I Tried To Kill My Smartphone Addiction With A Dumb Phone. Here's How It Went. | Business Insider

Summary

The video script details a personal experiment with a 'dumbphone' as an alternative to a smartphone to reduce screen time. Despite the average American spending four hours daily on their phone, the user spends over eight hours and decides to try a dumbphone. These phones offer basic functions like calling, texting, and GPS without social media distractions. The user explores using the dumbphone in New York City, noting the challenges with navigation, menu scanning, and texting without emojis. While the experiment didn't drastically change habits, it did make them more aware of their surroundings. The user concludes that while dumbphones can be a novelty, there are other ways to reduce smartphone usage.

Takeaways

• 📱 The average American spends about four hours daily on their phone, while the speaker admits to using their phone for over eight hours.
• 🏷️ The term 'dumbphone' refers to basic cellphones that can make calls, send texts, and may have GPS but lack social media and distracting apps.
• 👨‍⚕️ Medical experts have linked excessive screen time to issues like lack of focus, depression, and sleep deprivation.
• 📉 Some smartphone users are switching to flip phones to reduce screen time and increase presence in the real world.
• 💸 The cost of a dumbphone and service was approximately $145, which is significantly less than high-end smartphones like the latest iPhone.
• 🚗 The speaker found it difficult to use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft without a smartphone, highlighting the dependency on apps for certain services.
• 🎵 While the dumbphone had a music app, popular services like Spotify and Apple Music were not available, affecting the user's media consumption.
• 🐍 The dumbphone came with classic games like Snake, which the speaker found a surprising source of entertainment.
• 🗺️ Navigation using Google Maps was possible on the dumbphone, offering a seamless transition for the speaker.
• 🍽️ The speaker encountered challenges with QR code menus and texting, which were made easier by reverting to their smartphone.
• 📸 The dumbphone's camera quality was a downgrade from the speaker's iPhone, but it offered a nostalgic, fuzzy aesthetic.
• 🔙 Despite the experiment, the speaker found themselves reverting to their smartphone for various tasks, questioning the practicality of a dumbphone.

Q & A

What is the average daily screen time for an American according to the script?

The average American spends roughly four hours on their phone.

How much time does the speaker in the script spend on their phone daily?

The speaker spends about eight hours and 25 minutes on their phone daily.

What is a 'dumbphone' as described in the script?

A 'dumbphone' is a cellphone that has the ability to call, text, and might even have GPS, but without time-wasting features like social media and other distracting apps.

What are some health issues linked to screen time according to medical experts mentioned in the script?

Medical experts have linked screen time to lack of focus, depression, lack of sleep.

How much did the speaker spend on a dumbphone and service?

The speaker spent about $90 for the dumbphone and around $55 for service, totaling approximately $145.

Why did the speaker initially have high expectations for the dumbphone?

The speaker expected the dumbphone to cut down on their screen time and make them feel healthier and more empowered.

What challenges did the speaker face when trying to use the dumbphone for navigation?

The speaker found the typing aspect a bit tough due to having to click the buttons multiple times, but found the navigation itself seamless using Google Maps.

What was the speaker's experience with using a QR code menu on the dumbphone?

The speaker initially had trouble scanning a QR code menu but eventually found a QR code reader app that worked almost instantly.

How did the speaker feel about the texting experience on the dumbphone?

The speaker found the texting experience counterintuitive and slower, with no emojis, GIFs, or memes available.

What was the speaker's overall opinion on the dumbphone trend?

The speaker felt that the dumbphone trend was more of a novelty and didn't necessarily lead to more sleep or happiness, suggesting that there are other ways to cut down on screen time.

What was one positive aspect the speaker noted about using the dumbphone?

The speaker noted that using the dumbphone made them more present and aware of their surroundings.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Transitioning to a Dumbphone: Experiences and Observations

The paragraph discusses the trend of using dumbphones as an alternative to smartphones to reduce screen time. The speaker, who typically spends over eight hours daily on their smartphone, tries a dumbphone to see if it can help decrease their usage. Dumbphones are described as basic cellphones with calling, texting, and sometimes GPS capabilities but without distracting apps like social media. The speaker notes the potential health benefits, such as improved focus and sleep, and mentions the affordability of dumbphones compared to high-end smartphones. They recount their experience using a dumbphone in New York City, highlighting the challenges of not having ride-sharing apps, the presence of a music app, and the nostalgia of playing Snake. The speaker also reflects on the social implications of using a dumbphone, observing others' screen time and their own limited options for entertainment.

05:02

📸 Navigating Life with a Dumbphone: Challenges and Adaptations

In this paragraph, the speaker continues their experiment with a dumbphone, focusing on the practical challenges and social implications. They discuss the ease of navigation using Google Maps on the dumbphone, despite the inconvenience of typing on a keypad compared to a touchscreen. The speaker also tries to use a QR code menu at a restaurant, initially facing difficulties but eventually finding a solution with a downloaded QR code reader app. They express frustration with the slow and clunky interface of the dumbphone, especially when compared to their usual smartphone experience. The speaker also touches on the limitations of the dumbphone's camera and messaging capabilities, missing features like emojis and quick texting. Despite the novelty and the desire to appear 'edgy,' the speaker admits to feeling disconnected without their usual smartphone apps and eventually reverts to using their iPhone. The paragraph concludes with the speaker's acknowledgment of the trend towards dumbphones as a way to reduce screen time but expresses skepticism about its effectiveness and necessity.

Keywords

💡Dumbphone

A 'dumbphone' refers to a basic mobile phone that offers fundamental features like calling and texting but lacks advanced functionalities such as internet browsing, social media apps, and GPS. In the video, the term is central as the creator explores using a dumbphone to reduce screen time and digital distractions. The video mentions that dumbphones might have GPS but are devoid of time-wasting apps, making them an alternative for those seeking to disconnect from the constant connectivity of smartphones.

💡Screen Time

Screen time is the amount of time spent using electronic devices with screens, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. The video discusses the negative impacts of excessive screen time, such as lack of focus, depression, and sleep deprivation, as mentioned by the medical experts. The script uses the creator's personal screen time of eight hours and 25 minutes as a starting point to consider the benefits of using a dumbphone.

💡Smartphone

A smartphone is a mobile phone with advanced computing and internet capabilities, allowing users to access various apps and services. The video contrasts smartphones with dumbphones, highlighting the former's potential to contribute to excessive screen time and the latter's simplicity as a potential solution for reducing it. The creator notes the high cost of smartphones, which can be up to $1,000 for the latest models, compared to the more affordable dumbphone.

💡Flip Phone

A flip phone is a type of mobile phone that has a compact design with a hinge in the middle, allowing the front side (with the screen and buttons) to flip open and closed. The video script mentions a resurgence in the popularity of flip phones, possibly due to their nostalgic appeal and simplicity. The creator's experience with a flip phone in New York City is used to illustrate the ease of use and the 'cool and different' aesthetic it offers.

💡GPS

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a technology that uses a network of satellites to provide accurate location and time information. In the context of the video, the mention of GPS on dumbphones suggests that while these devices lack many features of smartphones, they can still provide essential services like navigation. The creator's experience with Google Maps on a dumbphone shows that navigation is a seamless transition.

💡Snake

Snake is a classic mobile game where the player controls a line that grows in length, avoiding obstacles and attempting to consume targets. The video script highlights the presence of Snake on the dumbphone as a nostalgic feature that the creator finds appealing. It contrasts with the absence of modern apps like Uber, Lyft, and Spotify, emphasizing the trade-offs between a dumbphone and a smartphone.

💡QR Code

A QR code is a type of barcode that can be scanned by smartphones to quickly access information, such as opening a website or displaying a menu. The video describes an encounter with a QR code menu at a restaurant, which the dumbphone struggles to read initially. This example illustrates the limitations of dumbphones in certain modern scenarios, where smartphones offer more convenience.

💡Venmo

Venmo is a mobile payment service that allows users to make and share payments with friends. The video script mentions the absence of Venmo on the dumbphone, which forces the creator to use a traditional payment method. This highlights the convenience of smartphone apps for everyday transactions and the limitations of dumbphones in this regard.

💡Selfie

A selfie is a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a smartphone and shared on social media. The video touches on the creator's fondness for selfies using the iPhone camera and the potential adjustment needed to appreciate the different aesthetic offered by the dumbphone's camera. This reflects the cultural significance of selfies and the role of smartphone cameras in capturing and sharing personal moments.

💡Instagram

Instagram is a social media platform focused on sharing photos and videos. The video script references the creator's habitual use of Instagram, especially for sharing meals and experiences. The absence of Instagram on the dumbphone underscores the device's lack of social media integration, which is a significant factor in the creator's decision to revert to using their smartphone.

💡Tap-to-Pay

Tap-to-pay refers to a contactless payment method where users can pay for goods and services by tapping their smartphones or payment cards on a payment terminal. The video mentions the lack of tap-to-pay options like Apple Pay on the dumbphone, which contrasts with the convenience offered by smartphones for making payments on the go.

Highlights

The average American spends about four hours on their phone daily.

The speaker's personal daily average screen time is eight hours and 25 minutes.

Dumbphones are cellphones with basic functions like calling, texting, and possibly GPS, without social media or distracting apps.

Screen time has been linked to health issues such as lack of focus, depression, and sleep deprivation.

Some smartphone users are switching to flip phones to reduce screen time and increase presence in the real world.

The cost of a dumbphone and service was $145, compared to the high cost of smartphones like the latest iPhone.

Dumbphones lack popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.

The speaker found it difficult to use music streaming apps like Spotify on a dumbphone.

Snake, a classic game, is available on dumbphones.

Using a dumbphone made the speaker feel more present in their surroundings.

Google Maps is usable on dumbphones for navigation, offering a seamless transition for users.

Dumbphones have a physical keyboard which is less convenient for typing compared to touchscreens.

QR code menus are not easily accessible on dumbphones without a dedicated app.

The speaker found it challenging to navigate a website on a dumbphone due to the lack of touchscreen functionality.

Texting on a dumbphone is less intuitive and lacks modern features like emojis and GIFs.

The speaker missed features like the high-quality camera and social media apps on their smartphone.

Using a dumbphone did not significantly reduce the speaker's screen time or improve their happiness.

There are alternative methods to reduce smartphone usage without switching to a dumbphone.

Dumbphones can serve as a conversation starter and offer a quirky, aesthetically pleasing design.

Transcripts

So the average American spends roughly

four hours on their phone.

For me, my daily average

is about eight hours and 25 minutes.

Not proud of it.

Maybe a dumbphone today will help me

pare down a little bit

and find alternatives to using my phone for so long.

But, I mean, I don't really see a big problem with it.

OK, here's the tea about these dumbphones.

Dumbphones are cellphones

that have the ability to call, text,

and they might even have GPS,

without all of those time-wasters

like social media and other distracting apps.

The medical experts have linked screen time

to lack of focus, depression, lack of sleep,

and I know I find it hard to go to bed

after scrolling TikTok for hours.

Over the last few years,

smartphone users are putting away their touch screens

and exchanging them for flip phones

in order to cut down on screen time

and just be more present in the world.

Last week we went and got a dumbphone ourself

and I tried it out around New York City.

The phone cost us about $90 to pick up at a nearby store,

and getting service was around $55.

But $145 isn't too bad for service and a new phone,

especially considering smartphones today

can range all the way up to $1,000

for the newest iPhone,

over that, actually.

When it comes to getting around the city without a car,

Uber and Lyft are two of the most important

ride-sharing apps,

so I immediately searched for those when I got this phone.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find them.

There is a music app.

I haven't connected to it yet.

So I do think it'd be possible

for me to listen to music on the subway.

For me, I use Apple Music,

so I wasn't really expecting to see an Apple Music app

on a Nokia phone.

But I looked out for my Spotify peeps,

and I was searching for Spotify

and other apps that you could maybe use, and no luck there.

I did notice it has my favorite game, Snake.

I honestly had high expectations

for it cutting down on my screen time.

You know, I thought that I was going to feel very healthy

and empowered to not have a smartphone in my face.

Compared to other people out and about,

I definitely noticed a lot more folks on the train

staring at their phone.

Meanwhile, I, you know, the only option I really had

was to play Snake on my phone.

Flip phones are kind of having a comeback, you know?

A little bit of Carrie "Sex and the City" vibe.

So I was excited to try out the phone

and look a little cool and different on the streets.

But actually having it in my hand, navigating New York,

it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

We are almost there, according to my map.

Navigation was a seamless transition for me.

This phone uses Google Maps as a navigation system,

so it's pretty standard.

If you use Google Maps, it's really no change at all.

Obviously, the typing aspect is a little tough

when you're typing in where you want to go

and having to click those buttons multiple times.

But once you get started and you're on your route,

it's really easy, really simple,

and feels just like using a iPhone.

So far, I feel like I'm spending

just as much time on this phone,

but it's probably because I'm navigating.

We'll see once we sit down at the restaurant

if I'm looking at it as much as I would my iPhone.

Let's eat.

OK, so we're here at Bubby's.

They have a QR code menu.

Let's see if we can scan it with this.

I'm holding the phone up to the QR code, as you can see.

Doesn't look like anything's happening.

I'm going to press the select button

to see if anything happens.

OK, no, it looks like I just took a picture.

I'm going to try to go to the app store

and see if we can find a QR code scanner app.

OK, it looks like we found some QR code reader options.

Oh, wow, it works almost instantly.

There we go.

We have the Bubby's menu pulled up.

It's kind of hard to get through the website.

It's definitely not as fast as my phone,

being able to physically touch the screen,

scroll, and get to what I want to get to.

But, I mean, it works, sort of.

There we go.

It was so hard to navigate the menu on this phone.

I'm going to cheat a little bit and get on my phone.

So easy to scroll now,

and then the words are so much bigger.

Just going to text my boyfriend really quick.

How do you do a space?

Oh, zero, OK.

What the heck?

This seems very counterintuitive as a way to text.

It's a little bit different.

There are definitely no emojis here

or sending GIFs and memes and things like that.

My God, it's going to take me like five minutes

to send one text.

So I am loyal to 0.5 selfies on my iPhone camera.

I would definitely miss that feature,

but I do love the fuzzy Y2K digital camera look,

and I feel like the flip phone

kind of gives me a little bit of that.

So I think I would learn

to enjoy the camera quality on this phone,

and, like, the quirkiness of it a little bit.

I mean, the buttons are cute, they're aesthetic.

I love the color of the phone.

So far, everything is going pretty well.

No disasters yet.

The novelty of it was nice for like the first hour,

but then, like, by hour like three, I was kind of like,

OK, I just want my buttons back.

I am already back on Instagram.

I mean, my daily use average is eight hours.

Did you guys really expect me

to go the whole time without pulling out my phone?

I feel like I've missed so much already.

Thank you.

So usually with a great meal like this,

my first instinct is to pull out my camera

and snap a picture for my Instagram story.

There's no Instagram story right now.

So, I mean, we can take a picture

just for memories maybe.

Usually when I'm out to dinner with friends,

now would be the time that we're using Venmo

or Zelle or Cash App to send each other money.

On this phone, there is no Venmo,

there's no Apple Pay or tap-to-pay,

so we'll have to do it the old-fashioned way

and get my card out to pay the bill.

So I can't say I've seen this trend much out in the wild.

I've seen it on TikTok. I've read about it in articles.

I've even written about it myself.

I think it's a trend right now for people

who are trying to be different a little bit.

I mean, good on you for trying

to cut down on your screen time.

Can't knock you for that at all.

For me, spending $90 on a dumbphone

didn't guarantee me more sleep

or make me happier all of a sudden.

And there are different ways that you can cut down

on your screen time,

if that's something that you need to do.

There's a lot of reasons why someone might choose

to switch to a dumbphone, and they're very valid.

But in today's age, I think there are a lot of tools

to cut down on smartphone usage

without going and buying a second phone to do that.

I just feel like it's more of a novelty.

This is something that would be a talking point

when you're out and about,

something people would ask you about and point at maybe

and start a conversation.

But for me, personally,

the only pro I really had was it made me more present

of my surrounding.

Outside of that, everything else that I got from the phone

I could get with my iPhone, and even more.

I'm like, it is cute though.

If you want to look edgy and different.

Hold on, I'm getting a call.

I'm just kidding.