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I cannot tell you a way my life has genuinely gotten better since the advent of "smart" phones.
(self.showerthoughts)
A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.
Sucks to be you, bro, but that's not a universal experience.
I grew up when cell phones weren't common, then flip phones were the thing. I didn't get my first smartphone until I was already out of high school. My life was improved immensely. Not just the connection that allows me multiple vectors of communication to the people who matter to me, and the ability to plausibly ignore communications from those who don't, but the absolute plethora of utilities now at my fingertips.
Do you even know how to balance a checkbook? Have you ever had to do it? In less than a minute I can see not only my bank balance, but all transactions going back months.
My teachers all told me I wouldn't have a calculator with me all the time. Turns out that was not to be.
If I need to know something, anything, ever, I have a device on my person that allows me immediate access to the sum total of human knowledge. Whether it's a question of what time the hardware store opens, how to fix a cracked pipe, or what rocket fuel the Saturn V used, the information is right at my fingertips.
I don't ever have to be lost again. First time in a city? I can get directions to anywhere, from anywhere, any time I want.
I even have a freakin flashlight at all times.
Yeah, it sucks that some people get stuck in a narcissistic spiral on facebook or obsessively doomscroll to the detriment of their own health, but that's not the smartphone's fault any more than it is just the invention of electricity's fault.
Does it suck? To not be reliant on something like a "smart" phone?
I don't think it sucks for you to not be reliant on it, but it also seems like you don't know how to use it for your advantage.
Never install social media on it and go figure out what it can do for you.
Please, let me know what else I can do to get more value from my smart phone. I'm open to it.
It's been going on 20 years since smart phones arrived. You go figure it out.