My Month-Long Experiment with a Semi-Dumbphone: Insights and Reflections

Over the past month, I embarked on an experiment by turning my smartphone into a semi-dumbphone. Using a custom launcher and restricting my apps to just eight, I aimed to reduce my screen time and become more intentional with my technology usage. Here's a detailed account of why I did it, what I learned, and my thoughts on continuing this lifestyle.

Why Did I Do This?

Several reasons prompted me to take this drastic step:

1. Excessive Screen Time: My combined screen time on my phone and laptop had skyrocketed to over 10 hours a day - maybe more. This is to be expected as in information worker, but I wanted to cut back.
2. Being a more present dad: I have a two-year-old daughter who deserves my full attention. She doesn't need to see her parent glued to a screen every few minutes.
3. Constant Connectivity: I found myself never truly disconnected, this has worked it's way into my subconscious brain and I never truly switch off.

What Did I Learn?

This month-long experiment taught me several valuable lessons:

• Persistent Weirdness: Initially, the change felt strange, and even after a month, it still does.
• Delayed Responses Are Fine: I realised that it's okay not to respond immediately. 99% of everything can wait a day.
• Increased Productivity: Being intentional with technology usage led to a notable increase in my productivity, and to focus on what needed to be done
• Real World Boredom: The real world can be quite dull without the constant stimulation of a smartphone.
• Dependence on Apps: Modern life demands certain apps for essential functions like banking, authentication, and travel.
• No Epiphany Moment: Unlike the dramatic realisations often portrayed in self-help narratives, I didn’t experience a single epiphany. Perhaps I need more
• It is worth doing: I think I need longer to truly realise the benefits and rewire my brain. So I'll check back in a few months.

Will I Go Back?

While I haven’t entirely ruled out reverting to a full on smartphone, my plan is to maintain this minimalist approach. Having quit major social media platforms like Facegram and TwitX years ago, I experience minimal FOMO outside of work and business contexts. Though I'd like to transition to a full-on dumbphone, it doesn't seem feasible for me at the moment.

I’ve managed to create a balanced setup where I am fully present with my family when out and about, and I rely on my laptop and tablet for work. This has worked quite well so far.

The Essential Apps I Kept

Here's a breakdown of the apps I decided to keep and why:

1. Phone and Messages: I’ve reverted to more traditional means of communication—calling and texting. While WhatsApp is essentially social media (I wrote about this in 2019), I access it via WhatsApp Web only when necessary.
2. Audio Entertainment: My smartphone remains my primary source for learning through audiobooks and podcasts and for listening to music, especially during chores or driving.
3. Kindle: Despite the temptation to read on my phone instead of being present, the Kindle app is a useful for my reading habit.
4. Notes: This app is crucial for jotting down ideas. Although I'm considering carrying a small notebook to reduce screen time further, the convenience of digital notes can't be overlooked.
5. Maps: Despite my affection for paper maps, digital maps are essential for modern navigation and travel.
6. Camera: Essential (via double click of the power button)

Conclusion

Restricting my smartphone to just a few apps and being more deliberate with my technology usage has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you're considering a similar experiment, be prepared for some initial discomfort. However, the benefits of increased productivity, reduced screen time, and enhanced presence with loved ones are well worth the effort.