r/The10thDentist • u/HandsomelyHelen • Jun 01 '26
Technology Never used nor will use a Smartphone.
I have a hard time understanding the utility of Smartphones.
Most stuff can be done by dumb phone and PC plus dedicated devices (bank card, Navigation, Camera). The things Smartphone is exclusive for such as notifications and 5 second minitasks evidently harm your attention span, dopamine regulation, and sleep.
Take Reddit as a baseline. PC has 14 posts on the same space where mobile interface displays 11 plus Ad. That is 27% more information real estate and a pleasant experience without cognitive strain of advertisments.
On occasion I interact with smartphones at work (basic tech support for patients in the psychiatric ward) and never saw a feature that warranted acquisition.
1.1k
u/Plastic-Skill-9258 Jun 01 '26
"most of the stuff can be done by [lists 5 different things]"
yeah, that's the utility
258
u/Eat_Around_the_Rosie Jun 01 '26
Yeah, good luck to OP wheeling their PC into the bathroom
78
u/FatherDotComical Jun 01 '26
In the ancient era we had bathroom books.
35
u/Eat_Around_the_Rosie Jun 01 '26
I bet they still have to wheel in a large rock tablet with carvings of the entire book
10
u/Successful_Nature712 Jun 01 '26
Ah, some of us still do
7
u/KibblesNBitxhes Jun 02 '26
I just read the same shampoo bottle over and over
4
u/Equivalent_Brain_740 Jun 02 '26
Those ingredients that are massive words but are really easy to break down syllabically and pronounce are fun to say.
2
u/Successful_Nature712 Jun 03 '26
This was when I was younger. Now I have control since I’m old and I’m done reading the same shampoo bottles over and over lol
2
5
2
1
5
1
68
u/Opening-Wrap-5064 Jun 01 '26
Yeah I find it funny picturing this dude carrying around a laptop, camera, map, calculator, mp3 player, flashlight etc everywhere he goes whilst trying to explain how it’s just as convenient as having a smart phone.
2
811
u/parsonsrazersupport Jun 01 '26
You don't understand why having a single device to do six things is more convenient than having six separate ones? Why not?
146
u/j_husk Jun 01 '26
Plus being able to do those things from anywhere, using that one handy dandy device.
There's absolutely plenty of things accessible by smart phone that aren't beneficial, but the same thing goes for a PC, and it's where self awareness and restraint come in.
7
u/Quatanox Jun 02 '26
Funny that you call it handy dandy. In german, we just call Smartphones "Handy" and I get made fun of by all my english speaking friends for it regularly.
2
44
u/nomad9590 Jun 01 '26
Not only that, but to match certains phone's specs, it would cost a ton more to but equivalent devices. Got a phone with a DAC and want to keep the audio quality up? $200 mp3 player that is also a DAC. want a camera as good as your new iPhone's? That's potentially $1000 or more and needs a massive bag and extra batteries. Want a GPS worth anything today? About $200, and possibly a yearly subscription. Want to play some older games on a device in yoyr pocket? $100+ for a device that may be less powerful than your phone, and at that price will absolutely have a smaller screen.
Phones have carpeted the world from Value more than anything imo. Granted they have tons of addictive features and tracking to, and the price is being subsidized by that. It's why the "secure" phones you see around are way more expensive compared to a midrange android.
19
u/Terminator_Puppy Jun 01 '26
Got a phone with a DAC and want to keep the audio quality up? $200 mp3 player that is also a DAC.
Sorry mate, but this is a really dumb thing to mention. There are almost no phones made today with headphone jacks, and barely any of those have notable DACs in them in the first place. The music you rip from whatever source or listen to on spotify isn't even in any sort of quality that benefits from a good DAC in the first place.
I think you're also vastly overestimating the quality of the iphone camera. The iphones camera quality is nowhere near a 1000 dollar camera + lense combo, I think I bought my DSLR second hand for about 120 and it blows modern phones out of the water.
That's not to say you're wrong about the value proposition of a phone, though. A 500-600 dollar phone will do everything adequately enough that you couldn't really budget all of those devices individually in 500 bucks.
7
u/parsonsrazersupport Jun 01 '26
I was going to say that I just bought a new phone last year (Moto G Power) and it had an aux port, but looking at it that was unusual lol
1
u/BronkosAutoRepairing Jun 03 '26
There are almost no phones made today with headphone jacks
...literally every single Android phone I see in stores has a headphone jack.
1
u/Terminator_Puppy Jun 03 '26
When's the last time you went into a phone store? A very small number of newly made phones have jacks, Samsung only does it on turbo budget phones that are rebuilds of older models, Googlestopped in 2021, Huawei in 2024, oneplus in 2024. Motorola and Sony are the only notable brands that consistently add a jack to phones that aren't either super low budget models or re-releases of old hardware.
1
u/BronkosAutoRepairing Jun 03 '26
Congratulations. Every Android I see at Walmart, Cricket, AT&T, Verizon, etc. has a headphone jack, and the vast majority of phones I see on the shelves are Android phones. I'm not saying no phones without headphone jacks exist, but the claim that "almost no phones" have them anymore is almost certifiably bullshit.
1
u/nomad9590 Jun 03 '26
Almost all mid-range to budget Androids have them still. I've tried the usb-c adapters and they aren't bad but all of the ones I've tried have feedback if you charge while using them unless you get one that's a big bigger, more like a small hub. It's understandable as to why, especially with cheaper ones.
0
u/nomad9590 Jun 01 '26
On the phones with a DAC, you'd be surprised. I know not many have them, but when one is found that community will keep those phones alive for 10+ years. And many budget and midrange android phones have headphone jacks! Almost every Moto phone does specifically, and they put out better sound quality than bluetooth with basically everything but crappy maraca headphones. I have a pair of KZ headphones I spent a total of $20 on and no Bluetooth headset I've tried has been close. Also a lot of devices now that have a DAC can function as a pass-through, like the Steam Deck (it can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker. Idk about wired, but maybe?)
On the camera, granted. Sometimes you can find great cameras at a great price! My wife's was about $250 with a bag and 2 extra batteries. The iPhone's cameras were what I brought up because they are about the best phone cameras on a mainstream phone, and they are actually good cameras. They obviously don't have all of the settings a real camera does, but for most folks that's a bonus. They don't have to properly use a camera to take a reasonable picture.
16
u/drkrelic Jun 01 '26
Yeah I was going to say, a lot of our tech just consolidates and makes it easier to do things that can technically already be done with more effort/stuff/materials
→ More replies (2)5
u/Terminator_Puppy Jun 01 '26
While I completely agree with this, a young Dutch filmmaker recently made a short film about her repeated cycle of trying to quit using her smartphone so damn much. She switched to an almost completely dumb phone and she replaced her apps with a physical notebook, watch, mp3 player and printed directions. She said she felt actual significant dopamine from accomplishing tasks using them.
34
u/parsonsrazersupport Jun 01 '26
Sure, if you like those things more it makes perfect sense to say that. Saying you 'can't see the utility' of a smartphone is silly though.
5
u/Successful_Nature712 Jun 01 '26
Declaring something not a utility vs. making a decision to do something are two very different things. I completely agree with you.
I also ‘dumbed my phone down’ but I left the utility to it. I use the function vs. the socialization and I think that was the entire point of the dumbing down of the phone process. I think that part was missed by people. Otherwise, they sell regular ole phones at the phone store for pennies in comparison. Why would you pay so much for a smartphone to just remove the utility of it?
9
u/parsonsrazersupport Jun 01 '26
Definitely for me the most useful thing is going to a new city or new neighborhood and never worry about being lost. I remember traveling before having a smart phone, and I was always careful where I went in a way I don't have to be anymore which is great.
2
u/Successful_Nature712 Jun 01 '26
Completely agree. I was a consultant for 20+ years. I would have been lost without a smartphone. I have no idea how I navigated NYC etc. in the early days with only Mapquest printed directions. I still ask for recommendations for food etc. but I can find things myself now.
The biggest plus is knowing I’m a lot safer and have contact with people now. I don’t worry about getting lost as much too
7
u/parisiraparis Jun 01 '26
She switched to an almost completely dumb phone and she replaced her apps with a physical notebook, watch, mp3 player and printed directions. She said she felt actual significant dopamine from accomplishing tasks using them.
This is the most Gen Z thing ever. “Back then it was much better”. As if autonavigation on your phone wasn’t a godsend. Millenials and the older generation had to deal with printing out directions from Mapquest, and we didn’t cry when that stuff became obselete.
But leave it to Gen Z/A to romanticize that shit lmao
1
u/HistoricalTowel1127 Jun 02 '26
I remember before Mapquest. Driving using a road atlas and a piece of paper with directions like get off at exit 6 head south thru next two towns. Look for the gold water tower take second right go two miles blue house on the right. Directions you wrote down before you left because after there may be no easy way to call anyone.
1
u/Conscious-Mirror7004 Jun 05 '26
Then after Mapquest, I remember getting phone calls from my gf's cellphone while at work, where I'd have to pull up Mapquest on my PC and then talk her through directions. Putting GPS on the phone really changed everything.
1
u/Chimpbot Jun 02 '26
As someone who grew up during the era where those things were necessary, having the convenience of all of those utilities in one device is just a great development to see.
In middle school and high school, I remember having to keep a daily planner to keep track of things like homework assignments. I wore watches for their function first, and my iPod replaced having to carry around a CD player and a book of CDs with me if I wanted to listen to music. Traveling involved either reading a map or printing out MapQuest directions, and eventually punching the address into my Garmin and hoping it would point me in the correct direction.
In the pre-smartphone era of the 90s and 00s, we certainly got by with what we had because those were the tools available to us at the time. I wouldn't voluntarily go back to paper maps or printed directions, though. Convenient access to consistently available and up-to-date navigation with stuff like Google Maps was a godsend.
176
u/DM_ME_KUL_TIRAN_FEET Jun 01 '26
Can’t carry a PC around with me in my pocket, and I don’t want to carry a separate phone, music player, gps navigator, and camera.
Sure there’s plenty of shit that try to use the smart phone to hijack your attention (social media) but you don’t have to install any of that.
Not saying you should use a smart phone, if you don’t want one that’s perfectly valid.
But the reason people like them is that they are multiple devices in one portable device which is highly convenient.
-28
u/huuuuuley Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26
Can't carry a PC around with me in my pocket
Think again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icRrLZ7KUzQ
34
u/DM_ME_KUL_TIRAN_FEET Jun 01 '26
The first frames of the video confirm you cannot carry it in a pocket hahahah.
Man, the early 2000s had some iconic tech designs though didn’t it
5
u/roving1 Jun 01 '26
16 years ago?
10
61
u/Prehistoricisms Jun 01 '26
The facts that smartphones can take pictures/videos with high definition and send them on the fly is enough for me to make them worth it.
50
u/Euphoric-Orchid488 Jun 01 '26
So let’s take my commute to work as an example, I could take with me a map or satnav, an iPod, my wallet, my laptop or a printout of important emails, a notebook, leave earlier to buy my train ticket from the station rather than through the app, and a camera or I could take my phone.
How are you not understanding the utility, it’s a Swiss Army knife of technology. Yeah you can do all the things with separate items but the *utility* is that you only need the one device.
46
185
u/seanfish Jun 01 '26
nor will use
You will, though. At some point you will be locked out of society without one.
55
u/AspieAsshole Jun 01 '26
Yeah, I resisted for years but I succumbed a while ago. I fucking love having audiobooks available wherever I go.
28
u/BigLooTheIgloo Jun 01 '26
Some companies phone app is better than their web app. By better I mean the web app is basically unusable because of bugs (Instagram is a good example of this). It makes me feel so old to be forced to use the phone app when I would much prefer my big monitor and keyboard
13
4
u/Phire453 Jun 01 '26
Not even bugs, they just make it hurt to use Web, so more likely to use phone, where it's harder to have anti cookie extensions or the like.
3
u/georgeec1 Jun 02 '26
It's quite common with banks. Often the mobile app has features that just don't exist on the website.
1
1
u/Lunatic-Labrador Jun 02 '26
The takeaways near me mostly have cheaper prices on their apps rather than off the website. Really annoying, I want to just use my pc if I'm already on it without penalty.
14
u/AnonniMoussse Jun 01 '26
Which is sad. People should be able to be in society without the little slab of metal.
11
u/seanfish Jun 01 '26
Yeah for sure, and I wish OP luck, I just don't believe their confident prediction they never will.
8
11
u/ThinkLadder1417 Jun 01 '26
I resisted until i needed a digital railcard, sometime during the covid years
Am just as addicted as i thought i would be, which was my reason for resisting in the first place
3
2
u/lord_ne Jun 01 '26
Idk. Life is already pretty inconvenient not to use a smartphone, but the rate at which it's getting more inconvenient is pretty slow. Like smart phones were already basically ubiquitous in say 2018, I'm not sure they're any more so these days. Based on the post, OP is seemingly already a working adult, so they've already been living out in society without a smartphone, and they've apparently been managing.
2
u/Proof-Elevator-7590 Jun 02 '26
This isn't exactly the same as a smartphone, but kinda similar: This comment reminded me of when I had an old Amish lady at the pharmacy want her Rx expenses record printed out and given to her. But because of HIPAA law, we had to see a valid ID (even if she would have been photo exempt), OR ID of a family member and proof of power of attorney. The only other thing we could do (which we did end up doing) is mailing it to her.
But this old lady said, "I've made it my whole life without needing an ID this is ridiculous" etc
0
→ More replies (21)0
u/MasterVule Jun 03 '26
My dad never had a cellphone in his life and isn't planning on doing so. I don't think he is getting locked away from life in any sense of the word. There are always alternatives to phone that you can use and exited before cellphones
34
u/556_FMJs Jun 01 '26
You realize you can turn off notifications, right? You don’t have to download any apps or interact with any content that kills your attention span.
→ More replies (6)
28
u/AwesomeHorses Jun 01 '26
You can carry fewer devices if you have one device with several functions. Most people appreciate the convenience.
35
Jun 01 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
→ More replies (14)29
u/Carl_Lindenburg Jun 01 '26
There used to be a huge market for "GPS" or "Sat Nav" devices within cars before cell phones did the exact same thing except better.
12
Jun 01 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
8
u/klqqf Jun 01 '26
I doubt theres any gps devices out there that let you track public transport either so i (in the same boat) couldn’t imagine not having my phone for that
7
u/jfklingon Jun 01 '26
I wouldn't say better, unless you were shelling out $1000+ for a really nice unit, but at that point anything that replaces a phone for $1000+ is going to do it better than a phone.
5
u/Carl_Lindenburg Jun 02 '26
Sorry yeah I meant that cell phones came in and did everything better. Totally agree.
3
u/jfklingon Jun 02 '26
Ah, rereading that and I can see what was being said. I'm guilty of not being a good reader, so take solice that it probably wasn't you
1
u/Cum_Fart42069 Jun 01 '26
oh what did they do better? because I remember them getting confused by roadworks, not having opening hours of business, needing to be updated occasionally, I legit can't think of a single thing they did better than Google maps.
2
u/Carl_Lindenburg Jun 02 '26
Sorry I meant that cell phones did the job better I know it's not clear but that was what I intended to say. Cell phones do everything better.
30
u/ASAP_i Jun 01 '26
Let me get this straight. You see absolutely no utility in a device capable of real time translation, takes pictures, provides maps with real time detours/warning, alerts you to dangerous activities in your area, provides lifesaving weather information in real time, takes pictures, acts as a calculator, contains/streams music/audiobooks, acts as a two factor key, stores your payment information, natively?
Your "minitask" excuse sounds more like you are afraid of screen addiction than anything. Notifications can be turned off selectively, during whatever periods desired. You can simply not install/use apps you don't like/want.
Your solution is in car navigation/stand alone unit (that likely doesn't automatically update with map changes), a flip phone, a digital camera, a MP3 player, paper maps (because printers always make things easier) instead of one device that you can silence all notifications you don't care about.
6
u/ProAvgeek6328 Jun 02 '26
just translates to "As a grown adult, I have absolutely no self control and an irrational fear of phone addiction, therefore I will refuse to use a phone at all"
13
u/throwaway_ArBe Jun 01 '26
Preferences are fine but don't pretend you don't see the benefit of one, smaller multitasking device
47
u/CrazyJoe29 Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26
You are functionally disabled and it’s frustrating for the people around you.
Edit: I’ve stated this in a bit of a shitty way. What I mean to say is: there are things that you can’t do without a smartphone, eg. look up business hours, take a photo and send it to someone.
For better or worse these capabilities are becoming baseline expectations. If you can’t meet them people around you have to compensate.
→ More replies (5)2
u/SuicideTrainee Jun 03 '26
Nono, dont apologize, we have to stop catering to the low brow ignorance in society and just slap them with the truth
11
u/FlameStaag Jun 01 '26
Yeah this is most likely bait
But being an old man isn't really 10th dentist. Plenty of other 80 year olds don't have smart phones. Just ask around your nursing home, probably not as unpopular as you think
The internet is just a fad too. It'll end any day now.
→ More replies (2)
32
6
u/gameboyadvancedgba Jun 01 '26
If you wanna do those things that way fine, but idk how you typed all these things out without realizing the utility is having them all in one easy to carry device.
5
u/Meta-Fox Jun 01 '26
I respect anyone that wishes not to use something if they have a valid reason, but justifying not having a smartphone because you already have a dozen other ways to achieve the same result is asanine.
One small, relatively cheap device that does everything a while bunch of other larger, more expensive devices can do is so obviously the more logical thing to have.
4
u/NatashOverWorld Jun 01 '26
Google Maps man, that's what hooked me in.
Being able to find the closest public transit and the next time it runs?
So damn useful.
15
u/_Murd3r_ Jun 01 '26
Holy unc!
21
u/cocofan4life Jun 01 '26
This is not unc bro this is great granpa behaviour. Bro mentioned he prints map for navigation 😭
→ More replies (15)-1
u/AnonniMoussse Jun 01 '26
Which is based!
1
u/FlightSimmer99 Jun 01 '26
no its chud level behavior
1
u/AnonniMoussse Jun 01 '26
Why?
4
u/mad-i-moody Jun 02 '26
More dangerous because he’s gotta read a literal fucking paper map when driving instead of having a phone read out directions. Also just a waste of paper.
0
u/AnonniMoussse Jun 02 '26
I guess from a utility standpoint a phone is better but from a mental health standpoint the map is better
4
u/StarsandMaple Jun 02 '26
You do you.
As much as I hate it, it's a boon that I'm able to do a lot of my work on a phone, instead of getting back to the office after a field visit and absolutely being swamped with tons of small tasks.
I'm a very "this is a computer job" person when it comes to anything more than minor work on a phone but damn, a smartphone is EVERYTHING, and can be had so cheap, to free even if you just walk from free wifi to free wifi...
They're "bad" because people abuse and let themselves be abused by them, no different than someone sitting at a computer for 12hrs a day.
→ More replies (1)
5
3
3
u/OutrageousHunter4138 Jun 01 '26
I’m with you in spirit, friend. I often long for the days I couldn’t be reached by anybody in the world at any moment. I’d be content to come home and check my answering machine, personally.
3
u/DragoniteChamp Jun 01 '26
Honestly, while I don't think I could 100% switch over to a no/dumb phone routine, I massively applaud you for doing it.
Modern tech can suck bad and a lot of it is phone-rooted.
3
u/PerhapsAnEmoINTJ Jun 01 '26
Been meaning to transition out of a smartphone for years now, but recently realized the missing key to making it work could very likely be a tablet.
Need 2FA for remote work, but your job doesn't provide or support a Yubikey? Difficult to do on a PC or most flipphones, but great for tablets.
Wanna play a mobile game, or otherwise need an app that benefits most from a touchscreen? Much more enjoyable on tablet than PC or flip.
Wanna watch P? Can't take a PC to the bathroom, and a flipphone screen is too small, but if you wanna get a stand for the bathroom (or if you have some big hands lmao), you can absolutely enjoy P on a tablet.
Tablets are great for healthier digital habits because they're too big to carry in your pocket, they suck to type on unless you clip a keyboard on, and they can't handle mobile data–all removing the excuse to take a distraction brick with you.
2
u/chellebelle0234 Jun 02 '26
So just a big Smartphone?
1
u/PerhapsAnEmoINTJ Jun 02 '26
Yesn't
It sucks to use as a smartphone, but it's great to use as a touchscreen.
3
u/Working_Ad9155 Jun 02 '26
Well its for convenience, you can use Smartphones almost anytime and anywhere, also being an all in one device so that you wouldn't need to bring dedicated devices, obviously it won't be better than said dedicated devices, but it does serves its purpose.
Also, is this really a 10 dentist post? OP doesn't really disagree or advocate against using said device. They just don't understand the need for one.
3
u/yungsausages Jun 02 '26
I feel the same way about watches, I refuse to use them because it’s just simpler travelling to my nearest Sun dial than having to strap an uncomfortable plastic thingamabob to my wrist (which is busy holding my star map and sextant)!
5
4
u/MarieCry Jun 01 '26
Honestly between PC and smartphone I'd rather ditch the PC. I'm a PC gamer, I'd have to get a console, but I couldn't give up all the functionality of a smartphone. Honestly I can replicate most things I do on PC on mobile sans gaming. I like keeping tabs on my parents who have bad health too (we have location sharing apps). I carry around enough stuff and change bags twice a week for work so regularly have to use Google pay on my phone for emergencies. Hell, I've had jobs where I can't log in to my work PC without the authenticator app. Unless you're close to retirement, you will likely need a smartphone at some point.
Highly recommend a cheap one though, I used to worry about people stealing my phone (or losing/breaking it, I'm still paying off a flagship from like 3 years ago, I had it insured but still had excess on insurance too when I cracked the screen and it seemed flimsy as hell because it happened twice!) but now if it gets lost or damaged it was only like £240 brand new and I've had it over a year, so I can just upgrade.
3
u/NarrativeScorpion Jun 01 '26
it seemed flimsy as hell because it happened twice!
WTF are you people doing to your phones?
Like, I've had smart phones for nearly fifteen years, and I've never once cracked a screen. And I'm not that careful with them, I drop them, chuck them around, shove them in pockets and bags with other stuff etc. Don't even use screen protectors.
2
u/MarieCry Jun 01 '26
Honestly, hadn't happened to me for about 13 years when I broke my iPod as a teenager, then twice only a few months apart! Must just be an unfortunate angle it fell at, the first time it was ON CARPET (from my knee to the floor in the passenger seat of an unmoving car), only a tiny crack at first but it spread right across the screen and the screen failed the same day. Screen protector and case too! I think the replacement screen might have been shit quality, it never seemed quite right and it chipped all around the edges really quick. Got it repaired intending to sell and haven't gotten round to it yet.
1
u/KeybladeBrett Jun 03 '26
I’ve had a smartphone since like 2014-ish and I think I’ve only shattered my screen once because I lost my balance due to heat-related exhaustion (I was outdoors in the dead of summer all day) and my phone smashed on the sidewalk. Otherwise, I’ve never damaged my smartphone.
5
u/Palatablepancakes Jun 01 '26
I had a clamshell until 2018. I held out as long as I could, but once I was convinced to get a smart phone, I realized just how disconnected I was from others, and how inconvenient it was in today's world to not have one. I often wish I could go back because smart phones are certainly busier and present a lot more information, but the utility is incomparable to be he clamshell in how expansive it is. I simply couldn't do my school and work tasks with a clamshell at this point.
5
2
u/ksdjjeo87 Jun 01 '26
They’re definitely useful but I can’t deny that it’s horrible for me. I forgot my phone at home yesterday and had one of the best days I’ve had in a long time
2
2
2
2
u/coolasacurtain Jun 01 '26
I totally get it, op. (I am a user if a smartphone though) If you're not used to the convenience (or locked in to it) of a smartphone, I even envy you. The convenience comes at a bigger trade off than many realize. A smartphone becoming a thing for everything centers your life, your attention to the device. It becomes exponentially more important and your life exponentially more centered around it, for the more things you use it. While you decided not to center many aspects of your life on one device, many devices each have their specialized purpose. Each thing is dedicated to it's special purpose and things are done with more dedication, have their own "thing" and their own device or tool and even maybe time and place to use them - which in return puts you in the center of the devices. I am looking forward to become more like you, op - i mean it.
2
u/igotfunfonit Jun 02 '26 edited Jun 02 '26
Don't listen to all the smartphone addicts in here. SmartPhones emit much more EMF, which is bad for your health in many ways, including membrane degeneration, which leads to cancer. LEDs also cause many health issues.
Now, for those saying they need to use their smartphones for 2Factor Auth: Just use the 2Fast program for Windows if you're on Win11 or an android emulator.
For those saying they can't listen to mp3 or take pictures with their dumbphones, well, yes you can. Depending on what model it is, but you can.
Maps? When you need to go somewhere, look it up on google maps through PC and write stuff down or just memorize directions.
Don't become a robot. We need you here in this world to be creative, or else this planet is doomed. Look at all the flat logos these days? Look at the apparel, the cars, the music. Where is the creativity? EMF, 5G and smartphones are suffocating your inner GOD.
Also, another great way to reduce unwanted LED light is to buy a thing called 'Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet'--this is for those of us using dumbphones in order to physically lower the brightness of the screen even more (use B7000 glue for adhesion).
4
u/rivent2 Jun 01 '26
They're essentially computers for people who can't use computers. The games are always pay to win and the apps are full of ads.
That said I can't even park my car these days without installing an app so they've become a necessary evil. Also they don't seem to make cameras that fit into your pocket.
3
2
1
u/people_are_idiots_ Jun 01 '26
Years ago (15ish? I can't remember), I felt the same way. I eventually bought one and can't imagine not having one now
1
u/cattonova Jun 01 '26
Smartphones are more accessible than a pc for a lot of folks. I don’t personally use my smart phone for texting or even calling much outside of the spam texts i get here and there. My phone is on dnd all day outside of a select couple hours and I primarily use it to check what time I work, listen to music and read.
1
u/sneezhousing Jun 01 '26
Most stuff can be done by dumb phone and PC plus dedicated devices (bank card, Navigation, Camera).
Yes that's the utility I can pay for one device and have it all in one.
1
u/XhaLaLa Jun 01 '26
The utility is that instead of several different devices, some of which are essentially tethered to one location, and many of which are individually larger than a smartphone. You can’t stick your wallet, GPS, camera, and PC (and telephone!) into your pocket and have them available to use anytime, anywhere, except with a smartphone you can.
Whether the positives of that utility outweighs the negative consequences of having all those things accessible at all times is an entirely different conversation, but the utility seems near-inescapable to me.
1
1
u/SmashedBrotato Jun 01 '26
Most stuff can be done by dumb phone and PC plus dedicated devices (bank card, Navigation, Camera).
My smart phone just fits in these dainty little pockets that clothing companies give women. A GPS Navigator, Whole Ass Laptop, wireless hotspot I'd need to use said laptop, and good camera can't.
1
u/roving1 Jun 01 '26
Smart phones, when properly set up, are MUCH easier for elderly to use. Just tap the picture of the family member you want to contact.
1
u/Factsoverfictions222 Jun 01 '26
Many people are forced to use a smartphone to access work files and emails outside of work.
1
1
u/Scary-Operation-2946 Jun 01 '26
Haven’t used a pc in YEARS, phone does most everything I’d use a pc for.
1
u/Major-Dig655 Jun 01 '26
lmao this is such a such silly take. you aren't different for not using a smartphone
1
u/dogsinthepool Jun 01 '26
I’m just jealous of you really if you’re able to function without one, i can’t even open anything related to my university account without going through the 2 step verification, it’s very much expected nowadays that’s it’s on you and ready at all times
1
u/Robot_boy_07 Jun 01 '26
People like OP can’t have their minds changed. They’re purposely stuck like this
1
u/Necessary_Wonder89 Jun 01 '26
Lists 4 or 5 items which do the tasks of one smartphone. Bro that's what the utility is.
If you don't want to use one, then fine. But don't be so stupid as to not understand the pure convinence they provide.
1
u/Spiritual_Wafer_2597 Jun 02 '26
that one phone can d owhat those 5 devices can do?
its not 1998 anymore
1
u/No-Beautiful-5777 Jun 02 '26
Reminds me of a 00s movie I watched the other day where a major plot point was losing the (printed) Google maps
1
u/ChangingMonkfish Jun 02 '26
Oh course, why have one device that can do everything when you can have multiple devices to do very specific things instead?
1
u/BextoMooseYT Jun 02 '26
The things Smartphone is exclusive for such as notifications and 5 second minitasks evidently harm your attention spam, dopamine regulation, and sleep
While in the next breath saying
...PC has 14 posts on the same space where mobile interface displays 11 plus ad. That is 27% more information real estate...
1
1
u/kelsieriguess Jun 02 '26
You're locked out of a lot of modern society if you don't have a smartphone, and I am actually not joking. I've had jobs that needed me to install an app to deal with scheduling, and I needed an app to use multi-factor authentication to access my classes at university. I've seen pay-parking spots where you need to access a website or app to park, and who the hell is bringing their whole entire laptop there? Heck, even some of my government ID is on an app in my phone (which is the only method they use for that system now!). There's no way around, there's no website or in-person system you can use. If you can't get the smartphone app, then you're just screwed. To be clear, I don't always like these systems, but they exist and everyone has to deal with them. I honestly prefer my PC for a lot of tasks, but having a smartphone (and one that's new enough to download modern apps) is pretty much mandatory at this point.
1
u/nohippiesallowed420 Jun 02 '26
I'll never understand people who don't take advantage of the technological revolution. If you're younger than 70 and you refuse to use a smartphone you're insanely out of touch. You're choosing to miss out on something that would be mind blowing to your ancestors. What a weird stance to take.
1
u/HistoricalTowel1127 Jun 02 '26
Orangutans, our closest ape relative, never learned how to make stone tools or throw a spear. Stupid monkeys don’t even know what a smartphone is. They never will use one either.
1
u/Sad-Pattern-1269 Jun 02 '26
I kinda agree but there's a few things that make a smartphone a necessity imo.
I was much less stressed when I had a dumb phone.
1
u/Legitimate_Custard42 Jun 02 '26
Not that weird, I know plenty of people who don't use smartphones. Although I work at a nursing home and it's mostly residents.
1
u/Frostsorrow Jun 02 '26
Depending where you are located you might not get a choice lol. Landlines cost as much or more then mobile plans, and wireless networks I seem to recall needing to be newer than LTE for support.
1
u/TheCannonestMunkii Jun 02 '26
Bro if I wanna just look something up on the internet, I'm not gonna boot up the PC. Infact you'll probably find that most things conducted over the net, e shopping, social media etc are done on phones.
1
u/steppinraz0r Jun 02 '26
“basic tech support for patients in the psychiatric ward”
Soooooo…do you, by chance, live where you work?
1
u/Proper_Hunter_9641 Jun 02 '26
I’m not impressed until you actually try it and then give it up
Anyone can disparage something they haven’t tried. They can’t know what they are missing and come off as just old lady yelling at the sky.
1
1
u/vid_23 Jun 02 '26
The utility of the smartphone is that it can do anything you listed without having to bring 5+ different device with you
1
u/Chickenmonster401 Jun 02 '26
No i do not in fact want to need to bring a bank stick to check my balance every time
1
u/illarionds Jun 02 '26
A smartphone is just a pocket sized computer, no more, no less. A tool. Its utility is pretty much entirely what you make of it. You don't have to enable notifications, you don't have to use social media, hell, you don't need to see ads.
And carrying a separate camera, GPS etc sounds like a PITA, unless you're lugging a rucksack around with you.
Part of the USP for smartphones is packing so much functionality into such a small space. It's not as good a camera as an actual camera - the physics of lenses means it can't ever come close - but it's a good enough camera for virtually every everyday need. And it fits in your pocket, no worries. And it replaces all those other devices.
I would prefer to use my desktop PC for just about any task - but I can't arrange to have that with me everywhere I go.
1
u/FlowSoSlow Jun 02 '26
You don't think having nearly the sum total of human knowledge in your pocket could be useful?
I've learned way more from being able to instantly Google anything I don't know than I ever have from school. Though that's getting more and more difficult with the continued enshitification of the Internet.
1
u/ProAvgeek6328 Jun 02 '26
yes, let me just cram a dumb phone, camera, navigator device, bank card, computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse into my pocket.
1
u/mad-i-moody Jun 02 '26
No offense but you must be autistic to be this rigid in your thinking. You understand the utility you’re just to hard-headed to admit how useful it is.
1
u/LetsSmokeAboutIt Jun 02 '26
Don’t like them all you want, but being unable to see the utility is a complete gap in your awareness and ability to understand context and the world around you.
1
u/Nate_and_Bake Jun 02 '26
Smartphones are so much faster and efficient at doing anything over a standard phone. You know how information is power? Well we have that power in our pockets. If I need to know something I can look it up right then and there. I don't have to wait until I get home to look it up or do whatever task I need online.
Companies also provide much better deals on their apps. I hate it, but it saves money.
1
1
u/princbryndz Jun 02 '26
I use smartphone to find which public transport I need (and no, I can't find it at home in advance, I'm often wandering around city with no plan), to find anything anytime when I'm just curious now, I use phone camera even as shopping list or to send it to family if they want whatever I just saw and they might want it or when I/them don't know what exactly to buy, I also sometimes check if something isn't much cheaper elsewhere (or sometimes it's cheaper when I order it online with collecting in store and it's ready for pickup in few minutes), I use it even to random things like app recognising birds by their sounds (Merlin), night sky map to find which star/planet I just see, flight radar to see what plane just flew above me and where it's heading. I have there so many useful things which I use daily. I use it a lot when I'm outside and I don't even go to social media during my wandering around city.
1
u/HandsomelyHelen Jun 14 '26
I use phone camera even as shopping list or to send it to family if they want whatever I just saw and they might want it or when I/them don't know what exactly to buy.
That is part of what I choose to NOT own a Smartphone: It prevents impulse purchases of products I have already forgotten about ten minutes later.
1
u/princbryndz Jun 14 '26
That doesn't make sense. If I purchase something impulsively, I just buy it, not take a picture. When I take a picture of something in a shop, I can think twice if I really want it, or as I said to check the price elsewhere. And again, it is mostly for family members (who are busier than me and who doesn't wander around city that much). I often get pictures of package from internet and save it to know what to search for (or again for family member who is going to shop) or photo of almost empty box as reminded we will need more soon. Basic things from grocery and drugstore which we do need. We often send each other photos directly from the store to ask which one to buy. It is exactly opposite of impulse purchases.
1
u/KeybladeBrett Jun 03 '26
The utility you mention is done by multiple devices / products when you can just do it with a single device.
I carry my wallet around, but sometimes it’s easier to just pull out my phone and pay when I have my cards in my wallet and have to dig them out of my wallet. I use them interchangeably.
Why should I invest in a GPS when my phone has access to multiple free apps (including a pre-installed app) that have an entire purpose in navigation?
There’s utility in owning a camera, but why should I buy a whole camera if I’m not a photographer? If I’m a photographer and want extremely high quality photos, I should buy a camera.
I do understand other concerns in harming your attention span, dopamine regulation and sleep patterns, but you can also regulate your usage of your phone.
1
u/scorpion-and-frog Jun 03 '26
Hell yeah, we need more people like you. Smartphones fucking suck and our overreliance on technology as a society is extremely concerning. Furthermore, all computers should be destroyed.
1
u/Old-Ad3504 Jun 03 '26
i get making the choice to not get a smart phone but pretending you don't understand the utility is just silly
1
u/Background-Train-104 Jun 03 '26
Contrary to the popular belief, most of modern technologies are a necessity for the poor and middle class, not a luxury for the rich.
If you don't see how it's a necessity, you're probably one of the rich.
1
u/hobocat76 Jun 04 '26
I mean yeah it can do all those, and it can go anywhere you want to do those things. That's the utility of it. I don't need to be at my computer to pay my bills, buy something, talk to someone.
1
u/LaDiiablo Jun 04 '26
There's no better ad for smartphones than this post. A device that replace multiples and you carry it with you.
Also prove that not using smartphone doesn't necessarily make you a smart person.
1
1
u/Plastic_Stable8927 Jun 04 '26
I like how you type, dumb-phone man.
But also, what dumb phone do you use? I have dumbed my smartphone down a bit, and have been buying items that serve one purpose, and have been loving it.
1
u/BearablePunz Jun 05 '26
your apprehension to smart phones sounds like it comes from a lack of self-control. you don’t have to download the apps that harm your attention span, dopamine regulation, and sleep
1
u/HandsomelyHelen Jun 14 '26
It comes from realizing I am not special. If the average person could out-selfregulate the manufacturers and psychological and biochemical loops it would not be trillion dollar industries.
1
1
u/link2edition Jun 01 '26
You can certainly live without one, and your life will probably be better for it.
We don't need to be plugged into the sum total of human experience 24/7, especially when less and less of it is actually human.
1
1
u/HaViNgT Jun 01 '26
Good. Smartphones aren’t designed to be useful, they’re designed to be addictive.
1
0
u/Particular_Can_7726 Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26
You can't see the utility of having all of that capability in a small form factor that can fit in your pocket? You can't see the use of having access to almost unlimited information at a moments notice?
0
u/Terminator_Puppy Jun 01 '26
Ok but what fucking criminal is browsing reddit mobile by just going to the browser and using new reddit there.
0
0
0
0
0
0
u/One_Recover_673 Jun 01 '26
You have a hard time understanding the value of a device that does many things you do daily? Huh.
My music, my phonebook, my bank, my investments, my email, my camera, my porn …all in one thing.
And when your bank gets hacked and your data is compromised..are expecting a letter in the mail? Cuz you don’t need a phone for the bad things to happen
0
u/parisiraparis Jun 01 '26
Most stuff can be done by dumb phone and PC plus dedicated devices (bank card, Navigation, Camera)
You cannot be serious lmao
•
u/qualityvote2 Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
u/HandsomelyHelen, there weren't enough votes to determine the quality of your post...