This Is What It’s Like To Not Own A Smartphone In 2018
As more people start to question their dependence on devices, I’m digging my heels in on my flip-phone life.
It’s 2018, and I’ve never owned a smartphone.
Four years ago, I wrote about having no regrets for being a “dumb phone” user. At the time I was an anomaly: 58% of Americans, according to Pew researchers, owned a smartphone; that figure was around 80% for people in my age demographic. Now, I’m a clear oddity: 77% of U.S. adults are smartphone users, as are around 90% of my peers.
But, oh well. I don’t plan on changing tack anytime soon. Here’s why.
WHY I STILL DON’T HAVE SMARTPHONE FOMO
All the reasons why I was happy to live without a computer in my pocket four years ago still hold true today: Certain choices are easier to make without digital temptation, like reading physical books on my commute and being fully present with my friends at meals. But there are new reasons, too.
Like many Americans, I’ve found the news cycle pretty draining since the 2016 presidential election. Being cut off from push notifications when I’m not at my desk hasn’t made me…
