Whether you love them or hate them, smartphones rule our lives these days. They have completely changed the way communication takes place. However, there are still some people in the world who are capable of living their lives without a smartphone, unlike most of us who just can’t imagine life without one. So what would life be like without smartphones?
“Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.“
― Gertrude Stein
Remember the days when the first cell phones hit the market? It was a little device that was thought to be a miracle in the world of technology. People were happy that they wouldn’t have to be tangled to a chord of the landline phone anymore. They could walk and talk freely at anytime and anywhere during the day. The use of these cell phones were just limited to calling and texting. Soon enough, there were rapid developments in technology, and new types of phones were introduced with a better battery life, better looks, advanced features, etc. And soon came the touchscreens and smartphones, that made us completely dependent on them, so much so that it is hard to imagine a life without having one now. It became the mini laptop that we normally use for Facebook-ing, Instagram-ing, mailing, texting and constant texting on WhatsApp, sending pictures through Snapchat, video calling, getting directions, again Facebook-ing, and again Instagram-ing! Well, this is what our normal day goes like, isn’t it?
There are two kinds of people in this world – people who have smartphones and people who DON’T have smartphones. Whaaat?! Yes, you read that correct! Hard to believe, right? But there do exist some people who don’t have smartphones – willingly or unwillingly. And it turns out that not checking your phone the whole day is not so bad after all. In the sections below, we will talk about the realities of not having a smartphone – the good and the bad.
Life Without a Smartphone
Have you ever lived without your smartphone ever? Oh yes, you have! Before they were developed. We’ve become too dependent on things that did not even exist a few years ago. We keep getting phantom vibrations – a feeling that your phone is vibrating or ringing in your pocket. Our hearts skip a beat if we can’t find our phone. Life comes to a standstill, we get all stressed out and just don’t know what to do. We start feeling like a stone-age human who’s living in the time of about millions of years ago without any technology or connectivity. We often take our phones for granted, which really holds true for the saying, “We don’t appreciate what we have until it is gone.” Probably staying without your smartphone for sometime will make you appreciate it. They are not so bad after all.
Feel Disconnected
Smartphones have truly changed the way we communicate with everyone. Earlier, technology limited us to stick to international or national calls and emails. It has now brought people closer. Now everyone is just a click away. You can also make video calls and talk face-to-face without missing anyone much. However, not having a smartphone will make you feel disconnected from the world, often leading to loneliness. It may leave you feeling bored.
Lost Without GPS
All smartphones contain GPS, that helps us get to our destinations without getting lost. Life has indeed become easy with GPS. It can literally take you places by giving directions turn-by-turn. However, we would be literally lost without this, and keep roaming around aimlessly till we finally reach the destination. It is an important tool for people who love traveling or are frequently required to travel due to work.
Life Won’t Be So Organized
Smartphones have made our lives organized. With the latest apps, we can plan out our day accordingly, and feed in our important schedule. All of us know that smartphones come with alarm clocks and reminders. Without a smartphone, you won’t get those reminders for important events. In the earlier days, reminders were set through notes and other means, which some of us would often forget.
You Won’t Stay Frequently Updated
Staying in touch with the news from all corners of the world surely increases your knowledge about the daily happenings. The news from across a continent is just a click away, unlike the earlier times when you had to read a newspaper or watch the news to stay updated.
Can’t Click Pictures on the Go
Before smartphones, a separate camera had to be carried at all times, eventually missing out on some amazing moments, because it took time to switch on and adjust the camera. With the entry of smartphones, clicking pictures became easy. You can capture the perfect photos with a simple click on your phone. You need not miss the beautiful sunset or an unusual species of bird sitting on a tree. Had it not been for smartphones, you wouldn’t have been able to capture some great memories over time.
Bliss of Not Having a Smartphone
Many people will agree that not having your smartphone around leads to a peaceful life. It also helps you think and take decisions in a better way, without any distractions.
You won’t get distracted because of notifications or emails from work. You can actually leave and not take your work home. Besides, it will also help increasing your productivity at work.
It will break your habit of staring at your phone every now and then. You will no longer feel those phantom vibrations.
Without a smartphone, you can have more real conversations with people around you. The common sight that you see these days is people being deeply engrossed in their phones, even if they are hanging out in a group. This is how people socialize these days. So many of some great moments and conversations are missed out on because of the addiction to smartphones that can often distract others.
We won’t have to take extra efforts to bond with our family and friends.
But first, let me take a selfie! You can have your meals without feeling the urge of posting a picture of yourself or your food on Instagram. Also, this will not annoy other people sitting around you in a restaurant.
You won’t text or make drunk calls to your ex after seeing their updates. Also, you will learn to communicate effectively.
You won’t have to worry about all those data plans in the world.
You will get a better sense of direction, and actually remember all the routes without the help of your almost-trustworthy guide called Google Maps. They say that it is only when you get lost that you truly find yourself. You can actually get lost and stumble upon a new and hidden place filled with peace and tranquility.
You’ll sleep better and not wake up feeling sleepier than when you hit the bed the previous night.
You can have a better chance at finding your soulmate. Yes, it is true. We all live in the era where people break up over texts because of one small and silly misunderstanding. Texting has become the new medium of communication, rather than meeting in person and spending time with your loved ones.
You can have those 1 – 2 hours back in your life that you spend with your phone. Just imagine the things that you can do in that time. You can read and play actual sports to your heart’s content, instead of playing them on your phone.
A smartphones is indeed very useful and fun, but use it in moderation without getting addicted, and it will surely become your companion for the better. We know you’ll miss the convenience of your smartphone, but it needs to be put down once in a while. Remember that you own your smartphone, and your smartphone doesn’t own you! Have you ever gone sans your smartphone even for a day (or more)? How was your experience? Do let us know about them by dropping in a few lines in the comments section below.