I Expect Grief for this Post
Go ahead, give me grief–I welcome grief for my anti-smartphone spiel. I’ll take all persuasive arguments against (or in support of) this post. But first, hear me out.
Over Thanksgiving we flew to Boston. I spent a lot of time observing both my fellow travelers and the people in Boston–residents or otherwise. Everywhere, non-stop, people were on their smartphones. At lunch one day we watched a couple in their sixties, both with phones on the table beside them. They didn’t have much to say to each other, but when a phone buzzed at them, there was an immediate response. Pavlov would be proud at how we’ve trained ourselves to react to that vibration or our various ringtones.
I don’t want to be that person.
I am a writer. As such, I am already using email entirely too much versus making phone calls. I love writing and reading. I also love talking to my friends face-to-face or on the phone. I hate texting. What an abbreviated way to have a conversation. Literally. Trying to type all the words is trying. Trying to learn all the abbreviations is trying. Do I need to work that hard when I can pick up the phone and call the person?
I’m Already too Electronically Connected
Being self-employed it is important that I have ready access to my email and calendar, right? Sure, makes sense. However, I have business friends who, like me, carry a business calendar with them. Yes, a paper one. It’s easy to flip to a page and scribble a note. No finding the app using our thumbs to insert a cryptic reminder.
I’m also an avid reader and my 2nd generation Kindle is nearing death. First the on/off switch stopped functioning—but at least in the on position. Then the cable disintegrated. Alex wrapped it from one end to the other with electrical tape. It’s working. But it’s old and the technology has greatly advanced in three years. I’ve done my research and there’s more than one Kindle that will enable me to read my books and check my email! When I go to business meetings, I always have my briefcase with me anyway.
Which goes to another no to the Smartphone—they’re too big. I carry a small purse—the smallest that I can possibly carry and still fit glasses, keys, cards in. The idea of having to go to a bigger purse because of my phone is not appealing at all.
Then there’s the data plan. It’s not worth it to me to pay that much money a month to access email.
Music? I have an iPod.
Pictures? I take them with an Panasonic Lumix. It even has a GPS and as much as we travel, that’s a great feature.
Apps? I barely have time to use all the programs on my Mac.
Am I worried about being left behind technology-wise if I don’t upgrade my phone? Sure. How worried? Not enough to lock myself into a two-year contract.
I want to be disconnected; I want times in my life where I don’t have any input coming at me. I want to let my senses relax, wind down. Maybe staying one step behind technology for a little while longer will help me calm the bombardment of information coming at me every day. And remind me to pick up the phone and dial a friend instead of emailing them.
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By 2019, I’m fully hooked on my iPhone XR.
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Read: Using Apple’s photo program
Rose,
I think you and I may be kindred spirits. I confess. I don’t own a smart phone either. This may sound particularly alarming to many since I’m a small business consultant who builds websites and helps people build their online presence. The truth is I don’t feel I need it. (My husband has an Android that I use to check how sites appear on a mobile device.) I think the “down-time” that I get my not having 24/7 online access is worth it. We all need a break sometime. Like you, I’m amazed when I see couples and families dining out and they’re talking on phones rather than to each other. Maybe you and I can start a new trend. 🙂
That is great to hear, Sherryl, because I know what you do for a living! Yahoo to your being a co-rebel with me.
My husband (who travels to Europe for work) was just commenting on how much better the Europeans are at leaving work at work when they take their lunch breaks. That, generally speaking, they aren’t constantly attached to their Smartphones, etc. Our country really does need to step back from the connectedness and take an input-break!
Man, I wish I were you. Connection is sooooo draining! But alas, I am addicted. Sue me.
I’ll just hide your phone when you’re around me. ha ha.
I still have a dumb phone! More often than not, my clients contact me via FB or text to make appointments. BUT, I cant be picky- I’ll take any appointments as long as they are calling! As for the camera, I prefer an actual camera! Recently, an old friend of mine came to get her hair done and brought our old “note” book. We had a great laugh! It was this notebook and we used to pass it back and forth daily, or in between classes- writing real notes with pens and paper!!! Crazy, huh??? I miss writing. She actually wrote me a note at the end, and I have responded and now I have to get it back to her! Oh, and I now have a pen pal! A childhood friend of mine has been sent away to boot camp prison, and we write weekly. Hoping that if he knows ppl care about him, he will realize he needs to change his ways. It’s nice sitting down and writing a REAL letter!
I like my “dumb phone,” Dawn! It has a slide out keyboard so that when I have to text, it’s mostly easy.
I love the story of the notebook! How fun that your friend kept it and that you started the tradition over again.
I love pen and paper. I love that you have a pen pal you are trying to help by sending honest to goodness letters!
I am on your page with this one. My reasons are somewhat different, tho. I do not need one for business. I don’t mind not checking my email until I get home from work because it is like an end-of-the-day surprise for me! And I refuse to succumb to the extra charge of the data package. The worst abuse I have ever seen of a cell phone (smart phone or otherwise) is actually talking on the phone when you are using the bathroom…what can POSSIBLY be that important????
You! Guilty again!
The bathroom-phoner is the worse! I was at a restaurant once and the hostess came into the restaurant, went into a stall and made a call while doing her business. That freaked me out.
Glad you agree with me on the phone, Seester.
I am sitting at a Open House eating all the great munchies I brought to feed the many I so had hoped would come to see this great house. I even have gently used Christmas items that the potential buyers can have for a donation to our Kids helping Kids charity. I am doing this on the Saturday of Christmas Stroll. I had hoped food, Christmas and stroll would snag a few people for my Open House. 2 hours into it and 2 hours to go and not a soul. If anyone does decide to come they will get no food as I have ate it all! Ok, the point of this is without my smart phone I would not be able to send this e-mail as I did not have an internet connection at this empty home so I turned on my Hot Spot on the phone that is smarter than I and here I am! I love that when I forget my camera I can point and shoot from my phone. I can leave my computer and still see and respond to my e-mails. However, I find myself annoyed with people talking on the phone, texting and e-mailing all while ignoring the person sitting next to them. It is odd how whatever message is on the other side of the tone or vibration it is always more important then the person they are with. Guilty!
Absolutely all great points, HQ. You’re using a Smartphone for efficiency and i totally get that part. It’s your end sentences that I worry about. It’s too easy for us to get distracted by the message “out there,” rather than the person right here!