In the summer of 2026, I made a bold decision: to live without a smartphone for an entire month. As a youth mental health reporter, I had spent the past year and a half investigating the low-tech movement, interviewing experts like Jonathan Haidt, and experimenting with screen restriction apps. Yet, despite my efforts to curb my tech addiction, I found myself spending upwards of eight hours a day on my device.
My curiosity about the analog revival led me to the Light Phone II, a minimalist device that offered only essential features. I was determined to navigate life in New York City with this dumb phone experiencing the challenges and benefits firsthand.
Embracing the Analog Lifestyle
The Light Phone II is a stark contrast to modern smartphones. Weighing about as much as a Hershey’s chocolate bar, it offers basic functionalities like calls, texts, and a calendar. I opted to create a new number for this device, symbolizing a fresh start.
However, the transition was not seamless. Texting became a laborious task, with the phone’s spell check struggling to keep up with my typing. My friends had to adapt to my new communication style, often calling me instead of texting. I also faced practical challenges, like getting lost frequently and missing out on last-minute plans due to texts sent to my smartphone.
Over time, I learned to adapt. I started typing slower, used the voice-to-text function, and allowed extra time for travel. I also appreciated the forced mindfulness that came with my limited technology. Things moved slower, but that was the point.
The Rise of the Low-Tech Movement
The conversation about young people’s screen addiction has gained traction in a post-COVID world. Books like Haidt’s The Anxious Generation and school-wide phone bans have brought attention to the issue. Simultaneously, Gen Z is embracing nostalgia, reviving hobbies like needlepoint and woodwork, and attending local gatherings.
Dumb phones are gaining popularity, with websites like Dumbphone Finder seeing a 12-fold increase in traffic from 2026 to 2026. The r/dumbphones subreddit has 184,000 weekly visitors, and companies like dumb.co are thriving. The average user of their flip phone is 24, reflecting Gen Z’s desire for real connection.
The Challenges of Going Smartphone-Free
Despite my best efforts, I found it impossible to completely escape my smartphone. I needed it for two-factor authentication, viewing QR codes, and my job. The Light Phone II struggled to keep up with my professional demands, lacking features like a voice recorder and adequate speaker volume.
At the midway point of my experiment, I decided to change my approach. Instead of treating it like a restrictive diet, I practiced mindfulness and kept a media-diet journal. I realized that sometimes, going online brought me joy and connection.
Lessons Learned from a Month Unplugged
My experiment taught me valuable lessons about my relationship with technology. I noticed improvements in my attention span and reading comprehension. I also enjoyed the tranquility of phone-free nights and events, where I could journal, craft, and read without digital distractions.
The hardest part was getting others to adjust to my alternative lifestyle. However, these experiences allowed me to reflect on my progress and the benefits of balancing technology use.
Ultimately, my takeaway wasn’t that everyone should get a dumb phone, but that we might all benefit from a bit more balance when it comes to technology.
