Reducing Smartphone Addiction: The Trend of Reverting to Old Model Phones

According to a research, it is observed that Americans are turning back to old model cell phones as a solution to smartphone addiction. Last year, 2.8 million units of old model ‘dumb’ phones were sold in the USA. Participants mention that this change made their lives calmer and more active.

Some participants say that although they initially thought this transition was impractical, they later realized it was ‘liberating’. Those who gave up their smartphones express that they now feel more liberated and present in their daily activities.

• One participant mentions that his smartphone constantly put him in a ‘zombie mode’ and he struggled to focus on the moments he was experiencing.
• Another participant points out that with his old model phone, he got rid of the constant need to check emails and social media, and finds this situation relieving.

Individuals transitioning to old model phones state that after distancing themselves from smartphones, they interact more with the people around them and feel their experiences more deeply.

Efforts to reduce smartphone addiction include products like Unpluq that lock applications on smartphones to restrict usage, and companies producing simple devices as an alternative to smartphones. These initiatives aim to prevent the increasing smartphone addiction especially among children.

Activists draw attention to the increase in depression and anxiety rates coinciding with the rise in smartphone usage. Therefore, individuals who give up smartphones mention that they are now happier and more peaceful by directly interacting with people instead of technology.