Article:How I quit my smartphone addiction and really started living

[Cougar]

Link here: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/11/smartphone-technology-addiction-facebook-twitter

I don't advise dropping your smartphone because of so many things it can do, but considering most are spending over $100 a month, it's worth considering. I could live without mine if I were fire, work is the only reason I have to have it and I will definitely be leaving it in the drawer when I do go fire as much as possible.

i'll already take a sunset, a book or a good meal over whatever is on facebook, twitter or the internet; I hope to increase that so I check the smartphone about once a day when I go fire, if that; I check personal email about every 2 or 3 days; no reason the smartphone cant have the same treatment.

[alsoknownasDean]

I found that even just ditching Facebook helped reduce the amount of time I was using my phone.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

[herbgeek]

I don't have a smartphone- my flip phone works fine when people need to reach me when I'm out.   I work from home now, so I'm fully reachable in all the usual ways.  I have a (wi fi) tablet for apps, a laptop, a work laptop and a land line (yes I AM old) as well as a cell phone.  I fully expect to go purchase a smartphone when I'm retired as I don't plan to be in front of my computer nearly as much.  I'd like to have that utility on a mobile basis, I just don't need it now.

[MandalayVA]

I found that even just ditching Facebook helped reduce the amount of time I was using my phone.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

There is irony here.  :D

[Lnspilot]

I saw that too, MandalayVA! It made me chuckle.

But alsoknownasDean, I deleted the Facebook app as well, along with twitter, instagram, etc. I got a little inspiration from The Minimalists podcast #2, Technology about apps and smartphones. http://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/

[ender]

Link here: things it can do, but considering most are spending over $100 a month, it's worth considering.

You really think most people on this forum are spending $100/month on smartphones?


We spend $30/month. For two.

[Gyosho]

Preaching to the choir.

I also have just a flip phone. The service costs me around $100 a YEAR.

[FLBiker]

Flip phone user here, too.  No tablets, either.  I've got a laptop at home, along with a work laptop and work desktop.  No Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

I had FB when it first started, but I found that, after 30 minutes looking at FB, I was almost always in a worse mood.  So I deleted my account ~4 years ago.

I work at a university, and it is fascinating to me how much time people (of all ages) spend staring at their phones.

[Bardo]

Considering the convenience and versatility of mobile phones, I have a hard time understanding the rationale for using an old-style flip-phone.  I think most people think phones are worth the cost.  Yes, people stare at their phones, but as long as they are not driving I don't see the harm in it.  Would you rather people were staring off into space?

[SoftwareGoddess]

Considering the convenience and versatility of mobile phones, I have a hard time understanding the rationale for using an old-style flip-phone.  I think most people think phones are worth the cost.

Another flip phone user here. No tablet, two home PCs. I don't think I'm missing out on anything by not having a smartphone except for more security headaches. Well, also, a new gadget to play with. That does tempt me, but not enough to spend rather a lot of money that doesn't need to be spent.

Yes, people stare at their phones, but as long as they are not driving I don't see the harm in it.  Would you rather people were staring off into space?

In many cases, I'd like them to be more aware of their surroundings. If they are just amusing themselves in a waiting room, then I think that's a fine use of a phone. If they are walking through the grocery store, blocking the middle of the aisle, or bumping into me, then not so much.

[simpleFIblog]

I made the switch to Google Fi recently and, more than the cost, I think the biggest benefit of the change has been reducing my smartphone obsession. I had long since deactivated my personal Facebook account, but still found myself mindlessly scrolling through articles and such without purpose. Having to pay for each MB of data has reduced this temptation and, I feel, given me a better relationship with my phone.

I don't think it's necessary to drop a smartphone completely, just do something to limit your reliance on it. Delete time-wasting apps. Leave it a home. Set a curfew and turn it off at a certain time. There are plenty more reasonable solutions.

[Kaydedid]

Recently misplaced the smartphone, so activated an old flip phone for a week or two until it was found.

Found it 10 days later, but still haven't reactivated it.  Truth be told, the smartphone was a huge time suck with only a little extra utility.  The only thing I missed was being able to text quickly, but even that was not that big a deal.  I may never go back!

[JLee]

I can't turn mine off - I am on call for work.  The bright side is I get reimbursed twice what my phone service actually costs.

[Chris22]

Another flip phone user here. No tablet, two home PCs. I don't think I'm missing out on anything by not having a smartphone...

OTOH, I have two ancient PCs (2005 and maybe 2008?) that get almost zero use, and two iPads that are 4-5 years old that we barely use anymore, now that we've got bigger screen iPhones (both have an iPhone 6, mine through work, hers we pay for).  Basically, aside from work, 98% of my computing is done on my phone.  I don't think ditching the phone and doing that same stuff on the computer would enrich my life.  If it wasn't for the phones, I'd be looking to upgrade either computer(s) or iPad(s), so it's basically net neutral.

[GuitarStv]

GuitarStv lifetime cell phone expenses:  0$

[SoftwareGoddess]

OTOH, I have two ancient PCs (2005 and maybe 2008?) that get almost zero use, and two iPads that are 4-5 years old that we barely use anymore, now that we've got bigger screen iPhones (both have an iPhone 6, mine through work, hers we pay for).  Basically, aside from work, 98% of my computing is done on my phone.  I don't think ditching the phone and doing that same stuff on the computer would enrich my life.  If it wasn't for the phones, I'd be looking to upgrade either computer(s) or iPad(s), so it's basically net neutral.

My PCs are fairly old as well -- desk top from 2009, lap top slightly newer. Not planning to upgrade any time soon, unless my needs change.

I'm not suggesting that using a PC is somehow "better" than using a smartphone. But it's not any worse, either.

[flan]

I am typically pretty glued to my smartphone, 2-3 hours a day, I would imagine, which is AWFUL. I only admit this (and accept facepunches) to try to suggest that it is a coping mechanism for the pre-FIRE'd, and this is why.

For two weeks out of the year, I go on vacation to hang out on the beach with the family. While there, I hardly EVER look for my phone except maybe to clarify the rules for a board game or something. I also bring a laptop but the sucker basically never gets touched. I truly think that, after FIRE, that I would be a lot more purposeful about "wasting" my time and energy on little screens when I could be out and about enjoying life. For now, it feels like a coping mechanism to numb me through the work day...

[zephyr911]

I know this is bad, but just reading the title of this thread damn near gave me an anxiety attack.

I always end up more relaxed once I get past the initial terror, but damn.

[herbgeek]

I have a hard time understanding the rationale for using an old-style flip-phone.

Because its cheap.  Cost me $15 at Target to purchase and about $100 a year to operate.

And as for:

Would you rather people were staring off into space?

There's always making small talk and conversation with other people.  That surely has gone by the wayside.  At a work trip not too long ago, I went to the bar to have dinner and maybe strike up a conversation or two.  There was none of that, everyone had their faces in their phone.  It used to often be a highlight of my trip- to find out about an interesting place or a must-go-to restaurant just from talking with other travelers.  Doesn't happen anymore.

[use2betrix]

I have an iPhone 6s Plus and my wife my old 6 plus. We also have a $130 cell phone plan.

My phone also replaced my home internet (haven't paid for it in 4+ years) it replaces a computer or tablet at home. Haven't bought a computer in 7? Years and never use the one I have.

Also, my work is critical to get ahold of me. Many places I work at (remote construction sites) the service is not as good. T Mobile doesn't work at my current job site. I have ATT.

I also move all over the country regularly. Some places get better coverage with certain carriers than others. I've never had an issue with ATT anywhere.

My phone takes the place of so many other objects. It is a computer, a tablet, an MP3 player, a camera, a phone, its used for audio books in the car, it's my gaming system, web cam, you name it. Sure, some of these can be combined with other items but still.

If I had a house in one place and didn't move all over the country I'd be more likely to get a cheaper plan.

[JLee]

I have an iPhone 6s Plus and my wife my old 6 plus. We also have a $130 cell phone plan.

My phone also replaced my home internet (haven't paid for it in 4+ years) it replaces a computer or tablet at home. Haven't bought a computer in 7? Years and never use the one I have.

Also, my work is critical to get ahold of me. Many places I work at (remote construction sites) the service is not as good. T Mobile doesn't work at my current job site. I have ATT.

I also move all over the country regularly. Some places get better coverage with certain carriers than others. I've never had an issue with ATT anywhere.

My phone takes the place of so many other objects. It is a computer, a tablet, an MP3 player, a camera, a phone, its used for audio books in the car, it's my gaming system, web cam, you name it. Sure, some of these can be combined with other items but still.

If I had a house in one place and didn't move all over the country I'd be more likely to get a cheaper plan.

Have you tried T-Mobile lately? Their expansion over the last year has been massive.

[use2betrix]

I have an iPhone 6s Plus and my wife my old 6 plus. We also have a $130 cell phone plan.

My phone also replaced my home internet (haven't paid for it in 4+ years) it replaces a computer or tablet at home. Haven't bought a computer in 7? Years and never use the one I have.

Also, my work is critical to get ahold of me. Many places I work at (remote construction sites) the service is not as good. T Mobile doesn't work at my current job site. I have ATT.

I also move all over the country regularly. Some places get better coverage with certain carriers than others. I've never had an issue with ATT anywhere.

My phone takes the place of so many other objects. It is a computer, a tablet, an MP3 player, a camera, a phone, its used for audio books in the car, it's my gaming system, web cam, you name it. Sure, some of these can be combined with other items but still.

If I had a house in one place and didn't move all over the country I'd be more likely to get a cheaper plan.

Have you tried T-Mobile lately? Their expansion over the last year has been massive.

My boss switched from Verizon to T-Mobile a couple months back. He returned it due to no service.

I've tried sprint twice, both times I cancelled due to service issues. One in Iowa and once in Texas.

[JLee]

I have an iPhone 6s Plus and my wife my old 6 plus. We also have a $130 cell phone plan.

My phone also replaced my home internet (haven't paid for it in 4+ years) it replaces a computer or tablet at home. Haven't bought a computer in 7? Years and never use the one I have.

Also, my work is critical to get ahold of me. Many places I work at (remote construction sites) the service is not as good. T Mobile doesn't work at my current job site. I have ATT.

I also move all over the country regularly. Some places get better coverage with certain carriers than others. I've never had an issue with ATT anywhere.

My phone takes the place of so many other objects. It is a computer, a tablet, an MP3 player, a camera, a phone, its used for audio books in the car, it's my gaming system, web cam, you name it. Sure, some of these can be combined with other items but still.

If I had a house in one place and didn't move all over the country I'd be more likely to get a cheaper plan.

Have you tried T-Mobile lately? Their expansion over the last year has been massive.

My boss switched from Verizon to T-Mobile a couple months back. He returned it due to no service.

I've tried sprint twice, both times I cancelled due to service issues. One in Iowa and once in Texas.

Sprint is terrible. T-Mobile has made huge strides - keep an eye on them, as I wouldn't be surprised if they matched Verizon pretty soon. Reference. If most of your service area is 2G/3G and not LTE, then it might be a while.

[Rural]

Another flip phone here. It's my fancy new upgrade. Free from AT&T because they quit supporting my candybar phone a year ago.


Husband also has a flip phone.

[pachnik]

Yet another flip phone here too.  Telus gave me this one for free when they wouldn't support my old one. 

[alsoknownasDean]

I found that even just ditching Facebook helped reduce the amount of time I was using my phone.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

There is irony here.  :D

Haha, yes there is. Although I did say reduce and not totally eliminate :)

I saw that too, MandalayVA! It made me chuckle.

But alsoknownasDean, I deleted the Facebook app as well, along with twitter, instagram, etc. I got a little inspiration from The Minimalists podcast #2, Technology about apps and smartphones. http://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/

Yeah I deleted the apps ages ago (Facebook autoplaying videos was the deal breaker for me), but still ended up visiting Facebook. It was easier to deactivate it altogether. :)

And yeah, $100+ a month is a lot for a smartphone plan. I'm spending $40 and could probably drop to the $30 plan next month.

I have considered cancelling my DSL and going for a larger mobile plan and tethering, but the numbers don't make it worthwhile for me yet.

[big_slacker]

I appreciate that the author felt 'addicted' (but really just had bad habits), and did something about it.

For me the smartphone is so incredibly useful and replaces several devices I used to have separately. I have facebook on it, but only use it for uploading kid or outdoor photos. I have a rule to only check facebook once a day anyway and it's a waste of my one check to see it on the small screen. :D

I agree with the idea of not having your head in a device all day, you will hurt your quality of life.

[Nickyd£g]

I have a hard time understanding the rationale for using an old-style flip-phone.

Because its cheap.  Cost me $15 at Target to purchase and about $100 a year to operate.

And as for:

Would you rather people were staring off into space?

There's always making small talk and conversation with other people.  That surely has gone by the wayside.  At a work trip not too long ago, I went to the bar to have dinner and maybe strike up a conversation or two.  There was none of that, everyone had their faces in their phone.  It used to often be a highlight of my trip- to find out about an interesting place or a must-go-to restaurant just from talking with other travelers.  Doesn't happen anymore.

I totally agree. I usually travel in Europe alone on vacations, and over the last couple of years a severe drop off in the number of people who will chat to me, let alone talk to the people they are on holiday with!  Last holiday, in Greece, the only conversation I had was with an elderly couple.  And every night, couples were sitting across from one another, in a beautiful taverna facing the sea, staring at their phones.  It is just sad.

[MasterStache]

Flip phone user here. My wife even bought our 11 year old son a smart phone. Many hours have been wasted by both (him on video games and her trying to figure out how to block certain things on the phone). I also don't have Facebook, Twitter or any other "social" accounts.

[dramaman]

I have a budget android smartphone with a legacy t-mobile prepaid account. Wifi only, no data plan. Calls only for emergencies or when I need to immediately talk to my DW. Costs me around $20 per year.

Wife uses budget android smartphone with H2O MVNO for keeping in touch with girl scout parents and to text her brother and me. Costs around $40 per year.

At home, the family uses Anveo VOIP and Google Voice for personal and telework business calls. Spent $40 last year.

[Rollin]

I found that even just ditching Facebook helped reduce the amount of time I was using my phone.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

Glad I never started!  (sounds like what I say about smoking :)

[Rollin]

Considering the convenience and versatility of mobile phones, I have a hard time understanding the rationale for using an old-style flip-phone.  I think most people think phones are worth the cost.  Yes, people stare at their phones, but as long as they are not driving I don't see the harm in it.  Would you rather people were staring off into space?

Or having a conversation with the person (or family) sitting next to them?

[Rollin]

I have a hard time understanding the rationale for using an old-style flip-phone.

Because its cheap.  Cost me $15 at Target to purchase and about $100 a year to operate.

And as for:

Would you rather people were staring off into space?

There's always making small talk and conversation with other people.  That surely has gone by the wayside.  At a work trip not too long ago, I went to the bar to have dinner and maybe strike up a conversation or two.  There was none of that, everyone had their faces in their phone.  It used to often be a highlight of my trip- to find out about an interesting place or a must-go-to restaurant just from talking with other travelers.  Doesn't happen anymore.

Was out with the DW last Friday after work.  She wanted to meet up with another group of people and do some networking.  Not much room at the bar at first so we stood behind the few in the group that had a seat (3 people).  No conversation with the one that kept her back to the group the whole time while she was on her phone - flipping through.

Once we sat down (next to flipper) no conversation with others (she was between us and the others).  So, why meetup?

As to the OP - I have a Smartphone, but 99% used for phone calls and text.  I do like having it for the other 1% when I am out of town and trying to find something/place of business.  I know I could have a GPS for this, but they are so often out of date and cannot get you to the final destination very well.  I don't use it for other things involving social media.

[gliderpilot567]

once upon a time, I had a galaxy S4 on Verizon, which I sold when the contract was up. I then got the most expensive Republic phone.
Last year, I dropped that phone on the pavement while playing baseball with my kids, and the phone was totaled. I replaced it by buying the cheapest available, used Republic phone.

I use my phone for phone calls, text, and email. I do use random other apps like camera, mapping, and my bank app, but the first three uses are 90% of what I do with the phone. When I replaced my phone the last time, I never installed Facebook on it. Still have an account, but haven't checked it in months. I am so much happier.