The author of the article begins by jokingly threatening to smash her smartphone due to the overwhelming amount of time she spends on it. However, after doing some calculations, she realizes that she is spending a significant portion of her waking hours on her phone, mostly engaging in tasks that seem unimportant and forgettable. She acknowledges that she is not alone in this behavior, as many Americans in her age bracket are online almost constantly, with a considerable amount of time devoted to obligatory tasks like checking emails and school notifications.
Curious if it is possible to live without a smartphone, the author decides to embark on a 100-day experiment in which she quits her iPhone cold turkey. She faces initial challenges, such as not being able to take pictures and feeling disconnected from the world around her. However, as she adjusts to life without a smartphone, she begins to appreciate the simple pleasures of being fully present in the moment, and she rediscovers the joy of activities like running, painting, and reading books.
During the experiment, the author finds that her social circle begins to contract due to the limitations of her flip phone, but she also discovers new ways to communicate with friends and appreciates the reduction in the number of distractions in her life. She also notices positive changes in her relationships with her children, as they no longer rely on her for instant answers or solutions to their needs. Ultimately, she feels less overwhelmed and more content with her life.
Upon reaching the 100-day mark, the author reflects on her experience and realizes that she has learned to prioritize what she wants to use her iPhone for, eliminating unnecessary apps and notifications. She decides to maintain a healthy level of inaccessibility and focus on what matters most in parenting and in life, even as the demands of a new school year approach. Nearly a year later, she finds that she no longer loathes her smartphone, viewing it as a tool that she uses rather than one that controls her.
In conclusion, the author’s experiment in living without a smartphone has taught her valuable lessons about the impact of technology on her life and relationships. By reducing her reliance on her device and embracing a more intentional approach to its use, she has found greater peace and contentment in her daily life. Despite the initial challenges she faced, she has discovered a sense of freedom and clarity that has allowed her to prioritize what truly matters in her life.
