The Minimalist Cell Phone Movement
The first iPhone hit the market in 2007 and most of us jumped on the smartphone bandwagon without looking back. 15 years later, countless studies document the pitfalls associated with reliance on powerful tech at our (literal) fingertips: impaired cognitive functioning, loss of self-esteem, and increased depression and anxiety are just a few.
The minimalist cell phone movement seeks to take back what smartphones have taken from us, and it advocates for the return of simple phones without distractions, apps, or advertisements.
On today’s show I answer a listener’s question about the Wisephone. Do minimalist cell phones actually give us our lives back, or do they simply seek to target a very particular subset of buyers?
Here’s a preview:
[4:30] Why you should be concerned about your cellular data and privacy (plus: how a minimalist cell phone can protect you)
[9:00] What research says about the human tendency to become psychologically dependent on technology
[14:30] 3 benefits to the “pure and simple” Wisephone
[19:30] 3 real-time problems with the minimalist cell phone movement
[25:00] How and why smartphones are necessary for participation in today’s economy (and how to fight back)
[27:30] Weighing long-term, intangible benefits with short-term, tangible ones when deciding whether a minimalist cell phone is right for you
Resources mentioned:
- Interview with Elana Mugdan, the ‘Scroll Free for a Year’ winner
- Episode #208: How To Protect Yourself From EMFs At Home
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One thought on “The Minimalist Cell Phone Movement”
Stephanie,
Thank you for mentioning the problem of often needing a smartphone to participate in the economy. More and more companies are creating what I call “digital gates.” You pointed out how airlines want you to download their app to access a ticket, and that’s a great example of an industry trying to muscle its way our personal date. Another similar example is with tickets for sporting events and concerts. Many professional teams no longer offer paper tickets, such as the Green Bay Packers). You have to download their app and present an e-ticket. Many smartphone users happily accept these policies, perhaps not realizing what kind of data they’re now providing these companies.
I like that you called on listeners to “speak up” about these policies because it’s important for companies to make available products and services through traditional transactions and not hide them behind “digital gates.”
I’m actually someone who’s never had a smartphone, and so I’m sensitive to the creation of these gates and their effects. My fear is that these digital gates will harm the prospects of good companies, such as the maker of the Wisephone, who are sincere in their efforts to help people break digital addictions.
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