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Has anyone else switched to a dumbphone? (leminal.space)

submitted 1 month ago by LarryBetraitor@leminal.space to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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I'm making my first post here on Leminal Space because I hear it's a better alternative to Reddit. One that's more privacy-oriented, less rage-baity, and less pro-corporate.

About 9 months ago, I made the switch from a smartphone to a flip phone, and boy did it make my life so much better. I've become less dependent on technology, and I've become more self-sufficent. Printing maps with MapQuest and MyOSMmatic have been quite a lot of fun. And I also feel smarter because "Googling things" have become much more inconvenient.

Carrying a notebook with me has also allowed me to draw more, and I also feel less distracted. Anyone else switched to a flip phone? If so, what are your ways to manage life without a smart phone?

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[-] LarryBetraitor@leminal.space 5 points 1 month ago

Tell that blatant oversimplification to anyone who has ever switched to a dumbphone.

A: You do NOT have to buy a dumbphone for a high price, or even an average one. There are MULTIPLE options ranging from the hyper-marketed "mental health" phones, the classic and rugged flip phones, or even the previously-popular smartphones like the iPhone 6s that are "dumb" by today's standards and are SAGNIFICANTLY cheaper than what they used to be. It takes SERIOUS RESEARCH to pick out the ideal dumbphone for you, and if you know where to look and what phone to buy, switching will be cheap, easy, and seamless. Also, rugged flip phones and older smartphones are built to last. Imagine not having to buy a new phone every year. Imagine not dealing with planned obsolecence.
B: Blame the addicts all you want. But smartphones are literally DESIGNED to be addicting, and society in general is too centralized around the smartphone. Many cities and workplaces REQUIRE you to download a stupid app meant to steal your data and keep you dependent on your phone. It's possible to get around these restrictions without a smartphone, but that takes serious brainpower (Something you think dumphone users don't have, but the very existence of dumphone users in today's smartphone-dependent/anti-dumphone society prove you wrong).
C: Your comment is speaking from ignorance, and it reeks of it. Wether you can admit it or not, switching to dumbphones doesn't JUST change your mindset. It LITERALLY changes your life. You are FORCED to think and change your strategy when living your day-to-day life.

Get this, if an addict GETS RID OF THE THING THAT THEY'RE ADDICTED TO in order to stop being addicted, then maybe the sollution is more effective than you think! Who could've seen that coming?!

this post was submitted on 22 Dec 2025

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