We were talking about how we [felt] like slaves to our phones, like robots who keep scrolling and scrolling, even when we’re out at parties.” – Sammy Palazzolo who bought a $40 AT&T Cingular Flex
Not all of them have entirely ditched their iPhones and modern Android phones. Many have bought flip phones as secondary devices. The idea is to reduce the usage of phones that can run apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat that tempt you to scroll like there is no tomorrow.
there’s no work emails, no Instagram updates, nothing from Facebook, nothing from TikTok. Nothing from anyone except the people who are important to you.” – Osamah Qatanani
It helps that newer basic phones offer necessary modern features such as 4G connectivity, Bluetooth, and low-resolution cameras. Many also have web browsers.
The report says that the dumb phone trend is vindicating for people who never bought a smartphone in the first place. That’s because not everyone, least of all busy people, wants to dedicate their free time to smartphones.