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Original poster

What would I have been doing now before I had a smartphone?

31 replies

WhoahThereCrazyHorse · 20/12/2019 16:33

So frustrated with myself, it’s like I can’t even remember what to do other than scrolling through my phone, or eating :(

Remind me, what can I do that’s constructive?! Not crafts though please...

OP posts:
EduCated · 20/12/2019 16:37

Scrolling seems to have taken the place of reading for me. I used to read constantly.

GwenCooper81 · 20/12/2019 16:39

I'd have been reading. That clichéd holding a battered paperback whilst stirring tea on the hob. Long replaced by my kindle and phone. Eating and reading always my go to occupation.
I still love reading but I find it so hard to concentrate now Blush

slipperywhensparticus · 20/12/2019 16:40

Reading

Itstheprinciple · 20/12/2019 16:44

Reading here too. I find it so hard to get immersed in a book now.

CalamityJune · 20/12/2019 16:53

Definitely reading. I used to like magazines as well as books. Or properly, actually watching TV, even if it was only Tipping Point or similar.

Stabbitha · 20/12/2019 16:55

Internet on the PC
Reading
Warcraft

Stabbitha · 20/12/2019 16:55

Internet on the PC
Reading
Warcraft

Ouch44 · 20/12/2019 16:57

I've discovered an app which is great for this. Forest. It's hard to explain but you set a timer for a certain time and then you leave it to plant a tree! My DD says you can use it so they plant real trees but not found that bit yet and not sure whether she was confused.
I set it for when I want to read so I don't pick my phone up. It tells you to leave your phone alone!

SmuggyMcKnobson · 20/12/2019 17:01

At this time of year you would be poring over the Radio Times with a highlighter, or out in an actual shop spending real paper money.

FatAndFurious7 · 20/12/2019 17:04

Playing on a games console of some sort

MrsIronfoundersson · 20/12/2019 17:05

If you do still read a real paper book occasionally, do you find yourself scrolling up the page with your finger instead if turning the page?! (Or maybe it's just me)

Original poster
WhoahThereCrazyHorse · 20/12/2019 17:09

Well I’m pleased there’s nothing earth-shattering I’m missing out on, I think previously I’d have been reading too, or watching tv. Might go and get a book now...

OP posts:
Original poster
WhoahThereCrazyHorse · 20/12/2019 17:10

Going to look into that app too, thanks Ouch. And delete Facebook and insta off my phone.

OP posts:
BoogleMcGroogle · 20/12/2019 17:17

I've taken to putting my phone in a kitchen drawer during the evening. If I can see it, I pick it up, then get scrolling and before I know it 20 minutes has gone. Instead I chat to the kids, cook, listen to the radio, read a bit, sort laundry. And I don't often take it up to bed. That's my reading ( and other enjoyable activities) time.

OytheBumbler · 20/12/2019 17:19

The thing is we can't put it back in the box. We all have smart phones now and the younger generation are even worse! At least we remember a time before.

VivaLeBeaver · 20/12/2019 17:21

I can’t read a book anymore, my attention span has been decimated by my iPad and smart phone.

Fireextinguished · 20/12/2019 17:25

Attention span definitely altered - there's a book about technology on brain which ironically I can't remember title of.

I'd have been reading, doing a puzzle book. Probably housework, playing with kids.

Maltesefalcon · 20/12/2019 17:29

Doing one of the ton of Christmas jobs that need doing rather than posting on this thread telling you what I would be doing if I wasn't doing this 😆

EggysMom · 20/12/2019 17:31

At this time of day, I'd have been reading the evening paper and watching television. Later into the evening, I'd be reading a book, or knitting whilst watching television. I really do need to get off social media! I get books as Christmas presents so perhaps I make a resolution - social media on arrival home (I cannot use at work), but only to catch up; then no phone/social media till 9:30pm, again to catch up before bed.

daffyducked · 20/12/2019 17:35

Mrsironfoundersson - Yes!!!! I do that, try to scroll on paper!!! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

MyDcAreMarvel · 20/12/2019 17:37

I tried to zoom on a photograph I was holding the other day Blush

Fuckoffdailymail222 · 20/12/2019 17:52

MrsIron I've been reading a book and looked up to the top left hand corner for the time.

Ilovecat · 20/12/2019 17:57

Reading. I used to read a lot but with tablets and phones around I hardly ever read even a magazine. I got a stock of magazines here a year old as I never got to read them...

lumpy76 · 20/12/2019 17:59

Used to read more and watch more TV. Now I rarely watch tV properly. I didn't contrary to popular belief talk more on the phone or socialise more.