Why might a traditional foldable phone be better than a smartphone?

Many people dream of getting rid of the constant phone notifications that interrupt them throughout the day, but they have a firm idea that they cannot do without smart phones, for many reasons, including the destination they are going to, purchasing concert tickets, electronic menus, and other things. But August Lamm, an artist and activist based in upstate New York, has a different opinion.

It confirms that abandoning the phone is possible, and that its benefits outweigh its frequent notifications. In her new book, “You Don’t Need a Smartphone: A Practical Guide to Returning to a Simpler Phone and Upgrading Your Life,” she tells how she gave up her phone in 2022, after she felt like she was spending more time in front of the screen than she devoted to art, and offers advice to help others have the same experience.

Scientific studies confirm the harm of excessive use of screens. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 spend more than 8 hours a day in front of it, and excessive use is linked to poor physical and mental health. Ofok News spoke with Lam about her experience after moving to a foldable phone that does not provide Internet access, and the impact this had on her life.

Ofoq News: How did giving up the smartphone and social media allow you to build deeper relationships? August Lamm: I was afraid of losing touch with my friends and having difficulty meeting new people without looking at event announcements online.

But I found that I made more friends, and my previous relationships became stronger. When you're not busy with your phone, you're more open and present with others.

When you are alone, you regain a natural balance between your need for solitude and spending time with others. With a smartphone, one is occupied with their device even among others and also uses it when alone.

After cutting it out, my focus became better and I felt more balanced, and I think others noticed that. Also, I became more careful about my friendships, and my friends had to communicate with me directly and tell me their news by phone or in person, instead of posting it on social media or in chat groups.

After they became accustomed to this, the exchange of news turned into an opportunity for personal communication instead of publishing it in front of everyone. I also got to know more people; Instead of suggesting we follow each other on social media, I took the initiative to schedule a meeting the following week or invite them to an event I was organizing, during our conversation.

Ofoq News: You say that people turn to their phones to escape negative feelings. L: At first, you feel like you're stuck in a cage, with no ways to process your feelings.

She is forced to confront it for the first time in many years. But with time, you find alternatives far from technology, such as calling a friend, reading a book, walking, or listening to music.

Also, feelings become less annoying when they arise, as you get used to accepting them and dealing with them calmly, and saying to yourself: “Okay, I feel this way now, and this is something I am used to.” Ofoq News: You say that you have more free time without a smartphone, even though people believe that it saves time.

Lam: If we stopped looking at our phone five hours a day, we would get that time back. Alternatives, such as calling the utility company to pay a bill or going to the post office or library, do not take long, but rather allow us to connect with others and get out and walk.

We also waste time checking our phone frequently, to respond to a message or read news headlines. These short moments can add up to hours a day.

This changed my life; Even during the most stressful periods of work, I find hours of free time every day, and I no longer feel the panic and anxiety I used to experience when I had my phone with me. We all think we're too busy, and I want to challenge that belief.

Ofoq News: You say that relying on phones weakens our ability to determine trends. Did your mental abilities improve after giving up your phone?

Lam: We recover our skills automatically. We are naturally able to remember, focus, and determine directions, even if we think otherwise. I was amazed to discover my mental abilities after giving up the phone, an experience shared by others who did the same thing.

Ofoq News: How does feeling more present and attentive to what is around you affect your mental health? L: When I was using the phone, I would think about when to check it even while talking to others, as if my mind was always on something else.

As for attendance, it means accepting it as it is, without wanting to change it or feeling that we are wasting our time. Ofoq News: What do you advise those who think they cannot live without a smartphone?

Lam: Try living without him for a month, then evaluate how you feel before deciding what to do. You haven't tried it yet, and you don't know what you might discover.

If you use a blood sugar monitoring app, but want to reduce screen time, I advise you to use a traditional phone for daily use, and reserve your smartphone for medical purposes only.