In the fall of 2021, I took a college course titled “Ethics & Social Responsibility in Technology.” The course began by investigating Amish communities as an example of technological stewardship. Contrary to popular belief (including my own before the class), Amish communities do in fact utilize a variety of technological innovations. What differentiates Amish technology use from mainstream culture is that the Amish view technology as a means to an end and do not blindly adopt new tech for the sake of progress. Rather, each new technology is carefully evaluated to determine if it aligns with their beliefs and lifestyle. Although adoption of technology is determined individually by Amish communities, in general most new technology is not adopted. The traditional Amish lifestyle is valued over the comforts and convenience of modern technology. Though it could be argued that the Amish have an overly suspicious view of innovation, it is hard to disagree with their belief that technology has the potential to greatly change a culture.
The class spurred me on to examine how I was using technology in my own life. While in general technology has had a positive effect on my life, I could not decide if smartphones helped me or not. As a millennial (on the young end of the age range) I first began using a smartphone around the time I graduated high school and had never looked back. Over the next decade and a half, I saw smartphones increase in processing power and Internet functionality. Without really thinking about it, I had grown accustomed to carrying around what was essentially a supercomputer in my pocket, along with the unbridled Internet and communication access that entailed.
To be fair, my smartphones had helped me grow more knowledgeable and had aided me in completing a college degree (along with first connecting with the woman who is now my wife on social media). At the same time, however, negative changes in myself stood out just as prominently. First, I had noticed a while ago that my attention span was gradually shrinking; if there was a slow moment in life, I would whip out my phone and begin perusing the Internet for the latest news or information. Second, I found myself buying things I didn’t need because I would use shopping online as a diversion. Third, I did not like the constant temptation of knowing explicit content was only a tap or two away every waking hour. Fourth, after the 2020 election cycle, I found myself sinking into the activity of “doom-scrolling” (i.e., staying continually immersed in the negativity of the media beyond what is helpful to be informed). Fifth, I had growing concerns about privacy while using a smartphone, particularly on Apple devices (as I was a dedicated iPhone user). Several suspicious instances had occurred where I would mention a topic (such as a television show) during a phone conversation or in a text, and immediately begin receiving targeted ads regarding the topic. Sixth, and most importantly, I hated the feeling that I was getting pulled into increasing dependence on my smartphone against my will. I never made a conscious choice to be constantly glued to my phone, but somehow it was happening anyway.
Quite a bit of coverage has been given to privacy issues regarding mobile phones, especially pertaining to apps gathering user data. Apps commonly gather contact information, Internet browsing/search history, location information, financial or purchase information, as well as health and fitness information. While this might be expected of some sorts of apps (such as social media, banking, or fitness apps), information is commonly being siphoned off users from apps which seemingly would have no reason to do so. For example, popular Bible app YouVersion infamously gathered user GPS location information as well as contact information (though it seemingly decreased its invasiveness after this came to public light).
Even outside of specific applications, Apple and Google have come under scrutiny gathering user information without permission. Much of this data is seemingly used to provide targeted advertising based on individual interests, but Apple and Google have the ability to harvest untold amounts of user data from their mobile platforms. None of this is likely news to you if you’re reading this article, but it is worth keeping in mind that using a smartphone creates a massive hole in your personal privacy.
It seemed evident to me that smartphones were hurting me more than helping me, so I began researching what sort of current smartphone alternatives existed. I remembered back in the day before I first got a smartphone, I had used a Razr flip phone and loved it (in fact I still have it, though it no longer functions as a usable phone). It was incredibly durable (it had survived several high falls and trips through the washing machine), had a simple but effective interface, and had a minimum of distractions. Using that as a guideline, I began to create a list of what my ideal “dumb” phone would look like. I settled on these items:
- No Internet browsing capabilities
- No App Store or similar feature
- Preferably no e-mail
- Ability to make calls reliably
- Ability to send texts (including group texts)
- Privacy-focused (i.e., did not use an OS from Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc.)
Some research indicated that there was a surprisingly wide variety of “dumb” phones (properly called “feature phones”) available with varying levels of “smartness.” Since my goal was to have a reliable way to call/text and not much else, I selected a Nokia 225. Nokia has been known in the past for their quality phones and I felt some nostalgia toward the brand (as I grew up in the 1990s). I purchased my Nokia 225 for $50 new from Best Buy. It did have a few distracting apps I would rather have done without (notably a selection of simple games) but it functioned well overall and had robust battery life (it could easily last several days on a charge). It also had some nice extras that I ended up enjoying, such as a built-in FM radio function.
It took some time to relearn T9 texting, but I was soon enjoying pressing physical buttons again after years on a touchscreen. Unfortunately, the 225 had one glaring flaw that ended up being a deal breaker, and that was its inability to correctly handle group texts. The timestamps on group texts were frequently wrong, and it was unable to “reply all” and would instead split group messages into individual conversations. While I still have the Nokia 225 and occasionally use it as a backup phone, the broken group texting was enough of an issue to send me looking for another option.
Another phone that I had previously considered (but initially avoided due to a higher price tag) was the Sunbeam F1. Sunbeam Wireless is a smaller company that started in 2018 and is based in Missouri (with connections to the Mennonite communities there). The F1 is a flip phone reminiscent of older models from the 2000’s with an emphasis on simplicity and privacy. Three models of F1 are available with an increasing number of features. The Dandelion is the most basic model, allowing for phone calls and some simple features (calendar, alarm clock, calculator, etc.) but notably does not have any form of Internet browser, email, app store, texting, or even a camera (you cannot view photos at all on the Dandelion).
Next is the Daisy, which adds in texting and a camera but otherwise has the same restrictions as the Dandelion. Finally, the Orchid has the most options with added weather and Map apps. All models are “de-Googled” and do not share information with Big Tech companies. This all sounded good to me, so I decided if the F1 could indeed do what it advertised, it would be worth the asking price of $200 (all 3 models are this price). I have now used an Orchid for over a year and, in general, I have been satisfied with its performance.
The Orchid phone’s interface took a little practice but was fine once I got used to it. I did have one issue regarding its durability. After using my Orchid for a few months, I noticed the camera would not work, so I contacted Sunbeam. I had assumed it was a software issue (the phone can receive periodic updates) but apparently it was a hardware problem as they offered to send me a replacement phone at no cost. I have since had no issues with my replacement. I suspect I may have accidentally water-damaged my previous phone as I carry it while running. Group texting works flawlessly on the F1, resolving my main complaint with the Nokia 225. Battery life is about 2-3 days depending on usage. Other than the camera issue, it seems relatively durable, albeit possibly less resistant to impact than my ancient Razr (which, to be fair, seemed like it could have been run over by a minivan and still worked).
One problem has arisen in my year with the Sunbeam that bears mentioning, and that is a slight delay in texting input. When composing a longer text message, I sometimes notice more errors than normal due to a bit of lag with button presses. Also, occasionally a button does not register on first press. At first, I thought this was a hardware issue (i.e., buttons wearing out) but it varies which buttons are causing the issue, so I am inclined to think it may be a software issue. The lag is not enough to noticeably detract from the phone’s usability, but it does cause me occasional annoyance at having to go back and correct unnecessary mistakes. If I pay closer attention to what I am texting it is less of an issue, so perhaps part of it is just user error.
‘With all that said, the price does feel a little on the high side; something more like $100-150 might be more on target. Considering the customer service has been excellent, however, I feel like I have gotten my money’s worth. This is my own unsolicited opinion; I am in no way affiliated with Sunbeam (or Nokia) other than as a customer. There are a wide variety of feature phones by many companies to meet most needs and budgets. In fact, there seem to be even more feature phones available now than when I started looking a couple years ago.
After making the switch away from a smartphone, I began to see some positive effects in my life. I suddenly found myself with a surplus of time I did not realize I had been spending on my smartphone. I started reading more books again and have been able to learn quite a bit about a variety of topics. Second, I felt more at ease. My wife commented that I seem less stressed out and more patient than before, likely as a result of less exposure to the news. Third, I feel peace knowing an avenue of temptation (i.e., pornography) is closed off to me due to lack of Internet on my phone. Obviously, the Internet is available on a variety of platforms (such as the computer I’m typing this on), but it is a relief to not have constant access all the time. Though I do not suggest it means this for everyone, for me the command in Matthew 18:9 (KJV) means not using a smartphone: “And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.”
So why does this matter from a preparedness standpoint? Privacy should be a concern of anyone using a smartphone. While any cellular phone has the potential to be tracked or have calls recorded, smartphones are much more open to these abuses due to their operating systems and app stores. To my knowledge, I have not received any targeted advertisements based on my private phone calls since switching to a dumb phone. Third-party apps also cannot track my location since they are not present on my phone. Another concern is productivity. It was eye-opening to me to realize how much time I was wasting on a smartphone that I could be spending on productive activities. I still waste time in a variety of creative ways, but I have found myself making a steady push toward being a better steward of the time God has given me since abandoning a smartphone. Finally, abandoning your smartphone may help improve your mental and spiritual health.
Preparedness-minded individuals rightfully keep an ear to the ground in terms of current events or future threats, but it can be hard to remember to take a break from the swirling chaos and appreciate the good things God has given you in your life. We will have difficulty dealing with future problems if we are already burned out by the time they arrive. Even without a smartphone I still feel fully informed about news and the state of the world, and consequently am likely better able to process it with a clear head.
Like I said earlier, I do not believe dumb phones are for everyone. In some vocations it is helpful (or even required) to have a smartphone. Some people are also able to maximize the benefits of a smartphone while minimizing its negatives. All I suggest is that you take some time to determine what impact smartphones have had on you and how they have affected your lifestyle. You may find taking a break from them doesn’t sound like such a bad idea after all.