Why Dumb Phones Aren't Actually That Dumb | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Dumb Phones Aren't Actually That Dumb

Basic phones aren't that bad, c'mon guys!

46
Why Dumb Phones Aren't Actually That Dumb
Greenbot

I have had a basic keyboard cell phone for the last two years after an unfortunate incident in which my iPhone 4s was fatally wounded in a car accident (okay, so I ran it over). While I will not lie and pretend that I do not frequently complain about not having instant Internet access whenever I want, or that I do not actively plan out my budget in order to save up for another smartphone in the future, I will say that despite their bad reputation, "dumb" phones definitely have some perks!


Photo via Vita Student

Although having a GPS built into a phone is an incredibly useful feature of smartphones, traveling without a GPS means that I have learned to be a cautious, aware driver. Taking directions from a piece of paper means that I have learned to be more vigilant in reading road signs and recognizing travel markers. If you're used to just using a GPS, you may become too reliant on it and be totally S.O.L. without it.

Not having instant access to the Internet is a bummer most of the time, especially when your friends seem to constantly check their social media, look up funny cat videos or play games with their apps. It can make a girl feel left out when your phone can only receive calls and texts (sometimes not even group messages---yikes). However, not having the Internet constantly at your fingertips means that you are forced to actually look up and experience the world around you. After losing my iPhone, I felt that I was much more present when hanging out with friends and having fun than when I was more focused on chronicling everything instead of just doing it.

Photo via PopSugar

Lastly, having a basic phone means that texting can sometimes be a bit tricky since it can take longer to type out your messages, group messages or picture messages are awkwardly formatted, and you don't have emoticons---unless you type them out ;) Although this can be a pain, it helps limit the time you spend texting and hopefully increases your time having real conversation. Whether this means giving someone a call or asking to meet up in person. If it takes too much trouble to text, maybe that conversation is better had in person, anyway.

In general, I still really want to upgrade to a smartphone again (because they are just fun toys), but I have come to appreciate the benefits of having a basic phone again. Basic phones promote self-involvement in our environments, and in relationships, in a way that smartphones detract from them. So I will most likely get a smartphone again, but I will enjoy the time I have with my little basic phone while I still have it!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

427
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

446929
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

20197
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

43567
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments