i just started using a flip phone a few days ago, your video is a great summary of the reality of what smart phones are doing to people. They are a destructive force in our society. Writing this comment now from an actual computer and not lying on my bed from a smartphone.
"They are a destructive force in our society. " 1000% agree! I'm in my mid-thirties and grew up on computers, but never actually replaced my flip phone. I came close many times, but it's never going to happen, now. Lol. I left my Samsung Rugby on the roof of my car and drove away with it in a torrential downpour. It flew off the roof and hit the pavement ejecting the battery which then got run over. Wasn't a busy road so I was able to retrieve it and used a napkin to dry it off, but the battery in and it worked fine. A smart phone would never have survived that!
I’m addicted to my iPad and TH-cam. Much of your journey sounds like my own. I bought a Light Phone 2 which has been helpful for disconnecting from the internet. I’m really struggling with solitude. Technology really is an addiction for me. Good luck to you and your journey. 🥰
The solitude is haaaarddd. I'm hoping it will become more accessible with practice! Happy to hear your Light Phone 2 is working well for you. Thank you for sharing 🫶🏻
it's hypocrisy how people look down on Xanax and Marijuana addicts when they are STARING AT THE SCREEN for 10 hours a day! Like yes, you ARE an addict.
You are not alone! a huge portion of the population is, but it's just become normalized, which is not good. And then people wonder why mental health is getting worse!
"it was leading to a complete lack of autonomy over how I was spending my time and the decisions that I was making in my life" 4:30-4:40 This. This is exactly where I am right now. If I'm not on screens I'm "bored" and nothing can fix the "boredom" but screens. Even though there are about 5 million other things that I WANT to be doing instead.
I am addicted to my smart phone, iPad and social media. I weaned myself off Facebook and Instagram. I'm more self aware of how social media makes me feel and I close Truth social and X when I begin to get emotional. I've tried dumbing down my iPhone but it didn't work. After three years of researching this topic I finally purchased a flip phone and I'm excited about trying this. I think I will be successful. I fondly remember the days before smart phones. This is why I think I can do this and why I'm excited.
Already use an iPod classic myself, much better having something physical to interact with instead of just touching a screen. Going to be switching to a similar flip phone too next 😌
Dank Pods has turned me onto the dark side of collecting iPods, so I have gathered quite a collection. I have been carrying around an iPod touch 7th gen as my music player that has some smart capabilities but it is an offline device. I've also been using iPod classics from time to time and I love using it.
I joke almost daily about flushing my phone down the toilet or tossing it out the window. I KNOW its bad for me and still I keep going back. I have a desire to switch to a dumb phone but really I'm afraid. One of the biggest fears for me is not being able to use my GPS when I'm out and about. Another big problem is that I use my computer just as much and it seems impossible to get rid of that entirely. Looking forward to more updates!
When it comes to GPS, you could get an actual GPS unit. The solution I'm likely gonna go with is carrying around a feature phone (I'm thinking of getting the Nokia 6300) that has a mobile hotspot that way in case I need to resort to some "smartphone application" I can just use my 7th gen iPod touch that I already carry around on me (thanks Dank Pods)
Thank you for that, Charlie. In the New Year I will do the same - Nokia flip phone here I come. My name is Julie, and I am addicted to my mobile phone. There, I said it. Time for more real life experiences! Good luck with it. Julie
Hey, I'm also doing this for myself in 2024! me and a couple of friends decided to switch for our last semester of school and it's really interesting how that last week has been. I went from being incredibly bored to filling my days with long lost hobbies like crocheting and reading (very grandma coded, I know). I bought a Blu Tank Flip 2 and it's workig great. currently working to bring spotify onto it thru an APK but if that fails, I'll use the sd card and store songs on that! I'll try to update here as I go, but so far, it's been really eye-opening and not that difficult :)
I’m similar like you that I’ve tried so many things to just dumb down my smart phone and not use social media ever in years. But there’s just something still so addicting about having this little tap screen with still so much available to me at all moments that I want to get rid of.
Hello! Fairly new viewer here. I really admire all this, lots of wisdom here. Nice too, another Cal Newport fan as well. 🙂 Yes, becoming more conscious and intentional with our lives...the direct tactile way of being in the world. As a good friend of mine said, "Continually focusing on the aspects of ourselves that technology can never replace". Wishing you the very best with all this, and looking forward to how it unfolds further for you. It's inspiring to me too as one who's increasingly whittling things down to something more basic and natural. Thank you for sharing. -Carm
oooo I love that quote, Carm - thanks for sharing! So spot on - it feels so good to nourish the parts of us that are so human that a computer could never come close to replacing.
TH-cam recommended me this video, and I'm glad it did as this is something I've been thinking about a lot this past year as I've not only faced my own addiction, but noticed it more and more in people around me. There's a lot of things stopping me from getting a 'dumb phone', like my banking app (I can't even access online banking through the website without verifying with the app first), I'm reliant on Maps to get me anywhere, I like taking little photos and videos, etc. I also hate how so many places nowadays rely on the assumption that you have a smart phone - digital tickets without any option for anything physical, restaurants that don't have physical menus anymore, not to mention stores giving you discounts only if you have their app. It begins to feel like you're either excluded from society or forced to pay extra for not opting in to giving these companies your data.
Hey! I came across your video and it’s great seeing people doing what your doing. I’ve been on a dumb phone for over three years and it’s helped me greatly (My ADHD and creativity have improved) I have my struggles with other tech and can get easily sucked in but I’m glad that I am self aware and have control over my limitations. I occasionally like to seek out videos like this one to see how other people are doing and from my experience as a dumb phone user I highly recommend getting a GPS. One common issue I see dumb phone users experiencing is the complaint of not having maps or having to print out directions. That tends to pull people back over to the smart phone pretty quickly. When I first started I was always coming up with an excuse to go back but you eventually figure it out and the rewards of a clear mind outweigh it all. Best of luck in the New Year to you!
The part about having to deal with the solitude of a life without a "connected" device is what I've been preaching. Everyone thinks their life is full and the smartphones add value until they go to a dumb phone and there's nothing to do, no one calls, and you are just there. Then you see that all the apps have left you with nothing, you don't know what to do with yourself, and you are not as cool as you thought you were. You'll also prove how much of an addict you are when you keep picking up a phone with nothing on it to try and find something to occupy your time. This is why most people cant take it. It makes them feels sorry for themselves like a crackhead who can't find a fix... But push through and take time to assess your values as discussed here. Find meaning in relationships and things outside of that device. It takes some doing and is uncomfortable at first but we humans have been without those "smart" devices for a lot longer than we've had them.
How to do nothing by Jenny Odell and Ultra Processed People by Chris van Tulleken are both really good books on this topic of consumption and neutrality - Jenny particularly wrote a lot about how we don’t get a choice in where our attention is drawn to, and Chris talks about it from the perspective of food manufacturing (not for us to eat, but for them to sell/make more money) They both really helped me shift my mindset on social media and ‘healthy’ dieting which are things I’ve personally found hard to navigate
Wow listening to you talk felt like listening to my own brain. Absolutely everything you said is exactly what I have been feeling and thinking for the past few months. Glad to know there are others waking up and being fed up with not living life like a normal human and looking for ways to fix this part of our lives.
I agree with so many of the points raised here - I definitely could benefit from embracing digital minimalism but thus far I have not dared to do so. My closest is going cold turkey on social media on the weekend. Hopefully, In the new year, I will get the courage.
Congrats on going cold turkey on social media over the weekend! Everyone's needs and wants around digital minimalism are different so enjoy YOUR journey 🥰🤗
Charlie you are a unique person and you have right to find who you are. If solitude is good then go for it. Yes give yourself space to process your own life and thinking. Find your art and find yourself through your art. Expand who you are by all of this and of course contact people in new ways. All that you say is important for your mental health. A new you is on its way! You are more important than the distractions. Now I am off to see if anyone has posted a reply to my craft Facebook post.
I love technological minimalism. I got a new smart phone because of the pandemic! I was looking for a new "trad" phone... perhaps with a second number, or call redirectiin... I picked up my Nokia flip and switched the sim from my smart phone, and that's that. And it is a nice flip phone. I don't know if many apps require the sim and it's ID in the smart phone... but so far all is well. Thanks very much, Paul.
Its great seeing that others feel the same way. Thanks for sharing! Also maybe youd enjoy On Solitude by Michel de Montaigne. Even though it was written in the 16 century, somehow it still applies in our day and age :) "It should no longer be your concern that the world speaks of you; your sole concern should be with how you speak to yourself. Retreat into yourself, but first of all make yourself ready to receive yourself there. If you do not know how to govern yourself, it would be madness to entrust yourself to yourself. There are ways of failing in solitude as in society."
I left looked up Mikes Davis as a painter. Made myself put down my iPad. Picked up my guitar. Did some twang! Glanced at the iPad saw someone replied to my comment so now I am back.
Charlie, this generated SO many thoughts for me - I have also recently downgraded to a flip phone, with zero regrets! But the one thing I think I really need to say is this: I got a feeling, watching this video and your video about quitting social media, that you really feel the pressures around technology use and almost a sense of wondering if they might blow you over. I just want to say that the Charlie I have seen growing and thinking over the last several months, here and on Substack, is a person of weight and substance. These winds are not going to blow you over. You have survived so much already and are thriving so beautifully now in so many ways - I have a feeling that on some future day you'll look back and say, "Remember when I used to be on the phone a lot? Feels like a long time ago now." And then you'll walk out into your garden, hug Alfie, and enjoy your life without a second thought. Maybe with a friend who's joined you for tea and is genuinely happy to spend face-to-face time with the very human, present you. I know that I feel so grateful that our paths have crossed and our journeys have aligned in some ways - for all that we "met" in Internet-Land - and you're right, the people who really want to connect will still be here even when you've let the unhelpful things go. I'm cheering you on. XO
I have doing these for the last couple of weeks now, been using an old BlackBerry bold when I go out and leaving my iPhone at home. What I really miss is my old Sony Ericsson 😒 great video, I am going to subscribe to your channel, as it would be nice to watch more videos during your journey
I have stopped using social media apps like Reddit and Instagram, but I feel that I am still on YT too much. I also want to try using a feature phone as my phone. I'm looking at getting a Nokia 6300 because it does have a mobile hotspot so I can still use "smartphone capabilities" because I carry around a 7th gen iPod Touch all the time as that is a nice offline device that no one can call me on, it's my music player that I have loads of music crammed on there. I do allow myself to use Discord on my iPod touch because that is how I communicate with my closest friends. I feel like I've done a good job at breaking my phone addiction, last time I had an appointment I just sat in the waiting room and just allowed myself to get bored, though I have caught myself compulsively picking it up to fill a couple gaps of time so I'd love to try running a 6300. Also beating yourself up for going back on an addiction is not healthy. We are human, we are going to make mistakes. Relapses are gonna happen so just keep at it!
Hello, Charlie ! I really admire how self-aware you are on your addiction. You've got an exciting and challenging journey ahead of you and I can't wait to see your progress. Will you share all the books and articles related to this topic on substack ? I will receive Digital Minimalism at the end of the week, I can't wait :D
I'm thinking about this now that I have finished the video. I have questions for (you? /) myself ? - how would I text on a flip phone knowing how my dyspraxia makes it difficult to text on small keyboards ? - how would I get my family photos on whatsapp when we're all living so far away from each other ? (- how would I read smutty fanfics on Ao3 lol?) I'm very glad to be a part of this because it forces me to reflect on my own use of technology so thank you so much !
Great video, I've been thinking of going back to a durable flip phone with GPS at least. Just dont get a tablet, 😅, because you'll be back where you were at... Very good point on actually, "talking " on the phone, imagine that.
This really resonated with me, I'm already on my screen detox and I've never felt more creative and inspired. Are there any groups etc for young people that are stepping away from smartphones and tech? It would be amazing to be around like-minded people!
Congratulations! I grew up on computers and have always been a bit of a computer nerd, but I never did replace my flip phone with a smart phone. I tried one out for a few days and actually hated it. Now the reasons why I don't have one have kept stacking up over the years. Also, I don't really understand why flip phones aren't just another option, like you have desktop computers and you have laptops. Just because Laptops are portable and can perform almost as well as a desktop computer doesn't meant there is not use for a desktop... I want a phone to make calls and text, that's it. I don't need a pocket computer. Lol
This video was on my suggestion page and now I’m a new subscriber! Yay. You talk really well in front of a camera for being newish at TH-cam. :) Anyway, I love the idea of doing this but I feel like society would make it really hard for me in particular and I’m wondering how you do as time goes on with it. For example, when you go somewhere and need to scan a QR code for tickets or something, or when stores have coupons or rewards via apps. For me, I have a daughter in high school basketball and the team parents have a group chat in WhatsApp. I just had to download it for the first time this season and I’m really salty about it. lol. My apartment complex has an app to submit maintenance requests and things. Also, Spotify 🥺 and audiobooks.. there’s so many things now that I/we rely on with smartphones and it seems like it would be a real hurdle to go back to a dumb phone. Can’t wait to see your updates!
There’s some particular times where a smartphone makes life easier. I kept my phone without the SIM card for that reason. A real mixed bag of effectiveness though - wifi needs to be kept on at home, so I still have a device that has a lot of functionality… which is not what I want 😆
Hi I have always had a cheap Nokia phone. I call it my Luddite phone. I don’t need a smart phone as I have an iPad which I take everywhere with me. I am concerned in that today I was at the cafe and just looking at my iPad, also at the pub on my own last night I did the same. Well but at least I don’t stare at a phone on the bus or standing at the bus stop or while walking so some restriction lol! I came across an article online which talked about Miles Davis doing painting so I am looking that up in a minute. Zoom meet later. I must admit lately I am sometimes getting a bit bored with some stuff. I keep scrolling and scrolling. Yes maybe good to consider restricting oneself. Let’s be sensible. Well I will try. Maybe if I bought a Luddite laptop that would help as one has to wait for it to come on unlike the iPad.
It is a word to oppose modernity. The Luddites were Textile workers if the 19th century who opposed new technology. The word as I use it is to say I have an outdated old device as a joke. Maybe a Luddite laptop would be one from 2003.
@@fishinabox Ohhh! I see, I see- that’s really clever and funny. Of course! And thank you for explaining it to me too. That was such a ‘tism of me to take you so literally, haha. My imposter syndrome was cleared! I know this video is about not using technology as much, but I struggle a lot with social anxiety and getting out of the house, so your idea of using an iPad at maybe a coffee shop or something sounds nice! Even to do something like that side by side with a friend :)
Hi I have taken things literally and was told it was Autism. Maybe though with the Luddite comment perhaps it was just an unknown word so understandable that you would look it up. Yes cafes can be good. I can sit on my own but with people around. I also go to Autism meetings at cafes. Then I don’t look at my iPad much. Just chat and listen.
i am 34, an architect by profession, and till this day (2024), i have never used a smartphone, never felt of any need to use a smartphone. i live a simple life, still using only one phone run by JAVA, and one SIM, (according to my ideology- one person, one number, ... lol) ..... .... you don't need many things to live a peaceful life, ... use a phone just for calls & texts, ... go socialize in person ... and give yourself more time ... :)
Btw, if you can get your hands on a Samsung Rugby, those things are built to withstand pretty much anything you throw at it! I got two of them off e-bay :)
i found this video while looking for a good flip phone to replace my current smartphone. in 2023 i decided to delete my social media and was sucesfully 98% off of it until june when i downloaded everything again because uni was starting up. my mental health quickly started declining as my screen time went up so ive decided once agan to delete all my social media. ive put my phone in black and white and all that but now i just spend more time on my laptop 😭😭😭 i have however realized that i feel a lot better now that i've reduced my screen time and my days honestly feel longer and more productive
Me and Byron both have already bought a dumb phone (the one that’s not a flip phone) and mine is an unmarked mini phone and Byron’s is a blu Jenny tv phone and this video is soon to help and we still have our smartphones.. my first 2 smartphones are an i6s and an i13 and mine is an unmarked mini cell phone that looks identical to the Nokia unknown model.. and my mini Nokia, but unmarked basic cell phone is coming soon and they both have the fm radio and it has 2G while my smartphones have LTE, 5G and this video will help us soon
I wish I could do the same but in the country I live in we have to have smartphone apps to do online banking, taxes, and so much more, that can't be done only on computers you need the apps to log on to the websites with codes and QR codes as well.
So much wisdom here!! I agree alot with what you say. Feeling inspired to further down grade my social media and smart phone use. Thanks for sharing, Charlie 😊
I’ve been thinking about this a lot over the last few weeks and using Facebook especially less and less. I’ve got no desire to post my Christmas photos on there at all. No desire. It’s also interesting when you stop posting, those people who liked and commented actually don’t bother contacting you at all so I question how genuine those ‘likes’ were.
this video is true but for me its kinda funny. i have facebook and wattsapp but thats it. i got rid of all my accounts years ago. my main apps are text call youtube wattsapp and a game or to and lastly emails. i love my Sony but only use it for music tbh. my pc uses the youtube and i use it a lot cause people out there dont wanna just call me up anymore. just wish people did things like invite me to gatherings or to picnics on the park, sadly this tech approach is the way the world is going. i love my sony but as mentioned i dont get the full potential of it and thats cause people dont call or text anymore. thats the only way to reap the benefits of any smartphone in my opinion is to text and call people.
I dumbed down my iPhone and got off social media but then due to work stress and tiredness I then redownloaded it so I’ve order a Nokia 2660 so there’s no distraction or option to access it.
You know what Charlie I did not watch the whole of your video earlier as stuff cropped up. I feel guilty so now I am going to put my iPad up on the table in front of me and watch all of it while I twang my guitar.
Yum yum! Just ate my meal. I am back. Just posted a photo of a piece of craft I did on Facebook. Just had to cancel a zoom meet on Sunday as the time is crossing with another zoom meet. Had to think which would I prefer, disappointed as like both. Oh well!
Thank you for the video. Could you also share a bit on the actual phone you are using. I am a longtime "dumbphone" user and it works well for me. However, where I live, 3G phones and 3G SIm cards will soon be phased out, and one will have to use a 4/5G compatible phone. I would like to find out which dumbphones I could switch to that could be used on a 4G/5G network.
For me it’s not solitude. It’s entertainment and tools. I can find better entertainment options, but tools like maps, messaging, music and podcasts while I drive, and looking up stuff on the fly…those are hard to give up and I can’t find a way to get those without a smartphone.
Been using a dumb phone for almost a year. Very glad, but now I spend too much time on computer :( If it weren’t for TH-cam I’d have my screen time under control….
Is this a prepaid flip phone? Where can I buy a flip phone and can I just make it have my current number and AT&T service plan? I don’t know how to switch lol.
I wonder if there is a way to access email without access to everything else. Or just “print” information and email. It’s the videos that suck a person in…but we must use the computer for email…no way to opt out of everything else unless by ones own will power. Any inventors out there??
Great video: I'm thinking about it but what do you do when you need to use a GPS? my biggest issue is the ability for my family to know where I'm and Iphones can' do that while a flip phone cannot.
What do you use to film the videos? Are you restricting that in any way - including time spent on video editing? I’ve been thinking of restarting my channel but also want to get off tech as much as possible so wondering how to go about it. I love the ‘massive menu for life’ comment. That is it exactly! Well said!!
I use a point and shoot camera. My new values around making content are: 1) minimising editing required for TH-cam videos on this channel as much as possible (because I realised minimally edited videos are the types of videos I like to consume, and it means less time for me spent on screens) and 2) completely cutting out making short-form content because I'm not using Instagram or TikTok at the moment (which saves an hour plus a day). I'm still making vlogs when I feel called to, which I take time to edit and choose music for etc - it's a hobby I love so I'm not getting rid of it despite it involving me editing on my laptop. All about the cost benefit analysis I guess, and will be different for all of us! :)
Oh dear I put the iPad down and saw it was 6.36pm I planned to watch the news which started at 6.15 pm but I missed it as I was commenting here, Stupid me!!
Just realised I should be giving supportive comments to you relating to your considerations about all of this. But I went into all about my journey. Sorry!
I watch a lot of you Tube even tho I Also use a flip phone as my main phone I Only use my iPhone for social media I’ve taken breaks from my smart phone at home away from you tube baby steps
Lately I’ve been feeling like Jesus wants me to read more and focus. All this idolatry sending people to hell fr, it’s crazy how life changed from back in the day with pay phones and old school phones.. that’s why so much sin in the world.. it’s hard to get a flip phone with school and etc! They want us to be robots but I feel so free without a phone. Once I got back to an android and iPhone I felt sad n depressed. I felt free off of these technologies phones. Even have dreams how it’s destroying us. I just pray we all get the strength to let go what’s holding us back from writing those books and becoming authors ! Time to read more and exercise, Pray, heal, be in nurture, read the Bible ALOT and experience meeting people in person!
Do anybody want to accept Jesus christ as your savior he want to give you love and peace and happiness and joy and salvation and eternal life if you confess your sins
I honestly agree with almost everything in this video. I don’t agree with you passing the blame off on all the tech companies and everything else. Sounds like a liberal with the not taking responsibility attitude. Yes they make things addictive and I think it’s terrible for society but it’s our own doing and we know that we’re falling into their trap. It’s not like you HAVE to use the smart phone.
You know what Charlie I did not watch the whole of your video earlier as stuff cropped up. I feel guilty so now I am going to put my iPad up on the table in front of me and watch all of it while I twang my guitar.
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i just started using a flip phone a few days ago,
your video is a great summary of the reality of what smart phones are doing to people.
They are a destructive force in our society.
Writing this comment now from an actual computer and not lying on my bed from a smartphone.
"They are a destructive force in our society. " 1000% agree! I'm in my mid-thirties and grew up on computers, but never actually replaced my flip phone. I came close many times, but it's never going to happen, now. Lol. I left my Samsung Rugby on the roof of my car and drove away with it in a torrential downpour. It flew off the roof and hit the pavement ejecting the battery which then got run over. Wasn't a busy road so I was able to retrieve it and used a napkin to dry it off, but the battery in and it worked fine. A smart phone would never have survived that!
I’m addicted to my iPad and TH-cam. Much of your journey sounds like my own. I bought a Light Phone 2 which has been helpful for disconnecting from the internet. I’m really struggling with solitude. Technology really is an addiction for me. Good luck to you and your journey. 🥰
The solitude is haaaarddd. I'm hoping it will become more accessible with practice! Happy to hear your Light Phone 2 is working well for you. Thank you for sharing 🫶🏻
What generation of iPad was it
it's hypocrisy how people look down on Xanax and Marijuana addicts when they are STARING AT THE SCREEN for 10 hours a day! Like yes, you ARE an addict.
You are not alone! a huge portion of the population is, but it's just become normalized, which is not good. And then people wonder why mental health is getting worse!
@@galaxytraveler5779 thank you for your kind words and encouragement. 😀
"it was leading to a complete lack of autonomy over how I was spending my time and the decisions that I was making in my life" 4:30-4:40
This. This is exactly where I am right now. If I'm not on screens I'm "bored" and nothing can fix the "boredom" but screens. Even though there are about 5 million other things that I WANT to be doing instead.
Totally relate. Through reducing my exposure to screens I'm starting to really understand why they call it a 'detox' 😑
I am addicted to my smart phone, iPad and social media. I weaned myself off Facebook and Instagram. I'm more self aware of how social media makes me feel and I close Truth social and X when I begin to get emotional. I've tried dumbing down my iPhone but it didn't work. After three years of researching this topic I finally purchased a flip phone and I'm excited about trying this. I think I will be successful. I fondly remember the days before smart phones. This is why I think I can do this and why I'm excited.
Already use an iPod classic myself, much better having something physical to interact with instead of just touching a screen. Going to be switching to a similar flip phone too next 😌
Dank Pods has turned me onto the dark side of collecting iPods, so I have gathered quite a collection. I have been carrying around an iPod touch 7th gen as my music player that has some smart capabilities but it is an offline device. I've also been using iPod classics from time to time and I love using it.
I joke almost daily about flushing my phone down the toilet or tossing it out the window. I KNOW its bad for me and still I keep going back. I have a desire to switch to a dumb phone but really I'm afraid. One of the biggest fears for me is not being able to use my GPS when I'm out and about. Another big problem is that I use my computer just as much and it seems impossible to get rid of that entirely. Looking forward to more updates!
I've definitely noticed myself reaching for my laptop more now! Going to find a way of addressing it, but it's hard for sure.
Not to recommend u more tech haha, but a lot of smartwatches have map apps!
SO a lot of modern flip phones do have GPS which was also my concern!!
When it comes to GPS, you could get an actual GPS unit. The solution I'm likely gonna go with is carrying around a feature phone (I'm thinking of getting the Nokia 6300) that has a mobile hotspot that way in case I need to resort to some "smartphone application" I can just use my 7th gen iPod touch that I already carry around on me (thanks Dank Pods)
don't forget paper maps exist and dont even require electricity to run! you can also print out google map directions and things :)
Thank you for that, Charlie. In the New Year I will do the same - Nokia flip phone here I come. My name is Julie, and I am addicted to my mobile phone. There, I said it. Time for more real life experiences! Good luck with it. Julie
Go you Julie!!! Good luck!!!
Hey, I'm also doing this for myself in 2024! me and a couple of friends decided to switch for our last semester of school and it's really interesting how that last week has been. I went from being incredibly bored to filling my days with long lost hobbies like crocheting and reading (very grandma coded, I know). I bought a Blu Tank Flip 2 and it's workig great. currently working to bring spotify onto it thru an APK but if that fails, I'll use the sd card and store songs on that! I'll try to update here as I go, but so far, it's been really eye-opening and not that difficult :)
I’m similar like you that I’ve tried so many things to just dumb down my smart phone and not use social media ever in years. But there’s just something still so addicting about having this little tap screen with still so much available to me at all moments that I want to get rid of.
Hello! Fairly new viewer here. I really admire all this, lots of wisdom here. Nice too, another Cal Newport fan as well. 🙂 Yes, becoming more conscious and intentional with our lives...the direct tactile way of being in the world. As a good friend of mine said, "Continually focusing on the aspects of ourselves that technology can never replace". Wishing you the very best with all this, and looking forward to how it unfolds further for you. It's inspiring to me too as one who's increasingly whittling things down to something more basic and natural. Thank you for sharing. -Carm
oooo I love that quote, Carm - thanks for sharing! So spot on - it feels so good to nourish the parts of us that are so human that a computer could never come close to replacing.
TH-cam recommended me this video, and I'm glad it did as this is something I've been thinking about a lot this past year as I've not only faced my own addiction, but noticed it more and more in people around me. There's a lot of things stopping me from getting a 'dumb phone', like my banking app (I can't even access online banking through the website without verifying with the app first), I'm reliant on Maps to get me anywhere, I like taking little photos and videos, etc. I also hate how so many places nowadays rely on the assumption that you have a smart phone - digital tickets without any option for anything physical, restaurants that don't have physical menus anymore, not to mention stores giving you discounts only if you have their app. It begins to feel like you're either excluded from society or forced to pay extra for not opting in to giving these companies your data.
My next video is going to be about exactly this - how I got over these hurdles!
Hey! I came across your video and it’s great seeing people doing what your doing. I’ve been on a dumb phone for over three years and it’s helped me greatly (My ADHD and
creativity have improved) I have my struggles with other tech and can get easily sucked in but I’m glad that I am self aware and have control over my limitations. I occasionally like to seek out videos like this one to see how other people are doing and from my experience as a dumb phone user I highly recommend getting a GPS. One common issue I see dumb phone users experiencing is the complaint of not having maps or having to print out directions. That tends to pull people back over to the smart phone pretty quickly. When I first started I was always coming up with an excuse to go back but you eventually figure it out and the rewards of a clear mind outweigh it all. Best of luck in the New Year to you!
Good for you, that's amazing!! I'm so happy to hear it's helped your ADHD and creativity :)
Everything you talk about is so relatable. Thank you for bringing much needed awareness to these issues.
The part about having to deal with the solitude of a life without a "connected" device is what I've been preaching. Everyone thinks their life is full and the smartphones add value until they go to a dumb phone and there's nothing to do, no one calls, and you are just there. Then you see that all the apps have left you with nothing, you don't know what to do with yourself, and you are not as cool as you thought you were. You'll also prove how much of an addict you are when you keep picking up a phone with nothing on it to try and find something to occupy your time. This is why most people cant take it. It makes them feels sorry for themselves like a crackhead who can't find a fix... But push through and take time to assess your values as discussed here. Find meaning in relationships and things outside of that device. It takes some doing and is uncomfortable at first but we humans have been without those "smart" devices for a lot longer than we've had them.
I hope things are still going well on your journey. Stay strong! You can do it!
How to do nothing by Jenny Odell and Ultra Processed People by Chris van Tulleken are both really good books on this topic of consumption and neutrality - Jenny particularly wrote a lot about how we don’t get a choice in where our attention is drawn to, and Chris talks about it from the perspective of food manufacturing (not for us to eat, but for them to sell/make more money)
They both really helped me shift my mindset on social media and ‘healthy’ dieting which are things I’ve personally found hard to navigate
These sound like fantastic recommendations, thank you.
Wow listening to you talk felt like listening to my own brain. Absolutely everything you said is exactly what I have been feeling and thinking for the past few months. Glad to know there are others waking up and being fed up with not living life like a normal human and looking for ways to fix this part of our lives.
I LOVE THE QUOTES YOU HAVE SHOWN.
I agree with so many of the points raised here - I definitely could benefit from embracing digital minimalism but thus far I have not dared to do so. My closest is going cold turkey on social media on the weekend. Hopefully, In the new year, I will get the courage.
Congrats on going cold turkey on social media over the weekend! Everyone's needs and wants around digital minimalism are different so enjoy YOUR journey 🥰🤗
Charlie you are a unique person and you have right to find who you are. If solitude is good then go for it. Yes give yourself space to process your own life and thinking. Find your art and find yourself through your art. Expand who you are by all of this and of course contact people in new ways. All that you say is important for your mental health. A new you is on its way! You are more important than the distractions.
Now I am off to see if anyone has posted a reply to my craft Facebook post.
Loving your videos and your journey so much!
Ahh fab fab fab, thank you for tuning into my rambles Yaelaed 🤗
I find you video so inspiring and true. Your style is very authentic! ☀️
I love technological minimalism. I got a new smart phone because of the pandemic!
I was looking for a new "trad" phone... perhaps with a second number, or call redirectiin...
I picked up my Nokia flip and switched the sim from my smart phone, and that's that. And it is a nice flip phone.
I don't know if many apps require the sim and it's ID in the smart phone... but so far all is well.
Thanks very much, Paul.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us and where we can find more information.
I still own my iPod Classic in the age of Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music.
Its great seeing that others feel the same way. Thanks for sharing! Also maybe youd enjoy On Solitude by Michel de Montaigne. Even though it was written in the 16 century, somehow it still applies in our day and age :)
"It should no longer be your concern that the world speaks of you; your sole concern should be with how you speak to yourself. Retreat into yourself, but first of all make yourself ready to receive yourself there. If you do not know how to govern yourself, it would be madness to entrust yourself to yourself. There are ways of failing in solitude as in society."
Oh god how I like this videos about experience of downgrade. Thx for video
So well put, In my case, hoping to be discovered and wasting time creating videos for tiktok was a full-time job, crazy!
Thank you.
I’ve been thinking about doing something like this for a while but I’m so scared of missing out!
I left looked up Mikes Davis as a painter. Made myself put down my iPad. Picked up my guitar. Did some twang! Glanced at the iPad saw someone replied to my comment so now I am back.
Charlie, this generated SO many thoughts for me - I have also recently downgraded to a flip phone, with zero regrets! But the one thing I think I really need to say is this: I got a feeling, watching this video and your video about quitting social media, that you really feel the pressures around technology use and almost a sense of wondering if they might blow you over. I just want to say that the Charlie I have seen growing and thinking over the last several months, here and on Substack, is a person of weight and substance. These winds are not going to blow you over. You have survived so much already and are thriving so beautifully now in so many ways - I have a feeling that on some future day you'll look back and say, "Remember when I used to be on the phone a lot? Feels like a long time ago now." And then you'll walk out into your garden, hug Alfie, and enjoy your life without a second thought. Maybe with a friend who's joined you for tea and is genuinely happy to spend face-to-face time with the very human, present you.
I know that I feel so grateful that our paths have crossed and our journeys have aligned in some ways - for all that we "met" in Internet-Land - and you're right, the people who really want to connect will still be here even when you've let the unhelpful things go. I'm cheering you on. XO
omg me too! crazy to come across another person who switched!
Thank you 🥹❤️
You seem like you’re an amazing human to all your loved ones. Thank you for commenting this
I have doing these for the last couple of weeks now, been using an old BlackBerry bold when I go out and leaving my iPhone at home. What I really miss is my old Sony Ericsson 😒 great video, I am going to subscribe to your channel, as it would be nice to watch more videos during your journey
Love BlackBerrys, especially the qwerty keyboard! I wanted to get one but couldn't find one that reliably connects to a network in the UK.
@@charlierewilding I have two of them, I could send you one if you like 😎
@@charlierewildingyes such a shame. They take if the 3G network unfortunately. I was looking at blackberry as well 😢sad such a good phone
I really connected with the video. I hope it works out for me as well.
This is brilliant!!!!
I have stopped using social media apps like Reddit and Instagram, but I feel that I am still on YT too much. I also want to try using a feature phone as my phone. I'm looking at getting a Nokia 6300 because it does have a mobile hotspot so I can still use "smartphone capabilities" because I carry around a 7th gen iPod Touch all the time as that is a nice offline device that no one can call me on, it's my music player that I have loads of music crammed on there. I do allow myself to use Discord on my iPod touch because that is how I communicate with my closest friends. I feel like I've done a good job at breaking my phone addiction, last time I had an appointment I just sat in the waiting room and just allowed myself to get bored, though I have caught myself compulsively picking it up to fill a couple gaps of time so I'd love to try running a 6300.
Also beating yourself up for going back on an addiction is not healthy. We are human, we are going to make mistakes. Relapses are gonna happen so just keep at it!
Hello, Charlie !
I really admire how self-aware you are on your addiction. You've got an exciting and challenging journey ahead of you and I can't wait to see your progress.
Will you share all the books and articles related to this topic on substack ?
I will receive Digital Minimalism at the end of the week, I can't wait :D
I'm thinking about this now that I have finished the video. I have questions for (you? /) myself ?
- how would I text on a flip phone knowing how my dyspraxia makes it difficult to text on small keyboards ?
- how would I get my family photos on whatsapp when we're all living so far away from each other ?
(- how would I read smutty fanfics on Ao3 lol?)
I'm very glad to be a part of this because it forces me to reflect on my own use of technology so thank you so much !
Yes I'll share as much as I can for sure! :) Oooo I hope you find Digital Minimalism as helpful as I have!
You are correct...Go girl!
Great video, I've been thinking of going back to a durable flip phone with GPS at least. Just dont get a tablet, 😅, because you'll be back where you were at...
Very good point on actually, "talking " on the phone, imagine that.
My reasoning behind it is somewhat different than yours, but i ended up with that same phone recently, too. 😀
So far I'm mostly happy with it.
This really resonated with me, I'm already on my screen detox and I've never felt more creative and inspired. Are there any groups etc for young people that are stepping away from smartphones and tech? It would be amazing to be around like-minded people!
I have cat flip phone I had it couple months ago I love it. I use smartphone for internet n I don't have socal media either. Life doing great for me.
Congratulations! I grew up on computers and have always been a bit of a computer nerd, but I never did replace my flip phone with a smart phone. I tried one out for a few days and actually hated it. Now the reasons why I don't have one have kept stacking up over the years. Also, I don't really understand why flip phones aren't just another option, like you have desktop computers and you have laptops. Just because Laptops are portable and can perform almost as well as a desktop computer doesn't meant there is not use for a desktop... I want a phone to make calls and text, that's it. I don't need a pocket computer. Lol
This video was on my suggestion page and now I’m a new subscriber! Yay. You talk really well in front of a camera for being newish at TH-cam. :) Anyway, I love the idea of doing this but I feel like society would make it really hard for me in particular and I’m wondering how you do as time goes on with it. For example, when you go somewhere and need to scan a QR code for tickets or something, or when stores have coupons or rewards via apps. For me, I have a daughter in high school basketball and the team parents have a group chat in WhatsApp. I just had to download it for the first time this season and I’m really salty about it. lol. My apartment complex has an app to submit maintenance requests and things. Also, Spotify 🥺 and audiobooks.. there’s so many things now that I/we rely on with smartphones and it seems like it would be a real hurdle to go back to a dumb phone. Can’t wait to see your updates!
There’s some particular times where a smartphone makes life easier. I kept my phone without the SIM card for that reason. A real mixed bag of effectiveness though - wifi needs to be kept on at home, so I still have a device that has a lot of functionality… which is not what I want 😆
Welcome! :) I am planning to make a video about the impracticalities of having a dumbphone and how I'm getting around some of them so stay tuned!
Hi I have always had a cheap Nokia phone. I call it my Luddite phone. I don’t need a smart phone as I have an iPad which I take everywhere with me. I am concerned in that today I was at the cafe and just looking at my iPad, also at the pub on my own last night I did the same. Well but at least I don’t stare at a phone on the bus or standing at the bus stop or while walking so some restriction lol!
I came across an article online which talked about Miles Davis doing painting so I am looking that up in a minute. Zoom meet later.
I must admit lately I am sometimes getting a bit bored with some stuff. I keep scrolling and scrolling.
Yes maybe good to consider restricting oneself. Let’s be sensible. Well I will try.
Maybe if I bought a Luddite laptop that would help as one has to wait for it to come on unlike the iPad.
What is a Luddite laptop? I tried to look it up but nothing really showed up, thank you for sharing your experience :)
It is a word to oppose modernity. The Luddites were Textile workers if the 19th century who opposed new technology. The word as I use it is to say I have an outdated old device as a joke. Maybe a Luddite laptop would be one from 2003.
Also thanks for saying thanks.
@@fishinabox Ohhh! I see, I see- that’s really clever and funny. Of course! And thank you for explaining it to me too.
That was such a ‘tism of me to take you so literally, haha. My imposter syndrome was cleared! I know this video is about not using technology as much, but I struggle a lot with social anxiety and getting out of the house, so your idea of using an iPad at maybe a coffee shop or something sounds nice! Even to do something like that side by side with a friend :)
Hi I have taken things literally and was told it was Autism. Maybe though with the Luddite comment perhaps it was just an unknown word so understandable that you would look it up. Yes cafes can be good. I can sit on my own but with people around. I also go to Autism meetings at cafes. Then I don’t look at my iPad much. Just chat and listen.
i am 34, an architect by profession, and till this day (2024), i have never used a smartphone, never felt of any need to use a smartphone. i live a simple life, still using only one phone run by JAVA, and one SIM, (according to my ideology- one person, one number, ... lol) .....
.... you don't need many things to live a peaceful life, ... use a phone just for calls & texts, ... go socialize in person ... and give yourself more time ... :)
Very true 😊
Btw, if you can get your hands on a Samsung Rugby, those things are built to withstand pretty much anything you throw at it! I got two of them off e-bay :)
i found this video while looking for a good flip phone to replace my current smartphone. in 2023 i decided to delete my social media and was sucesfully 98% off of it until june when i downloaded everything again because uni was starting up. my mental health quickly started declining as my screen time went up so ive decided once agan to delete all my social media. ive put my phone in black and white and all that but now i just spend more time on my laptop 😭😭😭 i have however realized that i feel a lot better now that i've reduced my screen time and my days honestly feel longer and more productive
Me and Byron both have already bought a dumb phone (the one that’s not a flip phone) and mine is an unmarked mini phone and Byron’s is a blu Jenny tv phone and this video is soon to help and we still have our smartphones.. my first 2 smartphones are an i6s and an i13 and mine is an unmarked mini cell phone that looks identical to the Nokia unknown model.. and my mini Nokia, but unmarked basic cell phone is coming soon and they both have the fm radio and it has 2G while my smartphones have LTE, 5G and this video will help us soon
I wish I could do the same but in the country I live in we have to have smartphone apps to do online banking, taxes, and so much more, that can't be done only on computers you need the apps to log on to the websites with codes and QR codes as well.
I just made a video on this this week :)
So much wisdom here!! I agree alot with what you say. Feeling inspired to further down grade my social media and smart phone use. Thanks for sharing, Charlie 😊
Pleasure, thanks for watching and good luck with your down grading! :)
I’ve been thinking about this a lot over the last few weeks and using Facebook especially less and less. I’ve got no desire to post my Christmas photos on there at all. No desire. It’s also interesting when you stop posting, those people who liked and commented actually don’t bother contacting you at all so I question how genuine those ‘likes’ were.
this video is true but for me its kinda funny. i have facebook and wattsapp but thats it. i got rid of all my accounts years ago. my main apps are text call youtube wattsapp and a game or to and lastly emails. i love my Sony but only use it for music tbh. my pc uses the youtube and i use it a lot cause people out there dont wanna just call me up anymore.
just wish people did things like invite me to gatherings or to picnics on the park, sadly this tech approach is the way the world is going. i love my sony but as mentioned i dont get the full potential of it and thats cause people dont call or text anymore. thats the only way to reap the benefits of any smartphone in my opinion is to text and call people.
I went with the QIN F22Pro, the smaller screen is really helping me
But that is a phone with online capabilities and able to download apps so that essentially is not separating yourself from online activities.
comment sections on these flip phone journey vids are so sweet, love y'all stay hopeful
I dumbed down my iPhone and got off social media but then due to work stress and tiredness I then redownloaded it so I’ve order a Nokia 2660 so there’s no distraction or option to access it.
You know what Charlie I did not watch the whole of your video earlier as stuff cropped up. I feel guilty so now I am going to put my iPad up on the table in front of me and watch all of it while I twang my guitar.
Yum yum! Just ate my meal. I am back. Just posted a photo of a piece of craft I did on Facebook. Just had to cancel a zoom meet on Sunday as the time is crossing with another zoom meet. Had to think which would I prefer, disappointed as like both. Oh well!
Thank you for the video. Could you also share a bit on the actual phone you are using. I am a longtime "dumbphone" user and it works well for me. However, where I live, 3G phones and 3G SIm cards will soon be phased out, and one will have to use a 4/5G compatible phone. I would like to find out which dumbphones I could switch to that could be used on a 4G/5G network.
For me it’s not solitude. It’s entertainment and tools. I can find better entertainment options, but tools like maps, messaging, music and podcasts while I drive, and looking up stuff on the fly…those are hard to give up and I can’t find a way to get those without a smartphone.
I miss basic flip and slider phones from pre-2010 so bad.
Been using a dumb phone for almost a year. Very glad, but now I spend too much time on computer :( If it weren’t for TH-cam I’d have my screen time under control….
Is this a prepaid flip phone? Where can I buy a flip phone and can I just make it have my current number and AT&T service plan? I don’t know how to switch lol.
M addicted to prongraphy,so I quit smart phone.it’s so interesting without distractions
I wonder if there is a way to access email without access to everything else. Or just “print” information and email. It’s the videos that suck a person in…but we must use the computer for email…no way to opt out of everything else unless by ones own will power. Any inventors out there??
Great video,I want to do the same, I need it so bad
Great video: I'm thinking about it but what do you do when you need to use a GPS? my biggest issue is the ability for my family to know where I'm and Iphones can' do that while a flip phone cannot.
Whatsapp allows me to drop a pin sharing my location, maybe that could work for you.
What do you use to film the videos? Are you restricting that in any way - including time spent on video editing? I’ve been thinking of restarting my channel but also want to get off tech as much as possible so wondering how to go about it.
I love the ‘massive menu for life’ comment. That is it exactly! Well said!!
I use a point and shoot camera. My new values around making content are: 1) minimising editing required for TH-cam videos on this channel as much as possible (because I realised minimally edited videos are the types of videos I like to consume, and it means less time for me spent on screens) and 2) completely cutting out making short-form content because I'm not using Instagram or TikTok at the moment (which saves an hour plus a day). I'm still making vlogs when I feel called to, which I take time to edit and choose music for etc - it's a hobby I love so I'm not getting rid of it despite it involving me editing on my laptop. All about the cost benefit analysis I guess, and will be different for all of us! :)
great video
Thanks!!
same. to a Z FLIP 5 THAT IS!!!
Oh dear I put the iPad down and saw it was 6.36pm I planned to watch the news which started at 6.15 pm but I missed it as I was commenting here, Stupid me!!
Really loved this and you got a new sub from me :)
welcome :)
Iam So addicted that I am binge watching digital minimalism videos😅
What is the name of this book.
i really wanna do this with a querty phone! if anyone still uses a blackberry classic q20, samsung galaxy chat, etc. please lmk if its possible!
Now you can have time for your family and friends its good away fro smartphone
Just realised I should be giving supportive comments to you relating to your considerations about all of this. But I went into all about my journey. Sorry!
I am off to eat my tea. Phew!
I watch a lot of you
Tube even tho I
Also use a flip phone as my main phone I
Only use my iPhone for social media I’ve taken breaks from my smart phone at home away from you tube baby steps
I am debating on switching back to a flip 📱. I find that I am addicted to my phone
Later this evening I am joining an Autism philosophy zoom meet. Or should I resist mmmmm!
Lately I’ve been feeling like Jesus wants me to read more and focus. All this idolatry sending people to hell fr, it’s crazy how life changed from back in the day with pay phones and old school phones.. that’s why so much sin in the world.. it’s hard to get a flip phone with school and etc! They want us to be robots but I feel so free without a phone. Once I got back to an android and iPhone I felt sad n depressed. I felt free off of these technologies phones. Even have dreams how it’s destroying us. I just pray we all get the strength to let go what’s holding us back from writing those books and becoming authors ! Time to read more and exercise, Pray, heal, be in nurture, read the Bible ALOT and experience meeting people in person!
We should go back pay phones.Remember when we all had little pieces of paper folded up in our wallets with all of our friends phone numbers on them?
Oh and got to turn the tv off.
Can you share the books you’re reading on this topic please? ❤
Yes :)
Do anybody want to accept Jesus christ as your savior he want to give you love and peace and happiness and joy and salvation and eternal life if you confess your sins
ur weird asf for this
Saaaaaaaame
I honestly agree with almost everything in this video. I don’t agree with you passing the blame off on all the tech companies and everything else. Sounds like a liberal with the not taking responsibility attitude. Yes they make things addictive and I think it’s terrible for society but it’s our own doing and we know that we’re falling into their trap. It’s not like you HAVE to use the smart phone.
I bet she won't last 3 months... Once the novelty of using a dumb phone goes away she'll be back to the smartphone
You know what Charlie I did not watch the whole of your video earlier as stuff cropped up. I feel guilty so now I am going to put my iPad up on the table in front of me and watch all of it while I twang my guitar.