Some Gen Z users are replacing smartphones with basic “dumb” phones as they look for ways to reduce social media use and spend less time on screens. The shift reflects a desire for fewer digital distractions in everyday life.
Kendall Schrohe, a 23-year-old from Washington, D.C., recalled feeling an immediate sense of relief after trading her iPhone for a flip phone. She said the change helped her step away from the pull of social media.
For people making the switch, simpler phones can provide calls and texts without the apps, notifications and constant online access built into modern smartphones. The approach is becoming one way for young adults to create more space for offline attention and reflection.
