Would this really improve my life?

[Nostrings457]

For 15 years I had the latest smart phone going, on every app going, creator of whatsapp groups etc...
I set out on a 2 week break from insta and FB and it led me to nearly a year. Although i sometimes miss it overall was a good move. But - I am still on my phone so much, MN, Whatsapp, news sites, readong gossip about celebs, email. Its the forst thing i do when i wake up, god knows how many times a day i check it. Ashamedly i fob the kids off when Im 'doing something' on my phone, more & more.

Its dawned on me this eve i could have a non smart phone. Laptop for banking, shopping etc. Digital camera for photos.

AIBU, is it too difficult to live without a smart phone once youce had one?

@Nostrings457 I could’ve written this myself. I’m also concerned how this may be affecting my DD and I really want to get out of this habit before DS arrives too! I get so annoyed at myself but can’t seem to stop it. If I leave my phone upstairs I find myself thinking about it and a very strong impulse to go check it which then leads to me endlessly scrolling through MN or even browsing absolutely anything online. I got rid of SM ages ago which was good for a while but it’s like the bad habit just found other ways to keep me glued to the phone!
I have WhatsApp so wonder how I’d manage without that as it’s good for sending photos to family etc. I too have thought banking etc could be done via laptop which I have.

Let us know how you get on with the Nokia 3310. I’ve been thinking so much about getting a “dumb” phone lol

Oh god I’m terrible on my phone too - no more social media! But reading forums and looking up various random things & WhatsApp etc

I put that screen time notification on and some weeks it’s shocking the amount of hours I spend on it

Husband and I have started to put our phones into the bedroom in the evening so we don’t use them and actually spend time together or watch tv together without a device in our hands

My first baby is due in a few months and I need to get better being away from the phone before then I’d hate my child to grow up with me just constantly on my phone

I’ve started to take steps - I got an actual alarm clock for the bedroom - and am gonna not allow phones in bedroom at night they can stay in the kitchen - then I can’t wake up and pick it up first thing

Same in the evening put it away in a different room
I hope I can knock it on the head a bit - it’s awful

The only app I have on my phone is a browser. My secondary aged children have Nokia bricks.
DH has basically not used his phone at aalll since march when he came home in lockdown.
It's fine.

I do rely on WhatsApp a lot though - I live in a different country to my family so it’s how I stay in touch with them.

I don’t want to cut that off :(

Just need to cut the rest of the time wasting off 😂

I've considered this too but I use messaging apps so much to communicate, that it'd probably be counterproductive.

I installed an app called Lock Me Out, which you can set to block access to certain apps at scheduled times. Works really well, especially as if you want access during one of the blocked times, you have to pay a fee!

I’m 37 and Have never had a smart phone - I have a basic Nokia. I have my iPad for browsing the internet at home, which means I’m not a slave to a screen when I’m out and about.
I can spend too long on my iPad at home, so I’m working on that!

@Heyahun

I do rely on WhatsApp a lot though - I live in a different country to my family so it’s how I stay in touch with them.

I don’t want to cut that off :(

Just need to cut the rest of the time wasting off 😂

Use stay focus. I am really happy with that one because they have different levels of blocking. One is proper strict and there really seems to be no way to unblock until time runs out (or whichever way of ending it you chose). Select only what you want to block, how long for and done. It even does individual websites rather than whole browser.

I only use old fashioned texts, and my only S.M is Mumsnet,

People keep telling me to get on Whatsapp, no thanks.

I couldn't deal with just car sat nav. It's less effective than Google maps in finding individual addresses. Plus I use maps all the time on foot to find specific shops. Camera attached to messaging is very useful too - for shopping, sending forgotten lists.

QR codes for tickets to zoos/museums.

Diary/calendar function.

I'd probably rather block (time control) my time wasters than lose the useful functions.

I do predate smart mapping, I regularly got lost despite A-Z and printed out instructions from the internet!

I have a fairly basic phone, with no data and just use it for texts and calls - and not too much of that. I do use my laptop far too much - but I refuse to spend all my days staring at a phone screen, and from tomorrow (!!) I'm going to try and limit screen time at home. It just eats up so many hours and is such a waste of time.

@nannieann i have tried limiting use but over time it just creeps back up

@lljkk there are so msny positives and useful features that do enhance our lives. A year ago i wouldn't have believed i could go without but perspectives and priorities change i guess. So many people feel thay everyone needs to be contacted 24/7, thats part of the reason i want to get rid. I went to order a nokia but it doesnt even have bluetooth - thinking handsfree and driving, im going to try and find a non smart phone with bluetooth if it even exists

@AhoyMeFarties that would be the dream. I will get a lot of at leaving whatsapp groups. Although i do enjoy some and theres one with life long friends, as much as I love them all i just dont want to constantly be in touch. I want to be involved with whoever i am sat with not responding to memes and gifs when im in somebody elses company (yes i am that bad )

The new 3310 has bluetooth

@mummadaffodile i think so many mums with smart phones feel the same. Sleepless night up feeding new babies, a phone is a distraction when you cant get back to sleep etc..my use went up quite a bit and now DC are older I am really feeling guilty / concerned about how much time i spend on it because of the impact on them

I've lost count of the amount of people who look at me as though I have got 3 heads when they ask for my Number and I tell them I don't have a phone, smart or otherwise.

Very happy without one.

I think it's scary how addicted some people are to them.

Inspired by this thread I too have decided to get a "companion phone" which can't do anything except text and call - because when I'm at the park with my kid I don't like being completely inaccessible in case there's an accident or something.

I think I'm going to get the cheapest Nokia from Argos. But when I was researching it turns out there is a Nokia now that you can use WhatsApp with for those who need it.

For a long time I've toyed with setting a time - say 30 mins in the morning and 30 at night - to check and respond to messages. I find it particularly overwhelming as I can be having a simultaneous convo with someone over Instagram DM, WhatsApp and Facebook messenger and then just end up not replying at all.

I have heard of some people only checking their email at set hours of the day too rather than continuously - in fact I'm sure I saw it in someone's email signature once. It helps to manage expectations from the person you're corresponding with. And I'm sure it's got to be more efficient.

And I watch The Social Dilemma yesterday. Wasn't as good as I thought (could have done without the dramatic re-enactments) but at the end it was helpful to hear what tips the various tech execs had for limiting their own and their kids' screen times - they all acknowledge willpower alone against AI algorithms and billionaire companies isn't enough. You need other tools.

Thanks again for this thread OP.