My daily activites always involved having my smart phone in my hand at all times.
It created an unhealthy need to constantly check it, wondering what my reward will be.
So I have shut off my smart phone and replaced it with a LightPhone.
Why?
What we are talking about is how I am going to be interacting with the digital world moving forward. Most importantly my goal is to put myself into a position where I can continue to benefit from the digital world without compromising the real world.
I highly recommend reading this Zine about going light blog post. It speaks toward remaining human in our digital age - and is better than anything I might be able to contribute. It will speak to what you already know and fear. This blog post was authored by the same people who created the LightPhone so it gives good insight into the ethos of LightPhone. (The full article is attached if you prefer to download it)
A major component of this change is an effort to increase my privacy. I am finding the best way to do this is by eliminating many of the digital services that have crept their way into my life. The fact that the LP2 device doesn't offer those services makes it a great choice for improving privacy. However, LightPhone goes out of their way to let us know their primary purpose is not privacy. For me, it is just a 'found' but substantial benefit.
"The Lightphone is designed to be used as little as possible"
The Lightphone 2 (LP2) is a communication device. It is a tool to be used as needed, not a device intentionally engineered to keep us fully occupied.
Here is what the LP2 does:
Makes and receives phone calls
Texts
Plays Music and Podcasts
Sets alarms
Provides a hotspot (the hotspot can be used to provide mobile data to your wifi-only smartphone if needed)
GPS guided turn-by-turn direction available August 2021
... and doesn't do*:
Email
Social Media
Feeds
Advertisements
News
*What the LP2 doesn't do is more important that what it does do. Each of the 'doesn't do' items are those things that keep us coming back to our phones as part of the "Pavlovian reward" designed into them.
Living with a not-so-dumb phone
I am not going digital free. I will be using a computer for all my digital activites instead of my phone. This includes communications such as; email, video chats and Signal. Using a computer offers me many advantages; a full sized keyboard, much stronger privacy controls and better security. However, the advantages go much deeper than logistics. Performing queries on my laptop always delivers better results due to putting more forethought into them and it is much easier to modify my search on the fly with a full keyboard than from a handheld device. Having to make an effort to go use my computer I am forced to ponder whether I really need to stop what I'm doing and "go digital" right at that moment. I am finding that most of the time I do not. The desire for instant information gratification is quickly subsiding.
I am finding that digital conveniences which I thought would be difficult to do without aren't an issue. Getting up to turn lights on and off isn't really that hard. Using a key to lock or unlock a door is faster than using my phone! It is a relief not to feel compelled to be yelling "Hey Google!" all the time. (I wasn't aware that just having a device(s) around which are constantly available to ask things - sets an expectation that you need to be using it).
The overall amount of time I spend being digitally active has been greatly reduced. I am much more conscientious about when I'm being digitally active. I become digitally active with clear intent.
Here are some of the immediate benefits I am seeing with this approach:
I am with who I am with (instead of being with my phone)
I am more aware of and interactive with, my surroundings
Less anxiety (this is real, much more so than I expected)
I am not constantly reaching for my smart device
More focused and less distracted
Reading comprehension is improved
Watching a show without constantly looking away (then wondering what I missed)
I have never used social media much, the LP2 just makes not using social media that much easier
(If I had kids of an age where they can use a phone - the LP2 is a no-brainer)
I am spending less time on the commode!
Update...I have put short stories on my ebook and left that by the commode.
What I LOVE about my LP2:
The size. GEEZ this thing is small and light - it is the size of a credit card only 1/4" longer
3.8" L x 2.2" W x 11/32" D, weight: 2.75oz
I am carrying it in a leather pouch and have added a
moneyclip to the pouch. Fits in my front pocket and completely replaces my wallet. If you text frequently the pouch may be a bit clunky. I also added a money clip to the pouch and the combination has completely replaced my wallet.
*UPDATE* I have installed a screen protector and an egrip on the back and no longer use the pouch as much.
The screen protector is from PhotoDon and I was able to put a custom 'tagline' on it
the eGrip is direct from the egrips store https://egrips.com/
It is easy to forget about. (afterall - that is pretty much the objective!)
The e-ink screen is very easy on the eyes.
Sound is excellent with or without earbuds though buds are highly recommended.
I can still listen to music, podcasts, set alarms and use the calculator (not that I need a calculator).
LightPhone is regularly providing new features while sticking to their ethos so the device continues to grow while remaining a 'tool for humans'
What my challenges are:
The burden of 'digital labor' is going to fall onto my spouse.
To be fair, it makes my dumbing down easier than it might be otherwise
Learning to be without real time digital information.
Not able to look up numbers and find information when out and about
Driving directions - *update* this feature is coming in April, will use GPS and provide turn by turn directions!
I am considering a Garmin Smartdrive for my car
The other edge of the sword is - the small size makes typing challenging.
Getting used to not having a heavy device in my pocket... as if I am missing an appendage
The LP2 itself is buggy. Bluetooth is pretty much hit and miss as are playing back podcasts and music. They aren't deal killers but LP needs to fix them.
Closing thoughts and musings
I have always been a cynical contrarian. If everyone else is doing one thing then I need to be doing something different. If everyone is jumping on a fad or trend then my assumption is something must wrong with it. I am not saying this is a good or bad trait, it is just an acknowledgement (though I will admit there it comes with an unwelcome sense of superiority). My initial concern was whether my interest in dumbing down my smartphone was nothing more than catering to this need. For me, the LightPhone seemed like the perfect direction...
...now that I am using my LP2 I am realizing there is much more to it. The device itself is well designed for its purpose. It takes calls, handles messages and occupies very little physical or mental space while doing so. I can put it into my pocket and still feel secure that I can be reached or reach out as needed. Perhaps Its best attribute is that it is easily forgotten. However, the benefits it promises are real and tangible. I am not constantly reaching for my phone, I am more relaxed, better focued and less anxious. My LP2 is a tool I use only when I need it. A certain amount of peace comes with that.
*UPDATE*
Note: when I first published this blog I received a lot of positive feedback. Most everyone buys in conceptually. However, almost universally I heard that while this might work for some people it wouldn't work for them. The reasons it would not work for them are remarkably consistent. The number one reason was that they don't have issues with smartphone addiction. Since I can't speak towards anyone's particular phone addiction I won't go there - other than asking that you do an honest assessment. The other reasons are easy to address and that is why I added this update.
Making the move from a smart phone to the LP2 (which I like to call a 'smart dumb-phone') is not for everyone. What I have shared here is what works for me. I am not saying it will work for you - nor am I trying to sell anything to anyone. My intention here is to share what has turned out to be a positive and life changing experience for myself.
I fully understand there are many valid and tangible objections that can get in the way of making this move. Just the idea of giving up a smart phone causes immediate pause. The objections surface without any effort and it would be SO much easier to listen to them and not attempt this change.
First and foremeost it is important to understand that we have become dependent on our smart phones because tech companies want us to be dependent on our smart phones! It is no accident that extracting ourselves from a smart phone will result in some hardships (or at least a perceived hardship). For some, It is almost akin to losing a limb. How sad is that? I have stopped using all 'smart devices' I had in my home, almost all 'free' google services and have stopped using every app I can (if there is a web-based equivalent I use that instead). Thinking about giving these things up was much worse than actually doing so. But there are always going to be certain things that require a smart phone. Here is what I have done to address them:
My smart phone (Pixel 3) - STILL works. It isn't as if I had to destroy it when I received my LP2! I just keep it powered off and when I need to use an app that ONLY works on a smart phone - I turn it on and use it. What I HAVE done is removed everything from my smart phone outside those services that only work on a smart phone. Banking apps are a great example. I uninstalled them and just manage my acounts on a secured laptop using my web browser (I use firefox, never chrome). Same for shopping acounts such as Amazon. In these cases the full sized screen, keyboard and often more functionality - just work better than using an application on your phone.
I removed my email and news feeds and any social media from my SmartPhone so when I do power it up... I'm not immediately blasted with all that noise. (getting email off your phone is a wonderful feeling!). This helps make sure your smart phone isn't constantly 'calling out' to have you pick it up and check it out.
I have simply moved my SIM card from my Pixel 3 to my LP2. Same phone number, same billing, same service, easy peasy. If I need to use mobile data on my Pixel 3 I just move the SIM card back. It is as simple as that.
NOTE: some carriers provide a service where you can have 'tandem' devices with the same service and phone number. I don't need that but it is a nice solution for people who need both their smartphone and LP2 on mobile data simultaneously.
You can always have separate numbers - your primary communciation device (LP2) keeps your current number, and you get a different service for your smartphone for as needed. This would only require a very inexpensive plan as you don't need any voice or text 'minutes' - and very little data (< 1gb). These plans are about $10 per month. If you have a family plan - it would be very inexpensive and seamless to just add another 'device' for those purposes.
Your Smart Phone will always work on Wifi and doesn't need mobile data unless you are out and about (e.g.: driving). To keep your data usage low make sure to download any maps you need while on wifi.
Since your LP2 provides a hotspot, you can use it to provide mobile data to your smartphone without having a separate sim card or mobile data plan for your smartphone.
Camera: This is the #1 concern. It is extremely important to have your smartphone camera at the ready so you can take pictures of every mundane thing in your life and immediately share it with others who really aren't interested in your pictures - but are too nice to say anything. Sarcasm aside - there are a couple solutions... The easiest is just power up your smart phone and use it as needed. If I am really interested in taking quality photos I use my dSLR. No smart phone camera compares to the output of a decent dSLR.
Driving Directions and Maps: This is the #2 concern. *UPDATE* Coming in August 2021, the LP2 will utilize its internal GPS and provide turn by turn directions. This will greatly alleviate one of the major missing components of the LP2.
If you still require real-time turn-by turn GPS-based directions - get a Garmin Smart-Drive (or similar device) and toss it in your car. It will work much better than your smart phone plus IT WON'T BE TRACKING EVERY STEP YOU TAKE! So even if you do prefer your smart phone - keep in mind the location tracking when using services like google maps is a problem.
Payment systems and paying for things that require a smartphone: It is not uncommon that certain payment systems require a smartphone. It is no accident that more and more 'services' only work on a smartphone. How else are all your payments and purchases going to be tracked? This is easily solved by powering up your smart phone as needed. One recommendation is when possible, purchase longer term passes so you don't need to purchase them as often. In many cases you can pre-purchase via a website - don't forget to check that out! Recently, I had to power up my Pixel 3 to send a payment via Venmo to someone. Here is where I made a mistake. Venmo's website does not allow you to perform finanical transactions, only their app does. HOWEVER, PayPal allows financial transactions from their website. By cancelling Venmo and using Paypal - I no longer need my Pixel 3 for that purpose. If more people do the same then you can bet that Venmo will provide the functionality in their web portal. (Venmo used to offer this, but took it away, mainly because Venmo is as much a social media site as it is a payment solution).
I need my smartphone for work: This one is easy. Don't ever use personal device(s) to conduct business for a company you work for. Similarly, don't ever conduct your personal business on company devices.
If your job requires a mobile phone then your company should either provide a phone or they need to fully reimburse you for the cost of a new phone and your monthly cost. Then, keep your LP2 just for personal use and have your company provided or paid for smartphone dedicated for company use. This 'separation of duties' by having a dedicated physical device only for business use will help greatly with your work-life balance. To avoid your business device from becoming another digital addiction, be sure to dumb it down so you it only provides those things required for business activities..
I am sure you noticed that most objections to the LP2 can easily be solved by 'dumbing down' your current smartphone and only using it for those things that require a smartphone. While this may seem contrary to the concept of the LP2, in practice it is not (if you haven't read the "Going Light - ZINE" article, now would be a good time). When you are home - just keep your smartphone powered off in a drawer somewhere (so it isn't calling your name) and turn it on only when you have to, then turn it off when done. The LP2 itself doesn't even need to be carried around at home as you will only need it on you when calling or texting. When you leave your home, the additional heft of the LP2 (on top of your smartphone if you need to bring it) is insignificant and it isn't a burden to bring both.
The Light Phone is just one of several devices out there that help you recover from your digital addiction. You could use a regular old flip phone - some are still being made. There are new and appealing 'smart dumb-phones' being developed that are out there or in development. Please take some time to investigate on your own and see what is out there. For me I chose the LightPhone for these reasons:
Honestly, it was the first device of its kind I came across. I was looking at things to help protect my privacy on my current smart phone and I came across the LP2. I had no idea a product like that existed... very enlightening!
I am going to post a blog regarding my 'search for privacy' in the very near future. Spoiler alert: The best and surest way to improve your privacy is just to stop using those digital services that abuse it. This is one reason the LP2 is such a great privacy solution. LightPhone's published privacy policy as well as their stated privacy objectives speak very well to LightPhone's overall culture and direction. Look for LightPhone's privacy statement and published policy at the bottom of this post.
The founders of LightPhone developed it based on principals and a culture that I highly value. This is more important (to me) than the device itself. I've spoken directly with them and they have a real passion for helping with the growing addiction to digital devices. Their published privacy policy - and stated privacy direction underscores the merits of LightPhone's principals.
Cost: My unlimited voice and text plan is $10 per month. The LP2 doesn't need mobile data, but it would only cost an add'l $5 per month should I want to add 1gb of mobile data. Also the phone itself is at least $500 less than any basic smartphone. You also won't need to constantly upgrade your device due to the planned obsolescence built into all our smart devices.
It has a regular keyboard. I can't imagine going back to texting on a 'T9' (9-button phone keyboard). Remember - press the number '7' button four times to get the letter 's'... yuk!
The design and usability of the LP2. You can tell a lot of thought went into this. I love the way it feels in my hand. I also appreciate the UI and general use. This doesn't mean improvements can't be made but LP is very good at listening and continually improving the UI and usability. There are also some bugginess that needs to be addressed. Again, LP is pretty good at fixing them but some of the more systemic issues (e.g.: BlueTooth) are taking longer.
The size. It is ideal - you can stick it in your pocket - and forget about it. Isn't that the ultimate goal!
Personally I love the e-ink display - pure genius!
It provides just the right balance of needed tools without becoming a 'smart phone'. This is extremely difficult and the leadership at LightPhone have their hands full maintaining that balance. This is why having a company that believes what they are doing is for the greater good - is so important.
Over time you will discover that your smartphone is much less of a crutch than you believe it is. You will also find that you can easily do without most of the services you can't imagine doing without! The life improvements of not having a smartphone in your life will greatly outweigh the loss of your smartphone and you will become more and more hesitant to use it.
Dieting to become healthy is a very good analogy. Once you've worked really hard to get healthy you discover that going back and eating unhealthy foods isn't worth it. Those unhealthy foods you used to love - no longer taste as good as you remembered and they make you feel lousy. Before long you lose your appetite for unhealthy foods and you don't miss them.
Smart Phone addiction has been classified as a mental illness. The damage it causes, especially to our children and to society at large has been clearly identified. We are going to be reading more about this - and we are seeing alternatives such as the LP2 for people who want help. For me the move to an LP2 delivers on that promise.
I wish you good luck and success in whichever direction you choose to go.
LightPhone's unofficial statement on privacy:
"There is not any specific device data being tracked in that way at all. The data that is securely stored is only contacts, email address and if you upload music, we can't actually read any device info/conversation history etc. whatsoever, including if a user forgets the passcode the phone is essentially bricked. It is the things a user uploads to dashboard, which a user could use the phone without the dashboard/Light Account in which we wouldn't have any other that information at all. The carrier is a different story in the US (and NSA). We do have data on which software version and firmware version a user is running, which is only really used to help troubleshoot when users have issues and contact support. We are able to see, anonymously, a total of phones that have pinged our cloud in a day, but not specifically which users."
Read Light Phone's published privacy policy here
Since my using a LightPhone impacts my interactions with contacts I have emailed out the following announcement:
Dear (friend | family member | associate),
I am sending this note to make you aware that I have shut down my smart phone and replaced it with a Light Phone 2. I wanted you to know the impact this may have on my daily communications:
CALL - It is the best way to reach me. I'll answer if I'm available, otherwise leave a VM and I'll call back.
*EMAIL - I still love email but heads-up that I'll only be checking my email from my laptop a few times a day.
*SIGNAL - The LP2 currently does not support the signal app but I can still use it on my laptop
**TEXT - Many of you know I'm not a big 'texting' person. Please keep texts short and concise. If you want a dialogue, calling is always better than text.
INTERNATIONAL - You can continue to use signal or call
To learn more as to why I am making this change - PLEASE READ MY BLOG POST:
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