The resurgence of the “brick” mobile phone aiming to reduce hyperconnectivity: Discover the reasons behind the increasing trend of returning to simplicity.
When the Desire for Disconnection Grows
The dependency on mobile phones has reached unprecedented levels in recent times. Nowadays, we not only use them for communication but also for entertainment and even as a means to access our own homes. A study by Barlovento Comunicación revealed that 56.5% of people check their phones while watching TV, with one in three doing so over 100 times a day. This hyperconnected lifestyle is starting to take its toll, leading to the development of apps to monitor phone usage and a growing interest in places that promote disconnection, such as wifi-free hotels.
Even the younger generation is showing signs of digital fatigue. According to the Generación SPCial Study, over half of young Spaniards have considered deleting their social media accounts, with 12.7% already taking that step. Many view social media as a time-consuming activity devoid of real benefits. For example, 32-year-old Adrián Sastre left social media due to its perceived lack of substance, while 20-year-old Nora Medina reduced her presence to connect with close friends in a more meaningful way.
Dumbphones: A Solution for Digital Detox
Dumbphones are making a comeback as a desirable option for those seeking to reduce digital exposure and disconnect from the constant connectivity of smartphones. SPC, a Spanish electronics brand, introduced the SPC Wild model, an internet-free phone designed with simplicity in mind for the younger generation and individuals looking for a break from hyperconnectivity.
Beatriz Izquierdo Pliego, of the SOL foundation, notes that many parents now regret giving their children smartphones at a young age. Dumbphones offer a way to stay connected without the distractions and risks associated with social media, particularly beneficial for minors.
The Rise of Internet-Free Phones
Digital disconnection is becoming a sought-after luxury, with institutions like Eton College in the UK banning smartphones for younger students and providing basic phones without internet access. In the US, Dumbwireless has observed a rise in dumbphone sales, and HMD, the company behind Nokia phones, re-launched the classic Nokia 3210 to tap into nostalgia and simplicity.
Dumbphones not only reduce distractions but also offer increased privacy by minimizing digital footprints. Irene Manterola, from SPC, emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between smartphone use and switching to dumbphones during specific times, like vacations or weekends, to disconnect from the online world and focus on the present moment.
