Ditching the Smartphone

In a high-tech dominated world, many Gen Z are switching from smartphones to “dumbphones.” This trend started around 2023, with individuals ditching their smartphones to limit their screentime and get off of social media; some even declared a “dopamine detox” to give their brain a break from the highly addictive and highly stimulating usage of a smartphone. 

Dumbphones are basic cell phones, typically simple models like the classic flip phone or slider phone, that offer limited functionality, such as calling or texting, and lack the luxuries of high-tech devices. However, like most things, there is a spectrum of dumbphones that people can shop for to ease into the low-stimulation lifestyle. Some phones are “smarter dumbphones,” which include features like wifi/hotspot, music players, and cameras, so you can keep some of the modern necessities, but they still have limited capacities compared to a smartphone. 

It’s no surprise that excessive screentime can have adverse effects on one’s overall well-being, especially in a society dominated by screens. Popular criticisms, backed by research, about smartphones are the strain they have on your eyes over time and how too much social media usage can exacerbate mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. However, there are also physical effects like neck, shoulder, and back pain associated with the lack of activity one has due to “doom scrolling” or spending too much time behind the screen. In addition to that, cognitive development, in terms of social relationships, can also be impacted by the overuse of smartphones.  

People who have made this switch from a smartphone to a not-so-smart phone have expressed many ways in which they feel they’ve benefited from the decision. Using a dumbphone forces one to interact with the world around them in ways that you don’t typically have to with a smartphone. For example, without a smartphone, you may have to rely on others for directions, whether that be asking a stranger or phoning a friend. These social interactions can lead to connections that have a multitude of benefits, such as an increased sense of belonging, improved mental and physical health, and social connections have even been linked to longer lifespans. 

The idea of switching to a dumbphone was daunting for many who have already done so, and still is to those toying with the idea. However, in a society that is currently facing many cases of polarization, doing things to uphold collectivism and connect with others can do a world of good. Aside from the individual pros and cons of various forms of device usage, a larger picture is the impact of these things on communities. 

So yes, some people are ditching their smartphones for dumbphones to give themselves a break from the everyday strain of technology, but also to connect with the world and community around them. 

By: Elaina Irving, Opinion Editor