By: Jenna Thompson
Updated: Aug. 5, 2023
Originally Published: Sep. 27, 2015
My recent break from the world of smartphones came about from a pressing need for communication. After my smartphone gave up on me, and with my partner’s mother in the hospital, staying connected was paramount.
Trying to strike a balance between desperation and logic, I turned to a young, sympathetic sales associate at the cell phone store, hoping he could help me replace my phone at no cost, even though I was stuck waiting another six months for an upgrade. In a maternal tone that brooked no argument, I pulled out my trusty old flip phone from 2009 and said, “Just reactivate this one, please.” The young man complied, and I can only hope that my firm request didn’t put his job in jeopardy.
Once the initial urgency passed, I found myself grappling with the reality of my situation. My frustration grew as I realized that, despite my best efforts to care for my smartphone, it had failed me. I began exploring my carrier’s options for upgrading, but the idea of shelling out $50 to $100 for a new phone (as opposed to the eye-watering $400 to $500 for the latest models) felt wrong. I decided to embrace my old flip phone and rallied my friends and family, proclaiming, “We can do this! It’s only six months!”
It’s a small comfort, but I’m not alone in this predicament. The average lifespan of a smartphone in the U.S. is just under 24 months, and many people find themselves caught in the cycle of needing to upgrade. Factors like user damage, heat, and poor charging habits contribute to this shortened lifespan. Interestingly, Americans typically keep their phones for only 18 to 21 months before seeking the newest technology, leaving companies with little incentive to improve longevity.
Had I not settled so quickly into my flip-phone life, I might have discovered the world of prepaid phones that could have temporarily bridged the gap. According to various online discussions, you can easily find a prepaid phone compatible with your carrier and transfer your old SIM card into it—though I can’t personally attest to that. Millions of Americans face the daily struggle of maintaining phone service amid the constant cycle of upgrades and monthly fees.
Of course, my choice to stick with the flip phone hasn’t been without its challenges. The tiny earbud jack is difficult to find adapters for, and a simple 10- to 15-minute phone call (which feels long in this day and age) has me switching hands multiple times for comfort. While the potential health risks of radiofrequency radiation are debated, it’s hard to ignore how hot the phone gets and the numbing in my hands.
As expected, texting on a flip phone demands a level of patience I often lack. A simple message like “Be there soon” takes 28 clicks, plus an extra one for punctuation. To save my sanity, I’ve let go of proper capitalization and often resort to shorthand like, “Can u call Jess. Thx” or “Sent email. Pls read.”
As I await the arrival of my new smartphone from some distant warehouse, I find myself reflecting on my relationship with technology. These six months have given me a fresh perspective on how smartphones can dominate our lives, especially their role in work. I joked with a friend that I would set some ground rules before allowing a smartphone back into my life.
After much consideration, I have decided on one critical rule: no work-related apps or notifications on my new phone. I refuse to fall into the trap of “just checking in for a minute” ever again.
However, I am open to long conversations with friends and family, sharing pictures, listening to my favorite radio station during workouts, and easily accessing information on everything from restaurant locations to definitions of words I’ve always wondered about.
I also commit to revisiting my one essential rule regularly and assessing whether additional boundaries are necessary. I want to continue embracing activities like sending handwritten cards filled with updates and heartfelt messages—an art form that seems to be fading in our digital age.
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In summary, my experience with the flip phone has been a journey of self-reflection and a reminder of the importance of balancing technology with personal connections.
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