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Smartphones are a godsend as far as convenience goes. I shudder to think how cumbersome a lot of things were just five years ago. Things I use my smartphone f

Smartphones are a godsend as far as convenience goes. I shudder to think how cumbersome a lot of things were just five years ago. Things I use my smartphone for every day, or very frequently - versus what I had to do before: Sending money via apps - Had to go to the bank and do a bank transfer, or login to my bank on my computer, and do a wire transfer from there. I can also pay for stuff in stores, via apps, so I don't need to have my bank/credit card on me. Electronic signing and 2FA - Had to carry an external login chip/dongle. Listen to music - Had to carry an iPod or similar Take photos - Had to carry camera or video camera, and transfer the stuff to my computer Record audio - Had to carry some physical audio-recorder E-tickets - Had to purchase physical tickets/cards, and get them re-filled in stores E-drivers licence - Had to carry my physical drivers licence, which could lead to fine/penalty if I forgot my wallet at home Maps - Had to look up maps beforehand, buy a print, find a public map. Same goes for directions. Real-time public transit maps - Wasted so, so much time standing outside, waiting for the bus or whatever, not knowing if it was late, or I was too late. Coupons - Had to bring physical coupons to store. And the list goes on. I haven't even mentioned the most obvious things, like being able to read emails everywhere, or getting in contact with anyone, almost everywhere. Sure - one can/will get dependent to phones, and losing it can be extremely stressful. But the net result has been overwhelmingly positive for me, as far as convenience goes. I "side hustle" by buying/selling stuff, both domestic and international, and the sheer ease of how things work today is just incredible. 90% of that business happens through my phone, because that's the fastest way.

ergot_vacation 6y ago
This is what I was thinking reading this. I've never used social media, smart phone or otherwise. But I DO really like my cheap, incredibly outdated smart phone for the simple things it provides: a camera whenever I need it that's good enough, the ability to check something online quick (but never prolonged browsing, that's just miserable), mapping and GPS, and hell, even really simple "apps" like the calendar (I can never remember anything important). Probably the most-used thing on my phone for me is the stopwatch/timer, multiple times a day. That said, I don't know if there's really a point to these articles anymore. The people who CAN do this, and want to, will just do it. For most of the population meanwhile, trends and FOMO will keep them glued in place until the next corporate SOMA comes along. Put another way, I don't think you can really write an article like this without preaching to the choir. I didn't avoid social media because some article convinced me it was a good idea. I just have a (mildly) weird personality and somewhat unusual priorities, and staying off social media was one inevitable result.

ergot_vacation 6y ago

This is what I was thinking reading this. I've never used social media, smart phone or otherwise. But I DO really like my cheap, incredibly outdated smart phone for the simple things it provides: a camera whenever I need it that's good enough, the ability to check something online quick (but never prolonged browsing, that's just miserable), mapping and GPS, and hell, even really simple "apps" like the calendar (I can never remember anything important). Probably the most-used thing on my phone for me is the stopwatch/timer, multiple times a day. That said, I don't know if there's really a point to these articles anymore. The people who CAN do this, and want to, will just do it. For most of the population meanwhile, trends and FOMO will keep them glued in place until the next corporate SOMA comes along. Put another way, I don't think you can really write an article like this without preaching to the choir. I didn't avoid social media because some article convinced me it was a good idea. I just have a (mildly) weird personality and somewhat unusual priorities, and staying off social media was one inevitable result.