Updated: Aug. 5, 2016
Originally Published: Sep. 27, 2015
My temporary escape from the world of smartphones began out of sheer necessity. When my smartphone unexpectedly ceased functioning, I found myself needing a reliable way to communicate with my partner, who was at the hospital with his mother.
After assessing my situation, I approached a young sales associate at the cell phone store, hoping to convince him to replace my phone for free, despite being ineligible for a new device for several more months. Ultimately, I retrieved an old flip phone from my bag (dating back to 2009 or 2010) and firmly told him, “Let’s just reactivate this one.” The young man complied and wished me luck—hopefully, he is still happily employed.
As the urgency of my situation lessened, I was left grappling with my frustration over the untimely demise of my smartphone. With an eye on my carrier’s offerings, I began considering my options for a new device, but the thought of spending $50 to $100 (let alone $400 to $500!) was a bitter pill to swallow, whether it came as a single payment or stretched out over multiple installments. I decided to stick with my old companion. “We can manage this!” I declared to my partner, friends, and family. “It’s only six months!”
While it provided little comfort, I discovered I was not alone in this upgrade predicament. The average lifespan of a smartphone in the U.S. is reportedly just a few months shy of the typical 24-month upgrade cycle. While user mishaps contribute to this decline, factors like dust, heat, and improper charging techniques also play a role. Unsurprisingly, Americans tend to upgrade their devices every 18 to 21 months, giving manufacturers little reason to extend that lifespan.
Despite my initial resistance, I wished I had explored the world of pre-paid phones sooner. According to various online forums, you can often find a suitable pre-paid phone for your carrier and use your old phone’s SIM card, depending on the information available. While I can’t personally confirm this, it’s evident that many Americans face the challenge of maintaining phone connectivity during upgrade limbo, often exacerbated by the costs associated with phone ownership. Those of us with data plans and smartphones are truly fortunate.
Embracing my flip phone was not without its complications. The small earbud jack required a hard-to-find adapter, which I ultimately couldn’t locate. Making a 10 to 15-minute phone call (long by my current standards) necessitated multiple hand switches to relieve my arms and head. While the health implications of radiofrequency radiation are debated, I couldn’t help but notice my phone heating up and my hands becoming numb.
Texting on a flip phone demands a level of patience that I often lacked. Sending a message like “Be there soon” required 28 clicks, plus an additional one for punctuation. In my quest for efficiency, I abandoned proper capitalization and lengthy words. Now I find myself texting things like: “Can you call Mia. Thx” or “Sent email. Pls read.”
Meanwhile, my new smartphone awaits shipment from some warehouse, and I feel a mix of relief and anxiety about its arrival. This six-month period has given me insight into how smartphones can become little tyrants, particularly when it comes to work-related connectivity. Recently, I joked with a friend about establishing some ground rules before reintroducing a smartphone into my life.
After much reflection, I’ve settled on one crucial guideline: my new phone will not have work-related email apps, calendars, notifications, or ringtones. I refuse to let myself fall into the trap of “just checking in for a minute” (a deceptive notion, indeed!).
However, I will welcome long conversations and texting with friends and family—and, within reason, colleagues. I’ll embrace the ability to take photos, listen to my favorite community radio station during workouts, and easily search for information, whether trivial or essential.
I also intend to regularly assess whether I am adhering to my one vital rule and if additional guidelines might be necessary. I want to continue saying yes to sending handwritten greeting cards filled with updates and amusing anecdotes, closed with warm messages like “Best wishes,” “All my love,” or simply, “Talk to you soon!”
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In summary, my experience with the flip phone has been a journey of rediscovery, forcing me to rethink my relationship with technology, especially regarding work and personal connections.