Whether we like it or not, we’ve become utterly reliant on our smartphones, which have taken over numerous devices, services, and interactions… theoretically saving us time.
Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to charity in just five years
Diamond batteries powered by nuclear waste promise 28,000 years of clean energy
However, for François from the YouTube channel Explique-moi encore
, this is too much: despite all his efforts, the amount of time spent staring at his phone screen is still excessive and he is therefore looking for ways to minimize his screen time.
Making an iPhone Dumb?
Without giving away the video’s content (which I encourage you to watch in its entirety), the trick mainly involves uninstalling numerous apps and installing Dumb Phone (dp) App, which claims to make the iPhone somewhat less smart…
You’ll see, the real paradox is ultimately about returning to a more utilitarian accessory, one that demands our attention far less frequently. Notifications, whether clever or not, tend to interrupt our work for often trivial or non-urgent reasons. The same goes for social media platforms, which strive to keep our attention for as long as possible.
Other strategies considered by François include delegating many tasks to the iPad or Mac when feasible. These devices not only help enhance productivity but also reduce screen time—a dual benefit that the younger generation often overlooks, claiming they are more comfortable with touch interfaces.
Ultimately, many might find these suggestions a bit extreme, but I also think the experiment is worth trying. Unless your activity fully depends on constant online monitoring, emails, interactions, and social media, you’ll find that it’s quite easy to regain control over your smartphone.
I’m eagerly awaiting your comments!