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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Smartphones AIBU

26 replies

blaisealex · 26/08/2021 18:27

Aibu to ditch my smart phone?

I got this phone in January and I've smashed the screen and had it replaced twice. It is now smashed again. I'm careless and terrible with every smart phone I've had. This particular one costs me £20 a month.

I use it to bank online, online shop, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, MN, emails taking photos, google maps, Google search, etc.

I feel like I'd be lost without it but I quite like the idea of feeling free from my smartphone and all the while I have one, I'll use it too much, I know I will.

So, i was thinking of buying a cheap pay as you go phone basic texts and calls. I'd have to get a sat Nav for my car. I'd also get a couple of disposable cameras for holidays and special occasions but I'm not a prolific photo taker.

Banking I'd have to do on my laptop, same as ordering shopping, etc.

The only issue I have still is sometimes things I do require me to upload photos and send via email or whatever. I could get round this by using DHs phone on the odd occasion, I suppose. Also, I bank with monzo and sometimes they want you to verify payments before they let them go through and you do this on your mobile app so I think I might even have to change bank too?!

I want to try and go smart phone free but it seems daunting and scary.

AIBU to try? - has anyone done this?

OP posts:
Original poster
blaisealex · 26/08/2021 18:29

I mean, can you even survive in the modern world without one? Dont most things require them? What about Schools, interacting with the schools, uploading lunch money, etc. Can this be done on a computer or is a smart phone mandatory?

OP posts:
Sirzy · 26/08/2021 18:31

Would it not be simpler to buy a good strong case for the one you have?

I assume if you only got it in January and are paying monthly your in a contract?

slashlover · 26/08/2021 18:31

Do you have a good cover or screen protector on it?

NeverTalkToStrangers · 26/08/2021 18:32

Get a cheap smart phone and a really good case and screen protector.

bicarbonateofcherrysoda · 26/08/2021 18:32

Speck cases. I'm very clumsy and my phones survive because of them.

Eileen101 · 26/08/2021 18:33

I'm sure it's possible - plenty of people don't want one/can't afford. I think it'd just be less convenient.

Could you be more mindful around your phone use?

CoRhona · 26/08/2021 18:33

Get a Spigen case and a glass screen to protect it - if you choose not to use it imo you'll end up with lots more things to replace the phone!

Original poster
blaisealex · 26/08/2021 18:37

Well, yes. Obviously a screen protector and case would work but my main point was that it got me thinking in general about smartphones and their usage and whether actually I might feel happier and more fulfilled without a smart phone. I waste hours and hours a day on my phone. I can't regulate my own usage. I cant just put it away in a drawer for the day.

OP posts:
UserStillatLarge · 26/08/2021 18:38

I didn't use a smartphone for years until my brickphone died and I "inherited" DD's old one. Still mainly use it for phone calls and text. If you have a laptop it's generally much easier to do things on there than phaffing around with a small phone screen.

you can buy really cheap digital cameras if you want something for photos.

Hemingwaycat · 26/08/2021 18:39

Why didn’t you have a screen protector and case?! It’s rule #1 with any smartphone…

Kerplunkk · 26/08/2021 18:40

I struggle with my phone usage too, I’ve deleted all the social media apps and games but I know spend too much time on MN!
I do feel much happier when I make a conscious effort not to use it but most of the time I mindlessly reach for it

skiclothes · 26/08/2021 18:40

Can’t you just put limits on your screen use?
I don’t know how it works exactly but someone I work with put a limit on her Facebook app so she could only go on it for an hour a day after her husband said she spent all her time on it

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 26/08/2021 18:41

Next time you but a smart phone just get one of the budget Nokia its possible to get a fairly God one for less than £100, if you break it its no big loss, the functionality will be slower than a really good phone so you will probably use it less but still have it for when you need it.

I bought one of the new 3210s a few years back and used it for 6 months between my iPhone stopped charging and getting my current phone. I missed Google maps, quickly looking something up whilst out and about (store opening times, ordering stuff I need from argos/screwfix etc), transferring money quickly. Now a days I think it's difficult to get around without one, I don't have a printer so any digital tickets are stored on eventbrite. I know you don't have too but I pay for most things using my phone now.

All things I'm sure you can get around but it is more awkward.

Waspsarearseholes · 26/08/2021 18:42

I can't believe you've never thought to use a phone case! After the first screen smashed didn't it occur to you to get one?

Original poster
blaisealex · 26/08/2021 18:43

@Hemingwaycat

Why didn’t you have a screen protector and case?! It’s rule #1 with any smartphone…
I did. But it didn't help when I dropped it into a bucket full of water. (Mop Bucket!) DH replaced the screen and all related components that had been damaged. Stupidly I didn't then put the cover back on straight away. Within 24 hours I dropped it and smashed the screen. I dropped it in the sea the time before that...
OP posts:
HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 26/08/2021 18:44

Ugh... Spelling mistakes. Nokia are no longer the gods of the mobile phone world but there phones are still quite good

Also look at sim free phones and separate sim deals, Dds sim only contract is only £3.99 a month from ID mobile and includes plenty of minutes, texts and data.

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 26/08/2021 18:45

their phones.

I give up now... I think it's time to make dinner.

SciFiScream · 26/08/2021 18:45

Unfortunately I have several smartphone only apps that I have to use.

I have a business account for my charity and I can only login on a PC by completing an action on the related smartphone app.

I've got a few things that work like that.

I think it's possible for you, but won't be easy. The longer you manage the easier it will become though.

slashlover · 26/08/2021 19:00

I use the Forest app as it's almost like playing a game, except you win by not using your phone. You set a time for how long you want to not use it and it grows a tree, if you use your phone in that time then the tree dies.

maddening · 26/08/2021 19:01

I just got a really good phone cover which has a screen protector and is water proof, use it too much to give it up so have protected it instead.

Unfashionable · 26/08/2021 19:09

I was a very late & reluctant adopter of smart phones, only getting my first in 2015, but I wouldn’t be without one now. For better or worse, they have become an essential tool for living in the 21st century, even for those of us who don’t use social media.

Buy a cheap, secondhand phone & a robust case for it, the sort that tradesmen use, OP!

nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut · 26/08/2021 19:12

I think they're pretty essential now for day to day life. You really just need to take better care of your things.

GoWalkabout · 26/08/2021 19:17

I agree a simpler life would be good but it will undoubtedly make your life more difficult.

thegcatsmother · 26/08/2021 20:07

I don't have, have never had, and am not planning to have, a smartphone. I manage perfectly well without one. I haven't found one to be essential for me.