Changing to a Flip Phone changed my Life

Smartphones have revolutionized the way we connect with the world and each other, offering us endless possibilities at our fingertips. However, they have also led to an unintended consequence—distraction. What began as a tool for connection has evolved into a source of constant interruptions. About a month ago, I made a video explaining why I deleted social media. However, what I didn’t share was that I still found myself addicted to my phone. The time I once spent on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest was now consumed by apps like Gmail, Photos, and even the Weather. It didn’t matter what app I used; my brain craved the sensation of endless scrolling. While social media was the root of my bad habits, the real issue was my attachment to my phone.

Determined to break this habit, I committed to making a significant change. I headed to Verizon with one goal in mind—downgrading to a flip phone. The staff looked at me in confusion, thinking I meant to upgrade. But no, I wanted to go back to basics with a flip phone. Although they no longer carried them in-store, they offered to order one online for me, which I eagerly accepted. Two days later, my waterproof, military-grade flip phone arrived. It was love at first flip. Texting on this phone was no easy feat, taking me several minutes to type just one sentence. But surprisingly, that turned out to be a good thing—I now prefer calling over texting, making conversations much more meaningful.

Initially, I found myself battling boredom. Without my phone to distract me, I felt uneasy with the quietness around me. I would look for activities to fill the silence, whether it was listening to music or doing household chores. But then I asked myself, Why are we always trying to fill the silence? Once I embraced this newfound quiet, I started noticing all the little sounds that had always been there but were overlooked. For the first time, I became comfortable with stillness, a stark contrast to the constant busyness I had grown accustomed to.

Since adopting this slower lifestyle, I’ve still been active—working, making friends, and going on adventures—but without the constant urge to check my phone. In the past month, I’ve read more books than I had in the entire previous year. It’s a joy to visit bookstores, smell the pages of new books, and dive into stories. I’ve found more excitement in these simple pleasures, and it’s been wonderful. My social circle has shrunk, not because I’ve lost friends, but because I no longer engage in fleeting online interactions. I hadn’t realized how much of my communication was dominated by the internet. The truth is, real-world, in-person interactions provide so much more value than the online ones ever could.

It’s alarming how phones have affected younger generations, including my own, by shifting their focus from play-based childhoods to screen-based ones. After switching to a flip phone, I began researching the impact of technology, and what I found was staggering. Numerous podcasts, articles, and studies revealed how detrimental technology can be to self-esteem, attention spans, mental health, and the ability to form real-world connections. I experienced this firsthand, and the positive changes in my own life were undeniable.

Although my decision to switch to a flip phone was personal and not meant to make a statement, I now see how beneficial it has been. Yes, it was challenging at first. I feared missing out, and to be honest, I often feel completely out of the loop. Sometimes I don’t even understand what people are talking about. But despite the occasional loneliness, I’m much happier with the loop I’ve created—a loop filled with friends, nature, books, cooking, and meaningful experiences.

I’m not saying everyone should switch to a flip phone, as it may not be practical for everyone. But I encourage you to be mindful of how you spend your time. Pay attention to what you’re chasing, and invest your energy in what truly matters. Don’t be afraid of the silence—put your phone down and listen.

Once I let go of the constant urge to stay plugged in, I began to rediscover moments of peace and clarity that I hadn’t realized I was missing. The silence I used to avoid became a source of reflection and calm. Without the distraction of my phone, I found more time for things that actually mattered—things I hadn’t paid attention to in a long time. My mind felt lighter, more focused, and present in the moment. The sense of urgency to be everywhere and know everything online started to fade. I realized that life offline had more depth and substance than anything I could find through a screen.

What surprised me most was how this shift affected my relationships. Conversations became richer and more intentional when they weren’t interrupted by notifications or the temptation to scroll. I became a better listener, more attuned to the people around me. Without the distraction of checking social media or replying to messages constantly, I was able to engage more fully with friends and family. These in-person moments became more meaningful, and I found myself appreciating the simple joy of human connection—something I didn’t realize I had been missing so much.

I also began to notice the world around me in ways I hadn’t before. Without a phone glued to my hand, I spent more time observing my surroundings. Nature became more vivid, and I started taking longer walks just to enjoy the sights and sounds. I found beauty in moments I might have ignored—like the way sunlight filters through trees or the quiet rhythm of daily life that I was too busy to notice before. My flip phone allowed me to slow down and truly experience life in a way that felt more authentic and grounded.

As I embraced this new lifestyle, I felt more connected to myself as well. I had more time to reflect, to think deeply about my goals and values, and to align my actions with what mattered most to me. Without the constant flood of digital noise, I could focus on the things that brought me genuine fulfillment. I found myself being more productive, more creative, and more at peace with where I was in life. The anxiety that came from always feeling the need to keep up with everything faded, and I began to enjoy living at my own pace.

Of course, this journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments of frustration, especially early on, when I felt disconnected from the world. I had to remind myself that not knowing every detail of what was happening online was okay. In fact, it was liberating. Being “out of the loop” no longer bothered me because I was building a more meaningful loop for myself—one that was filled with real connections, personal growth, and experiences that truly mattered.

In the end, this shift wasn’t just about switching to a flip phone—it was about being intentional with my time and energy. It was about choosing what I wanted to focus on and valuing the moments that make life special. The experience taught me that life isn’t meant to be lived through a screen but through the real, tangible connections and experiences that surround us every day.

So, whether or not you choose to follow the same path, I encourage you to take a step back and think about your relationship with technology. You don’t have to go to extremes, but simply being more mindful of how you use your devices can have a profound impact on your life. By creating space for the things that truly matter—whether it’s relationships, hobbies, or simply being present—you’ll find that life becomes richer, more meaningful, and filled with the kind of joy that can’t be replicated through a screen.

As I continued to embrace this new way of living, I started to notice more subtle, positive changes. My mind, no longer bombarded with the constant noise of digital interactions, felt clearer. It was easier to focus on tasks, and I felt less overwhelmed. Without the pressure to be constantly reachable or updated on everything happening in the world, I had more mental space to think deeply, be creative, and pursue activities that genuinely fulfilled me. I started journaling again, something I hadn’t done in years, and found myself writing more, not just for reflection but for the sheer joy of it.

One of the biggest surprises was how my relationship with time transformed. When I was constantly on my phone, time seemed to slip away without me even noticing. Hours would disappear in the endless scroll, and I was left feeling unproductive and drained. Now, my days feel longer in the best way possible. I’m more intentional about how I spend my time, and I’ve rediscovered the joy of taking things slow. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning without distractions or spending an afternoon cooking a meal from scratch, these moments have become richer and more fulfilling.

I also realized how much I had been missing out on real-world experiences. Before, I used to scroll through social media, envious of others’ adventures, while letting opportunities for my own adventures slip by. Without the distraction of my phone, I started saying “yes” more often—to meeting friends, to exploring new places, to trying new things. I became more present in my own life, and I found that it was far more rewarding to live these moments than to simply observe them through a screen.

In terms of social connections, I’ve found that the relationships I’ve maintained are stronger and more meaningful. Without social media acting as a buffer, I’ve been able to reconnect with people in a more genuine way. Instead of liking a post or sending a quick message, I now make the effort to call or meet up in person. These interactions feel more fulfilling, as they involve deeper conversations and real emotional connection. I’m no longer participating in the surface-level exchanges that social media encourages but instead engaging in more thoughtful, intentional communication.

Of course, there are still moments when I miss the convenience and connectivity that comes with having a smartphone. There are times when it would be easier to just quickly check something or stay updated with friends. But I’ve realized that the trade-off is worth it. I’ve gained a greater sense of balance in my life—a balance between being connected to the world and being connected to myself.

This journey has also made me reflect on how deeply embedded technology has become in our culture. Our phones are designed to demand our attention, and over time, they’ve reshaped how we interact with the world. It’s no wonder that so many of us feel a constant pull to be online, to be in the know, and to stay connected at all times. But as I’ve discovered, there’s immense value in stepping back, in giving yourself permission to disconnect and live life on your own terms.

I’ve learned that there’s power in reclaiming your time, your attention, and your focus. When we’re not glued to our screens, we have more room for creativity, for deep thinking, and for nurturing the relationships that truly matter. We become more attuned to the world around us, and we start to appreciate the beauty in the small, quiet moments of life.

Ultimately, this experience has been about more than just switching to a flip phone—it’s been about redefining what I want out of life. It’s about choosing quality over quantity when it comes to both time and connections. It’s about being present in the moment and finding joy in the simple things. It’s about building a life that feels real and fulfilling, rather than one that’s constantly filtered through the lens of a screen.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the digital world, I’d encourage you to take a step back and evaluate how much space technology is taking up in your life. You don’t have to make drastic changes, but small shifts in how you engage with your devices can lead to a significant improvement in your well-being. Put your phone down, step away from the screen, and reconnect with the world around you. You might be surprised by how much more vibrant and meaningful life becomes when you give yourself the gift of being fully present.