I was tired of paying for a spy device that steals my attention and tries to psychologically condition me.
> How has this impacted your daily life?
I've found that many people are so addicted to there phone that they genuinely can't comprehend how to function without one. I'm lucky to have been around longer than smartphones, and remember how to do these things. For instance, going to someones house and knocking on there door instead of sending a text. Sure one is a little harder and takes more time, but shows you care enough to do it. Sending a text is so easy AI bots do it.
I've had to seek out similar minded people. Most people just can't be bothered with someone who won't conform, so I seek out people who don't require me to have a phone to be my friend. I discovered quite quickly who was a good enough friend to come check on me, and also who I felt was important enough that'd I'd go too there house to see them. It may limit the size of my social circle, but I feel its a stronger relationship because of it.
There are absolutely no drawbacks that I'm aware of.
For example, by bank (abn amro) still allows online banking on desktop via a physical auth device, but they are actively pushing for login only via their app. I called their support line for a lost card, and had to go through to second level support because I didn't have the app. If they get their way, eventually an apple or google account will be mandatory to have a bank account with them.
My kid goes to a school that outsourced all communication via an app. They have a web version, but it's barely usable. The app doesn't run without certain google libs installed. Again, to participate in school communication about my kid effectively requires an apple or google account.
I feel like the conversation we should be having is that we are sleepwalking into a world where to participate in society you must have an account with either apple or google. If you decide you don't want a relationship with either of those companies you will be extremely disadvantaged.