​​A growing number of young adults are making the shift away from using smartphones in favour of “dumb,” or flip, phones. Some students make this transition only during exam periods, while others have committed to using these devices full-time. Despite the prevailing belief that the flip phone market has flatlined in the face of advancing technology, some students have found the value in these simpler phones. 

During his winter finals last year, Thomas Bolder, U2 Science, transitioned to a flip phone. Initially, not having access to music or podcasts on the go was an adjustment, and the experience of walking or waiting in silence was jarring. 

“[Waking up without my phone] felt strange at first, but really helped with productivity,” Bolder said in an interview with The Tribune. “I don’t think it’s something you can do forever, especially when meeting new people or looking to develop any new relationships,” he explained, as he’s noticed that social media apps are usually the primary mode of communication and networking in university. 

While the flip phone was impractical for certain tasks, Bolder found that his work ethic improved as he could focus for longer periods. As such, he recommends using a flip phone for those who want to be more productive and want a break from the overstimulation of social media.

Alex Miller, U2 Arts and Science, agreed with Bolder, but noted that he hasn’t been able to personally make the switch. 

“I would miss my mobile games and TikTok,” he said. “I find my current phone super addicting but I find it too hard to go entire days without taking breaks.”

Marcel Goh, who is in the first year of a Ph.D. in Mathematics, switched to a flip phone in April 2021 and has stuck with it. Goh was largely motivated by the steep repair costs associated with Apple devices and a desire to break free from the relentless and expensive Apple product upgrade cycle. 

Goh viewed it as a “challenge of seeing if [he] could survive without a smartphone.” 

In the initial days without smartphones, Bolder and Goh experienced some unease, as they weren’t used to not having a constant distraction. This intensified with the social expectation to stay plugged in. As university students, they feel the need for phones and social media to communicate and socialize. 

Goh relies on his dumb phone for emergencies and talking to friends. On some days, he won’t bring his phone with him altogether and relies on strangers for directions and his laptop for making plans. In the past, Goh used his smartphone to read academic papers and assignment questions while outside, but this convenience is no longer available. Nevertheless, he has been able to read a significantly greater number of non-school-related books, marking a new personal hobby for him.

But what if productivity isn’t the endgoal? Goh notes that his stress levels have decreased since he no longer receives school-related notifications while on the move. Despite the initial challenges, he encourages anyone who has ever contemplated giving up their smartphone to take the leap.

“If you’ve ever thought about ditching your smartphone for whatever reason, I would say just go for it,” he said. “If you’ve never felt the need to get a flip phone, then I’m not going to convince you you should.”

Goh suggests that those making the switch always carry a book or notebook when going out. This way, they can engage in reading or doodling to make waiting for appointments or transit less monotonous. 

With smartphones and social media so deeply ingrained in our daily routines, transitioning to a dumb phone may present the digital detox necessary for focusing on exams and schoolwork. So, as midterms conclude and finals loom on the horizon, perhaps it’s worth considering whether to downgrade your smartphone to a dumb phone in order to maximize your productivity.