Look, are there downsides? Absolutely.

But, just thinking about the few days for Christmas:

Buddy and I were out and making plans to swim. Using our phones we found out what time the pool was open, then found out whether there was bbq nearby. We then added this to our calendars. All at thr same time without having to go home, look it up, coordinate then write it down.

The next day, I got groceries. I used my grocery app which also contains a couple hundred recipes I've collected. The grocery store had a great deal on something I hadn't expected so I pivoted, used my phone to look through my recipes, found an appropriate one and adjusted.

Later, running errands on my bike and finished a bit early. On a whim, I checked to see if a movie I wanted to catch was anywhere near. It was but not in an area I bike often. Booked my tickets on the phone, navigated there and streamed music to listen to as I rode.

Heck, when I visited for Christmas, a friend sent a message warning the ferries to come home were getting cancelled. I checked while we were out at dinner, found the last ferry was still running and had space so was able to make it home instead of getting stranded.

Outside of this week, I've dated a bunch of girls whom I'd have never met were it not for "the apps." Say what you will, it expands the network of dateable folks well outside your own social networks.

In summary: streaming music everywhere, all sorts of apps making things easier (in this case, recipes etc) navigation, making plans on the fly, dating all sorts of folks, booking things without having to find a computer and way more.