Thinking of ditching the smartphone...

[Ambleton]

Hi all,

I'm sure I'm not alone here, and I'm sorry if this is a repeated topic. But lately I've found myself rather (dare I say it), addicted to my smartphone, the internet, social media etc. I guess a lot of people like me take thier phones to bed and do a bit of facebook or forum browsing before finally putting it down on charge and rolling over to sleep.

I know this is a bad habit as it stimulates your brain and you get a worse nights sleep etc.

Most of the stuff I read/look at is just utter bks. Whether its reading about some guy half way across the world who saved a baby antelope from a kangaroo wielding a chain saw or watching motorsport clips or indeed, as I'm doing now, posting on some car message board so a load of complete strangers can read it and give me their valued and important feedback... or trolls.

Has anyone else ditched their smart phone in favour for the traditional cell phone?

I looked at the new Nokia 3310 and I was half tempted until I noticed there was no whatsapp support, I probably use that as my main form of contacting my friends. The other thing I like about my smart phone is the camera (huawei p9), but I could just get a decent, lightweight compact instead.

Anyone got any thoughts or suggestions?

I know I could delete facebook and charge my phone in another room etc, but the temptation to move it back would be too great.

[Ambleton]

Don said:

Codswallop said:

Without wishing to sound patronising, you could work a bit on your self control...

This. Time-wasting on the Internet is a choice.

Go onto Facebook. Unfollow everyone you don't love. Delete Instacrap, What'sCrap, ttter etc. Install Skype. Add only contacts you use for work or love.

well I've deleted facebook from my phone today. Interestingly (before I uninstalled it) facebook congratulated me for posting/updating for 2 days in a row and suggested that life was better when you shared - whatever. I don't think i'll miss it.

I don't have instagram or twitter, but I do use whatsapp, although that's not really a problem causer as I only message a few few people occasionally - not all the time.

Next on the hitlist is to get a decent alarm clock - I currently use my phone as my alarm and clock at night/morning. so once I've done that I have absolutely no reason to take my phone to bed.

I think you're right though. Social media conditions people to share what they're doing all the time. Information overload and oversharing images and videos of stuff that just doesn't matter.

One of my fiends (who doesn't have facebook) genuinely believes that social media is the cause for the high proportion of young people with depression - I wouldn't take it as far as that, but it probably doesn't help!

[Ambleton]

Thanks for all your input guys!

Over the last couple of days I haven't used facebook at all since removing it from my phone. I haven't missed it so I will save some time/addiction there.

I've also done a bit of research into a decent clock radio and since purchased myself a Pure Siesta Rise. My previous one was so bright it kept me awake so I never used it. The Pure has an utterly fantastic screen that dims depending in room light conditions. Its a fantastic alarm with a great UI and allows me to set up to 3 alarms. I'll use 2. One quiet radio to gently wake me, and an alarm about 15mins later to tell me to get up. I cant recommend this alarm enough, its not the cheapest, but Pure have a good rep.

Last night was the first time I can remember where I didn't have my phone in the bedroom, and I'd like to keep it that way. I read a book instead. I must say I did sleep a lot better. The temptation to pick up the phone to answer "I wonder what/if/when...." was removed by not having the phone in the room.

I'll keep this thread updated with progress!