I've only gotten an Android-based smartphone this year (running GrapheneOS). Before that I used an Ubuntu smartphone for about five years. I had to switch to so

I've only gotten an Android-based smartphone this year (running GrapheneOS). Before that I used an Ubuntu smartphone for about five years. I had to switch to something that runs apps from one of the two divinely sanctioned app-stores, so this was the compromise that worked best. The benefit of getting into a smartphone with access to all the apps this late is that I've seen the results of masses of people getting lost in their phones, and I've set up my phone in such a way as to refuse to participate in that. I use it as a portable camera, as navigation aid (not using anything Google provided) and directory service (looking up opening hours and such of points of interest) on holiday, and minimally, for apps like WhatsApp for people who I hold dear, but don't have the capacity to keep making exceptions for me (or my wife) for communication (think family group chats for the planning of family events). It has almost no apps beyond a banking app, K9-mail, OsmAnd and OrganicMaps (for pre-downloaded maps on holiday), and WhatsApp with all notifications limited to a soundless icon on the lock screen. For most things I do online, I use a desktop computer. For contact with a number of friends, email. I'm not tempted to browse mindlessly on my phone. I may read some news or look up some info when travelling, but I spend most of my travel time reading real books or just enjoying the scenery. Outside of holidays, the device is rarely in my hands. I put it in my bag when I go to the office and hardly look at it unless I expect a message. If something is really important, people will call (about the only thing that makes sound on that device). The trick seems to be to not use it for consumption of stuff fed to you by an algorithm, and to only use it minimally for chat. And minimal notifications; certainly no audible ones.