The article touches on this at the end, but every time I've tried to jump over to a dumbphone, I've always been stopped by one thing - lack of messenger services.
Maybe in America where these messenger apps are less prevalent its less of a problem, but in Japan not having access to Line, Instagram Messenger and Whatsapp would basically remove all ways for anybody to contact me.
It's not some sacrifice I can just accept for a digital detox either - texting is the main way people keep in touch nowadays. It would basically remove the entire purpose of having a phone at all.
There are a few nice hints in the comments already, but I'd like to remind one feature that may actually be "the dumbphone" experience but more modern.
Ultra power saving mode on Android.
It may differ from vendor to vendor, but in my experience it works exactly like that (been able to use that in old Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Moto). It changes screen to greymode, simplifies launcher by a lot, cuts notifications, still allows to use a selection of apps, including gps.
It customizable - you can keep some color, choose which apps can be accessed (on my current phone up to 6), make calls, text or IM. As a bonus it takes a few days to drain the battery.
I use olauncher which has a super minimalist home screen. It doesn't block apps but it doesn't use icons. Instead you type the name of the app you want which I find makes me more purposeful with my phone usage. Turning off notifications for virtually every app also helps. If it's truly important I'll check it. Otherwise it's something I can look at once a day/week/month depending on the app.
I like this approach but it was a bit much for me. Especially no icons - a lot of apps do those automated translations which results in weird names. I have several ones that are called the same due this reason. It annoys me that I can't find them.
Went with Niagara launcher. It is somewhat limiting sometimes, but truth is that I could setup most important things easily. It doesn't really let you do multiscreen homepages so I stopped using many apps. And I am grateful for that.
All these hacks remind me of what I tried to do to cut down smoking cigarettes. They work for a bit but doesn't solve the real problem. The only thing that really works long term is to simply quit smoking cigarettes completely.
One trick anyone can use to discourage doomscrolling is to set your smartphone to black and white mode, which makes all those silly videos less appealing.
I have an fairly underpowered phone (Samsung Galaxy M01 Core). I got it mostly because it's the size that I like.
I also use most sites in browser as opposed to app.
It turns out a lot of these sites and services are a lot less addictive when they're slow and the animations are lagging out, and I don't get sucked in any more.
Also ends up increasing battery life due to lack of use.
I also have access to the main apps that I do need - whatsapp, gpay, maps etc.
This is a bit weird. Afaiu his main goal was to reduce time spent on social media. Well, he could've deleted his accounts or deleted the apps or disabled notifications. Miriads of options.
Instead he throws the baby out with the water. Feels like he moved from one extreme to another.
Of course, if this helps him then fine. I just don't like this black and white mode of thinking.
I hope he really spends his new "free time" effectively.
i'm astonished that no one has created a well-functioning dumbphone that has what most people would agree upon as essential - things like maps, 2FA, encrypted messaging, tethering, android auto/carplay, etc.
I've looked into it, but most "dumbphone" hardware is consolidated in proprietary Chinese manufacturing, with a high barrier to entry. As a side project I've been trying to root my Nokia 225 4g because I want to try and build a Signal client for it, but it's been difficult.
Readit News
Maybe in America where these messenger apps are less prevalent its less of a problem, but in Japan not having access to Line, Instagram Messenger and Whatsapp would basically remove all ways for anybody to contact me.
It's not some sacrifice I can just accept for a digital detox either - texting is the main way people keep in touch nowadays. It would basically remove the entire purpose of having a phone at all.
Ultra power saving mode on Android.
It may differ from vendor to vendor, but in my experience it works exactly like that (been able to use that in old Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Moto). It changes screen to greymode, simplifies launcher by a lot, cuts notifications, still allows to use a selection of apps, including gps.
It customizable - you can keep some color, choose which apps can be accessed (on my current phone up to 6), make calls, text or IM. As a bonus it takes a few days to drain the battery.
Went with Niagara launcher. It is somewhat limiting sometimes, but truth is that I could setup most important things easily. It doesn't really let you do multiscreen homepages so I stopped using many apps. And I am grateful for that.
All these hacks remind me of what I tried to do to cut down smoking cigarettes. They work for a bit but doesn't solve the real problem. The only thing that really works long term is to simply quit smoking cigarettes completely.
I also use most sites in browser as opposed to app.
It turns out a lot of these sites and services are a lot less addictive when they're slow and the animations are lagging out, and I don't get sucked in any more.
Also ends up increasing battery life due to lack of use.
I also have access to the main apps that I do need - whatsapp, gpay, maps etc.
Highly recommend.
Instead he throws the baby out with the water. Feels like he moved from one extreme to another.
Of course, if this helps him then fine. I just don't like this black and white mode of thinking.
I hope he really spends his new "free time" effectively.
This would change everything. Keep us posted!