In an unexpected turn of events, ‘dumb phones’ – basic handsets that are light on extra features – are making a comeback.
Even more surprising is the fact that leading this new trend are young adults who are turning their backs on high-tech smartphones in their droves in favour of ‘dumb’ models from the 1990s.
Experts say the ‘craze’ among those in their late teens and early 20s is due to a social media fad for gadgets from the era, and a desire to switch off from today’s screen-dominated world.
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They make life easier ... but are you still living in the moment? PIC: CIzza
According to a recent survey, 39% of respondents believe that they use their phones too much.
In other words, smartphones are just too good!
Grey nomads, of course, are not immune from the temptation to over-indulge in technology.
It seems that – although smartphones may occasionally stop scrolling grey nomads from ‘living in the moment’ – most travellers are still very glad they’re hitting the open road with their devices in tow.
Our recent survey in the Grey Nomad Times found only 40% of respondents thought life on the road was simpler and better without the high-tech gadgets.
John H was one of them.
“Certainly, you can spend far too much time on your mobile phone,” he said. “We should be mixing and talking to other travellers like finding out whether the roads are safe and getting information on places to go to … Happy Hours just aren’t the same as they were.”
Kevin and Fran A saw things differently.
“We can keep in touch with grandchildren and are able to visually see the changes as they grow,” they said. “We also use it to find the correct direction and angle for the satellite dish.”
And Jytte C spoke for many when he talked about the reassurance smartphones offered.
“If used for necessary things, they are a good safety device,” he said.
So, is scrolling through the delights in your smartphone perhaps preventing you from ‘living in the moment’ as much as you should?
You can take part in the Grey Nomads survey. Just click one of the options below and send your response.
