-14 hours a day on My phone
@@jacksonberch8075 same
quite* but yeye
@Tom Garnett always between 6-8 hours
When he showed his screen time was only 2 hours 2 minutes I was like… oh… I’m really bad 🤣🤣
Most women are terrible with phone addiction, it's okay.
Same!!!! I was thinking “he thinks that’s bad!?!”
Watching this at 3 a.m. in bed....Realized I'm heavily addicted and need a drastic change. Thanks Matt 👍
There’s a certain charm to the simplicity of a flip phone. You stop looking up useless things, take pictures when you don’t have to. You have to think and plan.
I don't really take.photos with my phone. So if I went back to a flip phon I wouldn't be missing out. I gotta get a computer first so I can back off the phone
The real title of this video should be
"So.... I flipped my phone"
Matt really missed the opportunity
Matt D'Avella: "I used a flip phone for 30 days"
Me: "I used a flip phone for 15 years"
That makes you a living fossil😁
Me: I used a landline all my life.😅
lol right, I actually got this phone he has recently and its a total pos. I miss my last phone little samsung gusto.
Everyone's grandma: "my time to shine"
6 years
"That's what she said" literally never gets old when the timing is right. That took me by surprise so hard and I laughed my ass off 🤣
Me too... did not expect it right at the beginning of the video... glad Matt kept it 😂🤣
Same!
Q: How did we ever get by before the “smartphone”...?
A: Just Fine.
True indeed people are just lazy these days
This is Maria. I’ve never had a “smart phone”. I have a laptop and an iPad. We also have no TV and no cable bill. We do have internet. My husband has a “smart phone due to work. I have an old Nokia and cats. Cats better than a smartphone.
...it was because it wasn’t standardized. now it is. Having a phone is important for modern life
@@teccash3507 uh that’s not how it works
ok boomer
The important question is... does it have snake?
Good point... I miss that game
I’m pretty sure it does if it’s on kaios!
Or Frogger that game was gold
WHAT A THROWBACK. You’re asking the right questions.
@@TheUnwrittenWriter 🐍
I think the problem with our phones is definitely social media
Couldn’t agree more! Deleted the apps from my phone and limit my use of their services to when I am on my laptop. Has been a game changer :)
Absolutely, because remove all the apps, it’s just a...phone.
Also the news
Back when we had a flip phone we had a social life
Now we have smartphones and we dont even call each other
I would rather trade all the tech i have to have a few good friends to talk to
I completely agree with you!
@@FinixFunny Thanks man.I appreciate it.
I have lots of friends and the tech, win win for me.
@@ProAvgeek6328 Thats what you say.
@@lazarusblackwell6988 that's the truth
I’ve never had a smart phone. Always had a flip phone. When I get a major text I just call the person and actually communicate with them. Small things I can do texting. My flip phone is like 8 years old and still works good. But I grew up with a phone on the wall and called people with phone numbers I had memorized. I did buy a gps for my car.
I also bought a GPS and it works just fine. I am trading my Iphone SE for a 4GLTE flip phone.
I also choose to still own a flip phone....I just don't want to be looking down at a device 24/7. I would MUCH rather talk to someone than text to someone. Works for me so far.
Friggin right! So cool to hear others like me. Lol. Im mid 30's and never owned a smartphone. I have an old LG from about 6 years ago that i am about to retire and get a new flip phone. The biggest reason i don't have a smartphone is because i have a very expensive computer setup at home that i spent enough time in front of as it is, i don't need one in my pocket too. When im not at home, i am free from devices! Well besides my old Garmin gps that i occasionally get out when im on my country drives.
My dad kept his flip phone until the service shut down lol
Honestly dont think the idea of smart phones are bad, its just how they are designed. They are designed to be addictive. If they are used for the functional uses like the internet, calling, texting, direction, notes, etc smartphones are great. But as of now for most people phones are just time sinks.
Really depends on how you deal with them. you can restrict yourself a lot by not putting time wasting apps on there
Yes, they are designed to be addictive to further profit their pockets. How misleading to act like they are just trying to be more helpful to us.
Depends on the apps too. Certain things, like maps and what not can be really useful, and games can be fun occasionally. But social media I think is the most toxic section of it, and comes with the most benefits. It wouldn’t be such a big problem but nobody has self control anymore so they would probably just redownload the apps they don’t like anyways
There are a few controls you can put in place to limit yourself but they are not very complete. You can't set a lock for your iphone that won't expire after a set number of minutes, and the limits you put on apps are just as easily turned off by two presses, I haven't looked for any parental controls but these types of things should be available. Even apps that are not social media can have you compulsively checking.
@@dropit7694 I've decreased my phone usage a lot. I always leave it in my room when I'm at home so if I need to use it I will need to go back into my room and I'll leave it there when I'm done, another one is not having the phone with you outside if you dont need it, if I'm grocery shopping, going for walks, etc and I dont need the phone I wont bring it with me. I'm down to around 10-35 min on workdays and around 20-50 on weekends. I really wanna reduce my weekend usage, there are some days where I can go up towards 90 minutes but thankfully those days are rare.
I just got rid of social media. It's made me focus more on what's important rather than people's complaints about the world.
But what if we keep a flip phone for half of the day (so that we can get some deep work done) and turn on our IPhones for later? Would that work? 🧐
Sounds like it would
I was thinking this as well. What is we used a smartphone as a supplemental tool, rather than primary. I could
Imagine taking mine out if I needed a gps or if I wanted some Insta time after dinner. Or not.
Or just use a smartphone but only have certain apps on it? 🤷♂️ So you can still text, use Gmaps etc but you can't use it to do random crap throughout the day? Seems to me like the best option and what I'll be doing when my contact renews in a few months
Okay. I am gonna borrow your idea on my next appearance on shark tank. 😂
If we had such perfect balance in life. Then yeah!
2-3 hours per day?! That would be most people's goal for reducing smart phone use lol.
It’s my goal for 2021
i just hit three hours/day, hoping for less than 1 hour/ day by the end of 2021😅
My Screentime is 9 hours 😬
I have 2-3 hours a day on my phone too, but then again I’m on my PC for the rest of the day so I don’t think that counts...
@@avelyseodle9278 same... 😓😓😬😬
Had the internet removed from my smart phone, turned off all notifications and removed all game apps. Still am able to text normally and now phone only used for speaking and text.
I didn't know you could do that. I would love to be able to turn off notifications. How do you do it?
@@lisachapman6492 it’s in your settings, there’s a section for notifications. You can turn it off for certain apps or just turn them off entirely
I feel like a lot of these should be less about how bad technology is, and more about how important self control is. You can have the conveniences of a smart phone without it making you unhappy, just stop being so invested in the worrying things you get out of your phone. Turn off notification for everything but the necessary stuff, get off social media, etc. Now you can have google maps and improve yourself.
Totally agree with you on everything you wrote!!
your self control has to be abnormal to be able to resist all of the things companies try to distract you with to get you to use their products. The notification tip is a very good one though, disable all. Your phone should look like a toolbox when you open it up.
That's kind of funny, because people are genuinely addicted.
@@ferryvantichelen6521 Exactly. Self-control is overrated, these phones are designed to be extremely convenient and attention-grabbing
@@romiromr People are addicted, but any addiction can be overcome. And it's not like most people this kind of video is aimed at are people so addicted they can't tear themselves away from the phone.
Outside of extreme cases like that, it really does just come down to self control. I get notifications and ads for things vying for my attention all the time, sometimes I cave to it but more often than not I can determine it's not worth my time or attention.
Which can be helped by turning notifications off things, or even deleting the apps entirely
I'm a retired senior and have used a flip phone for years. I have no desire to get a smart phone. My van has a built in GPS system which I hardly use as I rely on google maps. I'm finding with the shut down we went through I have become more addicted to my laptop. Most of my day is taken up with sitting in front of that screen. The You Tube censuring has really gotten on my nerves as they have removed many of the channels I enjoy watching. Like you I will wean myself from this device and try to spend quality time doing other things.
I feel like I try filling all the void I feel throughout my day by scrolling through apps; looking for stuff that's not there!
Exactly 🤣
Same
“How am I going to take advantage of those tools without those tools taking advantage of me?” Word.
Hey Matt, I’ve just been catching up on your content from recently and I’m not sure if I’m only just noticing it or if it’s a conscious change you’ve made but I really like how you’re not reshooting a whole scene if you stumble on a word or stitching takes together to cover it up. It feels way more real than the way people curate themselves so heavily and feels like more of a conversation. People do bloopers of their ‘failed’ takes but this feels really genuine and I think what often makes a blooper scene is people getting caught up in their filming mistakes to the point that it dominates the scene but you just move on with grace and acceptance that it doesn’t have to be perfect and it’s a powerful reminder to me. Thanks :)
Also welcome to Australia!
Noticed this as well
moral of the story: develop self discipline and put your smartphone down sometimes
@Pete Melon All people, not just young
@Pete Melon okay boomer
@@arifhussain926 as a gen z myself, phones are making us miserable but it still helps us to be "unmiserable". its one of the reasons why phones are addictive, tbh the newer the generation the worser
@Pete Melon In older generations most people lack the ability to self-reflect on their own habits, doesn't make them better that they simply haven't been accustomed to this particular habit.
@Pete Melon my parents use the smartphone more than I do. It's not just the younger generations.
It's a persistent problem across all generations.
Maybe you have developed self control. It's too tough for me to do it.
Next best option is to throw away my smartphone. Works like a charm, helps me to improve my life.
Says phones take 2 to 3 hours a day and its bad. Me who spends 10 hours daily: 😭
Awesome! People like you will fall behind, as I build my success instead of being glued to my cell lol
@@annamoore6304 no offence, but what you said was mean and kind of uncalled for buddy
@@julesby1085 Maybe it will serve as a wake up call for this person. They’re wasting their precious and very limited gift of time to waste on passive consumption. (While others build their success). Pussyfooting around the issue and enabling this behaviour won’t help.
@@annamoore6304 maybe it will! I agree that it is an issue and it needs to be addressed, you're right on that. I just think you could have worded that another way, that's all :D
10 hours?? So you’re only 6 hours a day actually doing stuff... wake up man, thats sad
You know you’re old school when you find out you still have a map in your glove compartment. 😂
Has everyone but me forgotten about GPS thingies like TomTom? It sounds like that would solve a huge portion of the convenience problem.
Yes exactly!
Those are really cheap now too.
I thought that too. But the problem still exists if you need to walk somewhere.
Still use it, idk i like it xD
Smartphones are really really useful: notes, photos, maps, research, time tracking (for me), efficiency...but at a cost. In 2018 I found out about Matt and it was from that moment that I started to notice the problem with the use of my phone. Now I’m not perfectly intentional, but I have rules, like not using phone when with people. Smartphones, tablets, PCs, are tools that will simplify our life, if used correctly.
@Steven Daly I also recommend Cal Newport! His other book Deep Work was a game changer for me also.
I have always had a flip phone, in my current job I work with people 30-40 years younger than me driving cars for a dealer, and every free second they are looking down at their phones. They don't see anything anymore unless it is presented to them on a screen. I see the flowers and the birds and the interesting things beside the road, ugly or cool cars next to us when we are driving. None of them can find their way anywhere without GPS, even to places we have been to 3 or 4 times before. It kind of makes me sad.
I remember being able to memorize the keyboard and would be competitive with friends on who can type the fastest on our little flip phones 😭 Then when the sliding keyboard came out it was game over
i still can type fast and even blindtype on a flipphone i used to text so much a can't forget it😁😁😁😊😊
I SAID 4M DOLLARS *dramatically closes flip phone*
y E
😂🤣 so funny!!
NEXT CHALLENGE: I went bald.
🤣
I went bald too. Last month. Doing a 1 year hair growth and beard journey. Been taking pictures every other day and gonna make a timelapse slideshow. Start Nov 27.
@@DipMaster20 Bro wow! Great idea, especially in these covid times
😁😂🤣
No more time consumed buying hair products, going to and from a haircut, low to no maintenance. Its very beneficial to go bald.
I havent had a smart phone for 2 years, they ruin your life
really?
how is it going
@@---ql7dr It's actually way better, has helped a lot with my communication. If I need to send a long text I'll just call them and there's fewer distractions when I study
I want to use less my smartphone
Bc I want to focus on my studies
So do you advice me?
I want to take the nokia 8000 4g to use just a WhatsApp
I think the best way is self-discipline or doing so many activities after work that you literally don't have time to look at the phone.
I admit I use the phone quite a lot but I have imposed myself to not look at messages while still in bed...and that already saved me 30 min as you said.
After work I study Japanese, go to the gym, play the piano, enjoy movies (when I have time)...so basically I am reducing the time I look at the phone by doing other things.
I mostly use the phone to watch youtube videos while cooking or to listen to music when my laptop is not available.
But as for social media I have cut down a lot by just...being busy in doing things I like to do!
You'll quickly realize most of the things you do with a smartphone, you could also do in other devices.
I'm old. Never had a smart phone, or even a cell phone until few years ago. Media and the phone are a trap, and very addictive. Regrets. May go buy a old-school, flip phone, jitterbug. Lol
The Universe is not in a hurry. You are. It’s why you’re tired, it’s why you’re anxious, stressed, and disappointed. Trust that what was meant to be yours, will be yours Unrush yourself. Hope our channel helps you on your journey !
Nice words
@@MateoLeonViana Thanks Mateo ❤🙏
When I was a senior in high school (1975-1976), I had a job as a delivery person for a small local pharmacy. I had to memorize, in order, the streets in the neighborhood, and carried a Thomas guide map of Chicago to get me to the locations outside of the neighborhood. Fun times.
I think during the time of the pandemic this was a power video. I talk to a lot of people who are just mindless absorbing screen time or tech without much thought on the impacts of our well-being. Love the way you put this together.
Absolutely. I’m so happy I came across his video with this content. I’ve been thinking downgrading my tech as well !!!!
just use old blackberry instead. that will solve the long typing session
I've got a flip phone. Had 1 for 5 years now. I love it. I Also have a tablet That I keep at home . Sure, there are drawbacks to a flip phone But I've got a Sonim. It allows group messaging so I don't miss out on that. Driving and just everyday l8fe has become so much more enjoyable. I've become very involved in my community. I volunteer for alot of things now I never even knew existed beforehand. Life is so much simpler with a flip phone and my happiness has skyrocketed.
1 major perk on a flip phone? It'll hold a charge for almost a week. My smartphone couldn't even last a day
"Could not determine your precise location" I actually really like the sound of that, not gonna lie. Lol
It’s not the phone, but the availability of internet in phone, is the actual problem.
Turn off mobile data in phone, problem solved.
It turns on as easy as it turns off...
Low key want a flip phone just for the nostalgia of it
Same
Absolutely
Nokia Flip phone❤️
Motorola razr
There is something very satisfying about flipping it open to take a call and snapping it shut when a call is over.
Maybe add a routine like "intermittent fasting" phone edition: one hour before sleep, during sleep, and one hour after sleep, use the flip phone, then the time after that, use the smart phone
Great idea
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND not going on your phone for a while after you wake up. I always like to get ready and eat and do everything before I go on my phone in the morning (sometimes I don’t even go on it until the afternoon if I wake up late).
Even though I'm addicted to my smartphone, I never take my phone to the toilet. 😂
KaiOS
It doesn't come at the cost of your happiness. Get a GPS like we did back in the day.
@@he-ch1559 Yeah those are what I used to use. Small MP3 player I'd bring with me to the gym. My grandma bought me one of those garmin GPS things for my car, etc. Then I just had an old sprint flip phone to make calls and text. That's it. Life was much simpler back then without all of this social media contagion and being glued to a screen
@@he-ch1559 I'm basically back at it now. I just bought an old used droid turbo for texting and phone calls with a cheap red pocket $10/month plan. Then I got my GPS and tiny mp3 player for the gym or when running. And I use my mom's nice camera she bought from QVC lol
Exactly
Well good news you don't have to.
Modern feature phones like Nokia 2720 flip run KaiOS and come with Google Maps, Assistant and WhatsApp.
Interesting experiment. As someone who grew up in the 60's and 70's, it's shocking to me how dependent I've become on my smartphone for all the things that you've mentioned. I think the most significant sacrifice to improve mental health is to get off social media. I did this back in December and I can already tell a difference in my demeanor. Arguing online with people I didn't even know was sucking the happiness out of me. So, I treated it just like I did smoking years ago and quit it cold turkey. You can change your undesirable habits, it just isn't easy sometimes, but it is almost always worth it.
I Used A Beeper For 30 Days - Matt 2021.
That text message moment was hilarious
I really felt the struggle you described, I’m gonna try the experiment myself starting next week and let’s see how long I can go without
Bruh my phone is so dry that in refreshing my school email😭😭😂
Matt: i used flip phone for 30 days
anime characters:
I am 4 parallel universe ahead of you
*Matt using a burner phone...*
What are you hiding from Matt?
😉👮💊
lmao
"...and I hear it can EVEN make phone calls." 😂 wHaAaAat, nO wAy 😂
I appreciate you trying this experiment and sharing your thoughts with us. Lovely content.
bro i just couldn’t, i just can’t talk to people on the phone
bro feeling adicted to his phone with only 2 hours but we all know everyone else has at least 3
When I heard my family is very big, I assumed I would hear like 30 persons in the messaging group.
Lol
Come to AFRICA😊
I live in a very rural area, where digital phone reception is pathetically poor, and that has been a blessing in that it keeps me from spending too much time on my phone.
Yeah y don’t we “social distance” from our technology lol
I think when Steve Jobs introduced the first IPhone he envisioned a device that looked good and felt fun to use and most importantly to help you through your day. No Social Media no TH-cam. Just Navigation, Texting, Music listening, Calling and capturing Photos. That’s all
@Jacques Vermeulen Oh neat, there are so many books about him, can you recommend anything?
The only thing that stops me from getting rid of my smartphone is the communication now (especially in my life) mostly uses social media app. Also for work, requires to be on a certain social media messaging app on phone. As well as news, I no longer watch tv and I rely in my phone reading news.
This was the most extreme digital minimalism? How about trying no phone!
I wouldn't go that extreme. I would have him go with just having a pager.
There were no phones before just recent decades, and the humanity was perfectly fine! Even managed to go to space etc!!!
😅🤷🏻♀️ that sounds like a 2020 challenge 😂🤣
Or rotary only 😆
When it comes to needing directions to go some where, I use an old garmin GPS. Still works great!
Matt: i used flip phone for 30 days
anime characters: pathetic
It can make phone calls? ...... no that doesn’t seem right 😂
😁😂🤣 ... the full of attitude flip at the end... so funny
In 2005 I could write a long message on a flip phone in seconds...
Same. I still can if I try
@@dabnisbrickey6527 Cool. I think I can too.
Right! He’s not using T9 lol
I just deleted all social media and news apps from my phone. I did download a few essential apps for school and my phone usage is about 20 mins per day.
Am I the only one sad for the hard-drives?
I was sad that I could probably have repurposed those aluminum enclosure by just replacing those old drives with new larger capacity drives.
@@alf.2929 yeah they looked pretty neat honestly like it’d look ok on a desk as part of the aesthetic
Can I get a thumbs up for this guy's amazing content? Your channel is the reason I started my own. Thanks for the inspiration!
You didn’t even watch the video so Sthu please and thank you
I enjoyed viewing your experiment. I've often thought it would be good to switch to a flip phone, but I admit that the gps navigator issue is a deal breaker for me. My smart phone often losses power due to lack of use when I'm home. I prefer to confine my web presence to my desk and interact via computer where I have a decent keyboard. While I do tap into social media, such as youtube, facebook, twitter and a few more outlets, I do so at certain times of the day. It helps maintain my creativity and peace of mind.
I do use the features of the smartphone when I travel. I switch it on to become my travel desk so that I can keep up with email, groups, or even use it as a writing machine on the go. A BT keyboard pairs with it quite well during such times. I think the key is the ability to switch these features on and off depending on where I am. I make sure the phone serves me and that I do not serve the phone. I had to laugh when you mentioned that printing your boarding passes and travel information was tedious because that is my preferred way to bring my information. I've had phones go dead due to lack of power too often in my life to trust it for that sort of thing. Paper doesn't need a battery. A simple travel portfolio always comes with me. But to each their own. If returning to a smart phone is a better comfort level for you, then more power to you. Keep up with the videos. You have a new subscriber. :)
In college I worked for Papa John's in 2001, picture looking at a map and remembering the roads and turns, house number. Man it wasn't easy but you start to learn the area well.
You could have kept a tablet in the car
Once I lost my iPhone when I was backpacking Europe. I was completely lost for 2 days.
Regarding using Maps for driving around: I used to live in LA and more often than not went places without using Google Maps for navigation. I would look up the place on Maps beforehand and memorize the way, and would only use the navigation if it was in an area I was completely unfamiliar with. I'd like to think it helped keep my memory fresh and was a good brain exercise but I've got no idea. It definitely helped me develop a great sense of orientation though. It obviously helped a great deal that LA is mostly laid out in a grid system (which isn't as common in European cities).
I live in LA as well and I like that idea. But I have noticed that traffic can change pretty fast and you may start on a direct route but then it may turn into a much slower route, so even if I know my way around I like to use GPS to prevent my 1 hr freeway commute from turning into 2 hrs. But on surface streets I do what you said and can make my way around without GPS or checking just before I leave.
WHAT CAMERA YOU USING?
Matt's camera is the Sony Alpha 7, but I don't know if it's the 7R or 7ii or 7s, there are several models.
I switched to a flip phone full time in 2016, and just recently "upgraded" to the Light Phone II, which is a minimalist cell phone. I hated how much power my phone had over my attention and mood. It was the right decision for me and I haven't looked back!
65 years old, never owned a smartphone.
Back to 2010, when you have a BlackBerry and a laptop, a true daily driver couple for yours.
Distracted boyfriend meme:
Me checking out a flip phone and my smartphone is shocked..
BTW I have used a flip phone for 1 year in my college and I can totally relate to Matt. I was really focused that year but had to ask for help as professors usually sent assignments on WhatsApp or Slack.
“Do NOT reach for your phone in the morning, no no no.
Instead, fill yourself up. You can do Hal Elrod’s Life SAVERS”
But also set the same time to wake up everyday 😉
Yup! About to start studying for my LSAT and downgrading from this iPhone. 💯
Guys at work laugh at my flip phone .
" You gotta upgrade " . TH-cam, Netflix, live streaming podcasts, GPS , Google, blah blah blah.
How much ? " well the phone is $ 1200 , but you can make payments ,plus ALL the data and stuff.
Really ? My bill is $30 a month.
Long pause........they walk away.
Mine is grandfathered in on an old add-a-line plan. $10 a month.
@@authorgreene In Finland you can run flip phone for years at 10 euros (depending on usage). Prepaid number €4,90 one time fee and the rest is 0,069 min or sms.
@Sven Lumia How much data does $30 even get ya? Most people I know pay at minimum $70, and sometimes hundreds for unlimited data. Maybe they're exaggerating or don't realize they're being charged additional fees?
"It is a mistake to suppose that any technological innovation has a one-sided effect. Every technology is both a burden and a blessing [...]"
- Neil Postman
Being a first responder, when I was working, I was tied to several phones. For that reason, I hated phones. Now, being retired, I use a flip phone. I have very little desire to text. Call me old, but I watch others with phones and they are constantly starring at it. The phone is never more than 3 feet from their hand. Conversations don't exist . Memories have become weaker because you don't have to remember, just look it up. Convenience verses necessity. Try going without your phone for a day. It's refreshing.
I still love flip phones but they really don't meet my lifestyle needs anymore. However, I still can't get used to seeing people using their smart phones to video "everything". I can't get used to not seeing people will real cameras. The truth is, I don't think we should refer to them as phones anymore. I used to have a "PDA" with my flip phone, even a beeper before cell phones.
So, the truth is that what we have are not phones anymore, the phone is just a small part of the entire unit. What should we call it? Maybe go back to PDA, personal data assistant, with a phone too.
As for me, I just can't see giving China more money. No one "needs" the latest phone, TV, or gadget in general. The point of the video, I believe, is just that. We have allowed technology to become an obsession and to control our emotions. Maybe people are just drones, sheep, or mice that follow the sound of a flute without looking ahead.
I have the iPhone 6, I've had it for many years. It does everything I need and if I fast forward to the latest iPhone, I see that the only thing I don't have is a higher pixel camera, a larger memory (quick note, icloud takes care of that), and maybe there's something I'm missing, but if I don't know it, then I don't need it.
I say that people need to put the brakes on technology. All this whining about censorship on Facebook and being booted from Twitter, information being stolen, and yet, like any dumb animal, we keep coming back for more, well I don't, I dumped Facebook after 10 years in one click months ago. Social media, it's just crazy. It's not social. Next time you're at a table with people and their faces are in their phones, slam your fist down on the table, you'll see how engrossed they are by how high they jump.
Something's gotta' give. My advice is to follow Matt's lead, give it a go, cut down your technology wherever possible. I don't need Alexa to lower my thermostat.
On a final note, people have to recognize that strangers know more about them through social media than their own families, there's something very wrong with that.
The companies are data mining, they have so much information about you that they can predict your likes and dislikes before they target you. These are dangerous times, our government is too large and too much a part of our personal lives, but we, the People, have given them permission, haven't we?
I still use a flip phone. Well, once or twice a year anyway. Everything Internet gets done on a corded desktop computer -- no microwave radiation for me, tyvm
Beautiful. I feel you, brother. Me too. I'm getting there! I have all these little tricks I use - using your Cue, Routine, Reward idea to section out ritualized times of day and sequenced routines that involve my phone intentionally and creatively - never idle scrolling. TIME OF DAY and ROUGHLY RITUALIZED SEQUENCE OF USE seems to have helped! Thanks, as always!
If you get an android there's an app called stay focused which is great. I can time restrict or delete apps which no possibility of installing again. Seems like the best way to do it, have the useful benefits of a phone without the bad points
Year 2033: “I stopped meditating for 30 days”
try go phone-less for 30 days
20 years ago that was the norm
The productivity in the life will surely boost up... I'm in for one
The right choice for using maps is either buy and use Thomas Guide map, or use your desktop or laptop computer at home to find directions , view map, or print the map. You can do most of this without needing any smartphone. Something like map on paper, even published map on paper, or Thomas Guide map, you can take with you during your travel trip. Remember when you were young and nobody had any smartphones? They used paper maps, or maybe started to use "MapQuest" on their home-computer.
I use my phone for like 6 hours a days I’m depressed man
same
Then why are you using your phone like that?! 🤔 Change your habits, change your life!