> having used a smartphone and a “dumb phone”, I’ve discovered a big counter intuitive truth, that the real problem is being online: it’s the smartphone fault.

> having used a smartphone and a “dumb phone”, I’ve discovered a big counter intuitive truth, that the real problem is being online: it’s the smartphone fault. Is it the truth, though? It probably varies by people. My opinion is social media is cancer. A cacophony of opinions that no one really cares about. And yet here I am, sharing my worthless opinions and reading other people's comments. It's addictive. But a smartphone is simply amazing. It's my flashlight, my GPS, my book reader, my video player, my music player, my learning tool, my communication tool, my note taker, my camera, my personal assistant... it's basically a full fledged computer. Often with features blocked for the convenience of the companies raking in cash from people addicted to vomiting their thoughts online. Why can't I save images and videos in the browser anymore? Used to be real easy, now browsers try their best to hide this feature, Reddit and Imgur have redesigned their shit to actively block downloading the source files, and other platforms require you to log in (no Facebook minions, I don't think I will). But it's an easy thing to solve... for now. I'm trying hard to decouple the damn thing from the Internet, though, it should work in the middle of nowhere imo. Why in fuck's name do I need an Internet connection to send files between my laptop and my phone? Local transfer tools are worse than those made for the cloud bullshit that everyone fell for. Ridiculous. People now watch videos and listen to music online. No, give me my files, I want them available anywhere, anytime. Perhaps I'll need an Internet connection for the flashlight next. This sounds like old man talk, "I want it the way it used to be", but really, too few people notice the risk of losing everything digital if someone cuts a fiber cable somewhere or some automated system decides to terminate your account. Or if you simply travel to some country where getting a prepaid SIM requires a cavity search and you don't have money for the roaming mafia. But I'm getting sidetracked. In short: Reduce or remove social media and keep your smartphone :)