Smartphone Addiction: Is this our Generations Cigarette?
I’ve been on this journey of living more digitally minimalistic for over a year. During this time, I’ve tried many different dumbphones and devices to help manage my smartphone addiction. I’ve also explored different strategies, like deconstructing my digital devices by assigning one device for each need. For example, I stopped using music streaming services, particularly Spotify, and switched to using an MP3 player instead. I’ve also incorporated companion devices to fill certain gaps, like the Onyx Boox Palma.
After trying various approaches and seeing measurable success, I thought I was "cured" of my smartphone addiction. However, from September 29th to 30th, I made the mistake of putting my SIM card back into my smartphone. Within 24 hours, I found myself slipping back into the vortex, ignoring all my responsibilities and disconnecting from life. The shame and guilt I felt were overwhelming, unlike anything I had experienced before. In the past year, I’ve had occasional setbacks, like binge-watching TV or spending too much time on YouTube, but this time felt different.
Digital minimalism gives you a heightened awareness of your relationship with technology. This “relapse” felt worse because I was consciously aware of what I was doing, yet I chose to keep doing it. I’ve been going through a mental health rough patch, which no doubt pushed my brain to seek quick dopamine fixes. Thankfully, it only took me 24 hours to snap out of it. While getting back on track felt good, it was quickly followed by extreme shame. Who am I? Why can’t I control myself? I’m incredibly thankful for the digital minimalism community on Reddit and YouTube for reminding me that I was being too hard on myself and reaffirming that these devices and apps are intentionally designed to steal our attention and time.
The more I reflect on this addiction, the more I think smartphones are like our generation’s cigarettes. Everyone is using them. Everywhere you go, you're encouraged to download apps for discounts or services. Even to manage my health appointments, I need an app—ironically, some of those appointments, like the ones addressing my depression, are directly tied to my smartphone addiction. How can an object that’s meant to connect us all make me feel so isolated and lonely?
As I continue on this journey, I’m learning to be less hard on myself and focus on the bigger picture. I want to live again, free from attachment to a shiny glass slab. I crave real human connection. I want to use the limited vision I have to enjoy nature. I want to rediscover passions and hobbies I’ve lost. I will keep moving forward, knowing it won’t be perfect, but at least I’m trying.
