Escaping Technology

The social norm of having a smart phone has destroyed me forever, not to be dramatic or anything. I could say any number of things about how expensive they are or how boring the designs are, could probably write a book about how the very small number of phone companies makes the devices worse without consequence. However, I think just the pressure to have a smart phone alone is enough to ensure anybody wanting a different experience never gets to feel that.

I have had a flip phone as my mobile phone a few times, although I have failed to keep it for long. For one reason or another, it's difficult to stay with it. It's not about needing Tik Tok to stop myself from being bored in public or the fear that I'm missing out on the newest trends. It's the judgement you feel when you step out of the norm on something as daily as your phone. It's not just strangers on the street, either, you'd be surprised to know how little the people around you are willing to understand you.

I like simplicity and physicality. I like to hold things in my hands, and I like to not stress about a million things all the time. Smart phones lack both of these things. Even with their sleek, minimalist designs, having access to everything all at once, wherever I am, is taxing. The screens are large and nice, but it's just a sheet of glass at my finger tips.

So, when I try to switch to a flip phone, I am faced with judgement. I can work around a lot of things; I can work with not having social media very easily. Bad camera quality doesn't matter to me, I find it charming. Texting is a bit of a hassle, but you get used to it. It has Google, it has Maps, it has what you need in a smart phone.

Despite this, it's hard to switch because people refuse to understand it. My friends and my boyfriend act frustrated about not being able to send me things, even if I can look at it when I get home, at my computer. When it comes to overcoming problems with it, people will often disregard your efforts by telling you, condescendingly, that the problem is question would be solved with a smart phone.

So how do you deal with the embarrassment? How do you justify being happy in a way that would make most people miserable?