By Epic Infinite News Desk | April 29, 2025
In an age where the average adult spends close to nine hours a day on their smartphones, a growing number of people are saying “enough is enough.” Amid increasing concerns about digital addiction, many are ditching their high-tech smartphones in favor of basic “dumbphones”—devices that offer limited features like calls, text messaging, alarms, and basic maps.
This rising trend is driven by a desire to regain control over time, attention, and mental well-being. Unlike smartphones that are loaded with apps engineered to capture user attention—especially social media platforms—dumbphones offer a minimalist digital experience that encourages users to be more present in the real world.
Cutting Screen Time, Boosting Mental Health
Dumbphone users report significant lifestyle improvements. According to an April 2024 report by the Wall Street Journal, long-term users of basic phones have managed to cut their screen time from an average of nine hours per day to as little as 20 minutes. That means more time spent on hobbies, face-to-face conversations, and outdoor activities.
“I used to wake up and check my phone for the first 30 minutes of the day. Now, I actually enjoy my mornings with a walk or reading a book,” says Shalini Mehta, a 34-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru who switched to a keypad phone last year. “It felt weird at first, but I noticed my anxiety levels drop within a week.”
This shift is part of a broader digital detox movement gaining traction among millennials and Gen Z adults. Apps like Instagram and TikTok, once seen as essential, are now viewed by many as harmful distractions. The dopamine-driven design of these platforms has been widely criticized for contributing to anxiety, insomnia, and decreased attention spans.
Back to Basics: What Dumbphones Offer
Most dumbphones today include only essential features—calls, SMS, alarm clocks, and in some cases, a GPS app for basic navigation. Some models like the Nokia 3310 or the minimalist Light Phone II are even marketed specifically as tools for digital wellness.
“The whole point is to make communication simple again,” says Aman Verma, a Mumbai-based tech consultant who advises clients on digital minimalism. “You’re not supposed to be entertained or distracted by your phone. It should serve a functional purpose and nothing more.”
Verma points out that many of his clients who initially bought dumbphones as a temporary measure have ended up using them long-term. “Once they see the benefits—better sleep, more real-life interaction—they rarely go back to smartphones.”
Growing Market for Less Tech
This trend has even influenced the consumer tech industry. According to data from research firm Counterpoint, global shipments of basic phones saw a 5% increase in 2024, marking the first growth in over a decade. Manufacturers are now exploring hybrid models that offer emergency apps or e-wallets, but still exclude social media, games, or high-speed internet access.
Meanwhile, mental health professionals are supporting the trend. “We’ve seen an increase in digital burnout among our clients,” says Dr. Priya Raghavan, a Delhi-based psychologist. “Reducing screen time is a simple but effective way to manage anxiety and depressive symptoms. For many, switching to a dumbphone is a tangible step towards healthier digital habits.”
A Growing Movement
Social media detoxes and minimalist tech lifestyles are no longer niche ideas. Online forums and YouTube channels now feature testimonials from users who feel more in control of their lives after abandoning their smartphones. Some have even formed local “digital sobriety” groups to support others making the switch.
As digital distractions continue to dominate modern life, the dumbphone movement stands as a quiet but powerful rebellion—one call and one text at a time.
Source:
Wall Street Journal, “Americans Are Trading Their Smartphones for ‘Dumbphones’ to Escape Screen Addiction”, April 2024.
(https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/personal-tech/dumbphones-escape-social-media-addiction-123456)
