In a world dominated by smartphones and constant connectivity, an unexpected phenomenon has begun to emerge: the return of “dumb phones” (dumbasses). To the surprise of many, more and more young people Generation Z They are ditching their sophisticated devices for simpler models. But why would anyone trade in a cutting-edge smartphone for a basic phone? This choice is not a simple nod to nostalgia. The answer lies in the need to disconnect, especially in the face of the negative effects of overuse of technology and its links to mental health.
Anxiety about screen time
The main reason for this change is concern about the amount of time we spend in front of screens. These days, the average person spends several hours a day on their phone, often without even realizing it. It’s not just the time spent scrolling through social media, but also how this habit affects our brains.
Various studies, such as one from Harvard University, suggest that heavy social media use activates the same areas of the brain as addictive substances. This link between heavy internet use and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression is particularly evident among teenagers and young adults.
The constant pressure of notifications, the search for social confirmation, and the need to present an idealized version of yourself online create an environment that can be very stressful. This creates a phenomenon known as “comparison and despair,” where people compare their lives to edited versions of others’ lives on social media, which can fuel feelings of inadequacy and a distorted reality.
Generation Z and the “dumb phone” trend
Generation Z, who grew up in a completely digital environment, suffers the most from the problems associated with excessive tech use. According to a survey by ExpressVPN, 46% of young people in this generation are already taking steps to reduce their screen time. Some are choosing apps that limit their social media use, while others are taking more drastic measures, such as replacing their smartphones with simpler phones.
One such case is Luke Martin, a 16-year-old boy from Canada. In an interview with the BBC, he explained that he swapped his smartphone for a regular phone that only allows him to text, make calls, and use maps. “My friends use their phones for four or five hours a day, and I did the same. Now I only use mine for 20 minutes a day,” he commented. The change shows how dumb phones can significantly reduce the time spent on activities that are often a source of distraction and stress.
The Rise of Dumb Phones Beyond Gen Z
The movement isn’t just limited to young people; it’s growing as a social phenomenon. Sales of these devices, which typically lack internet access or apps, have increased in North America. One example is Dumbwireless, a Los Angeles-based store that sells these phones to parents who want to give their children a way to communicate without the distractions of the digital world.
Lizzie Broughton, who bought herself a flip phone, said the change not only improved her own tech habits, but also had a positive impact on her relationship with her son. “I spend a lot more time with my son,” he told the BBC.
But switching to a basic phone isn’t always easy. Many schools and universities require the use of apps, which can be difficult for students. Additionally, some young people may feel left out if their friends have more advanced smartphones. Broughton suggests that a community effort is needed to drive this trend forward. “It’s a matter of parents agreeing to do things differently,” he concludes.
Global change
Globally, dumb phones are most prevalent in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and India, where smartphones are not yet widely available due to socioeconomic factors. However, in North America, growing concern about the negative effects of technology is driving a resurgence of these devices.
Companies like Punkt and Light are leading this trend, designing products that prioritize thoughtfulness over connectivity. One example is the Light Phone, which isn’t a “dumb phone” in the traditional sense of the word, but rather a “premium minimalist phone” that encourages users to use technology more mindfully.
Joe Hollier, co-founder of Light, explains it this way: “With the Light Phone, we were trying to create not just a phone, but a more thoughtful phone.” The idea is to consciously choose when and how to use technology, rather than falling into a constant habit of checking your device.
For his part, Chris Caspar, founder of Techless and creator of the Wisephone II, notes that his goal is to create a “deliberately boring” phone with a minimalist approach that avoids pointless scrolling.
Dumb Phones: A Cultural Reset
The rise of dumb phones represents not just a technological failure, but a cultural shift. More and more people are re-evaluating their relationship with technology, seeking to regain control and peace in a hyper-connected world.
For many Gen Z young people, these devices are a tool to reduce the negative effects of overuse of technology. Like Luke Martin, who says, “My teammates think it’s weird, but at this point I don’t care anymore because it’s helped me so much.” While it’s not a mass trend, this change reflects a new way of thinking about technology and its impact. With Gen Z leading the way, more people may join this movement in the future.
Source: Digital Trends
