A growing number of Americans — mostly Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Zoomers (born 1997-2012) — are vowing to live a life free of endless scrolling. That’s because screen time is just crowding out other things. Many of those who are switching from a smartphone are choosing Light Phone — a “dumb phone” that has no apps or web browser. What they discovered is that having a dumb phone forced them to be more in touch with their surroundings. While a dumb phone will allow you to text and make calls, you don’t have any access to social media or email. With its simple interface and limited features, it’s built to ward off phone addiction. The biggest complaint is that it takes some time and patience to get used to a dumb phone’s keyboard. Nevertheless, most of those who have switched say it has reduced their screen time, which was their goal. Matt Thurmond, who has an MBA from Harvard and works as a mortgage professional, said of giving up his smartphone: "I was more relaxed, because I didn't have all this stuff rattling around in my brain. I was just more fulfilled by things in day-to-day life.” So, if your smartphone is taking over your life, you might want to consider a dumb phone. The “appstinence” might do you good.
