We are more or less conditioned to believe that each younger generation is more prone to the allure of technology than the previous one. It is certainly logical, as more young people have grown up with technology than older generations. Yet, the accusation that younger folks are only interested in screens and virtual experiences might be a little wide of the mark. 

Take the idea of the “dumbphone,” for example. As the name suggests, it is a phone stripped back of its “smart” capabilities. Dumbphones have become a popular trend among Gen Z, with the movement clearly suggesting that we are perhaps a little too beholden to our screens. 

A phone is more or less essential these days, at least for adults. While they are entertainment devices, allowing us to do everything from stream movies to play blackjack to scroll socials, many adults require smartphones for work and, of course, emergencies. 

Dumbphones remove the distractions 

Dumbphones – sometimes called feature phones or basic phones – strip everything back. They aren’t exactly like the mobile phones of the 1990s, because they can have essential features, such as Google Maps, but they lack many of the entertainment apps that are present on smartphones. In the most basic sense, the devices dumb it down so you won’t get distracted, helping you cut down on your screentime. 

We should note, however, that while growing in popularity, dumbphones are still relatively niche, and the majority of young adults still have smartphones. Yet, the fact that there is a movement of any kind at all tells you a lot about how there is recognition of the issue. Around half of American adults have excessive screentime each day, with around 58% believing they use their smartphones too much. 

If you aren’t ready to give up the smartphone, that’s understandable. Yet, there are other ways you can cut down. For example, there is a popular app – Dumbphone Homescreen – that turns your screen into a de facto dumbphone, leaving just the essentials, such as messages and a clock. It’s not designed to completely gut your phone of apps – don’t worry; you can still watch Netflix if you want – rather, it’s designed to add a layer of friction, making you think before you start scrolling. 

Brick has seen global success 

Hardware devices like Brick have seen huge success. The Brick device is a physical gadget that will lock specific apps on your smartphone for a set period of time. Yes, there are screen time limitations in most phone settings already, but the physical device provides a robust shutdown mechanism that can’t be bypassed. It’s perfect for periods when you must concentrate, such as when studying for an exam. Typically, devices like Brick retail for about $60. Alternatives are available. 

As mentioned, a lot of us would like to cut down on screen time, but it is difficult. It requires willpower, yes, but it also requires a little bit of forethought and planning. Perhaps a dumbphone is not right for you – that’s normal – but there are numerous ways with the help of technology, or simple tricks (like having a phone jar), that can help you cut down on screen time and feel a little better about yourself to boot.