Are you ready to disconnect?

Using a mobile phone without Internet access is an unusual experience. Most of us are fortunate to have several providers offering tempting benefits to lure subscribers. Many of us carry multiple smartphones. Certainly, we are privileged, and we can afford the costs, as the United Nations Specialised Agency for Information and Communication Technologies reported that an estimated 2.6 billion people, or one-third of the global population, remained offline in 2023.

People are buying the latest and more sophisticated smartphone versions. Everybody talks about new models, and retailers are eager to sell them. I have been experiencing life with a dumbphone, which lacks online browsing, social media apps, and other features. But I also have a smartphone with connectivity which serves as a tool. It seems unfashionable, and yes, people laugh at my old dumbphone. It sets me apart in a world filled with flashy screens.

Digital communication offers many advantages and is convenient, but it also alienates us. People are losing their social communication abilities and behaving rudely when interacting with others. Unfortunately, there is a loss to humankind even though there are huge advances in communication technology.

My decision to try something uncommon resulted from some episodes. The first was at a press event, where journalists were expected to pay attention, take notes, and ask relevant questions, but all I observed were 'important media professionals' checking their Instagram accounts and scrolling through applications.

The second case occurred at a birthday dinner celebration. It caught my attention that, except for two people, everybody else appeared immersed in their bubbles, interacting with their mobile phones. The body was present, but the mind was elsewhere. Probably no one noticed the unusual scenario; after all, they had gathered to commemorate a special occasion.

The third circumstance I observed was less shameful. A group of friends were getting together for coffee, but no one was chatting to each other. Everyone was checking their phones as well as their smartwatches; the phone was not enough to distract them. It will not take long for smartphones to start fading, as people will be using smart devices such as smart keychains, eyewear, smart cars, smart wristbands, and so on. The issues will be different!

Actually, when one goes to customer service at a bank or a shop, we almost have to justify ourselves for interrupting the employee’s engagement with social media. Everyone has their necks bent, their heads down, and their gaze fixated on a small, bright screen. Sometimes it's not just an excuse for disturbing, but having to wait for the customer liaison to finish viewing something far more essential on the screen than attending to the client. It would be great if only dumbphones could be used during working hours. This may result in better customer service. After all, smartphones increase distractions.

One advantage of using a dumbphone is that it is a significant step towards preventing digital addiction. The act of constantly checking the phone can cause anxiety, stress, and reduced mindfulness. App designers are not interested in how brilliant you are at social media; they want to keep people hooked on the screen. And more, the immediate gratification of googling shuts the door to creativity. A dumbphone is boring in comparison to the bazillion alternatives of a smartphone, yet it can help you stay away from mental health problems and be more productive. On another note, dumbphones are recommended for specific professions because of security concerns, and individuals involved in obscure activities use dumbphones for business.

Rejecting convenience is difficult. Nobody will throw away their smartphone, but it is a good idea to have a dumbphone and use the cell phone as a tool. It can help to unplug briefly and serve as a backup. The challenge is to try something different.