The return of dumb phones: adults and teens ditch easy internet access for mental health

IOL News

13-05-2025

More and more adults (and teens) are choosing a radical solution: they're swapping their smartphones for simple 'dumbphones' devices that call and text, and little else.
Image: Leo Arslan/Pexels
Have you ever caught yourself mindlessly scrolling for hours, only to wonder where your evening went?
Or you glance up from your phone and realise you missed an entire conversation? You're not alone.
It's almost impossible to function in modern society without some form of technology.
From work emails to social invitations, our lives are deeply intertwined with our devices.
But now, more and more adults (and teens) are choosing a radical solution: they're swapping their smartphones for simple 'dumbphones' devices that call and text, and little else.
This isn't just a quirky trend - it's a growing global movement toward digital minimalism and mindful living.
Models like the iconic Nokia 3310 and the minimalist Light Phone II are flying off the shelves.
According to a 2023 report by Counterpoint Research, sales of feature phones (non-smartphones) grew by 5% in North America alone, led mostly by adults seeking relief from digital overwhelm.
Schools have even begun encouraging or requiring students to use dumbphones during the day, citing improvements in focus, behaviour, and social interaction.
For example, last year, for Mental Health Awareness Month, Holy Rosary School for Girls in Johannesburg took a bold step towards enhancing mental well-being and child development by launching an innovative 80-day smartphone abstinence challenge, aptly dubbed "80 Days: Phone Like It's 1999".
In everyday life, workplaces are starting to support employees who choose digital detox strategies, recognising the link between reduced screen time and enhanced productivity.
In everyday life, workplaces are starting to support employees who choose digital detox strategies, recognising the link between reduced screen time and enhanced productivity.
Image: Afif Ramdhasuma/Pexels
Why are people making the switch?
Escaping the social media trap
We all know the feeling: you open Instagram 'just for a minute' and suddenly 45 minutes have vanished.
A study from Harvard University found that social networking activates the same reward centres in the brain as addictive substances.
This neurological response can lead to compulsive behaviours, making it hard to put the phone down even when we want to.
Mental health matters
Multiple studies point to a connection between heavy screen time and increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, particularly among young adults.
For many, switching to a dumbphone is a way to break the cycle.
Switching to a dumbphone can help break the cycle of comparison and FOMO (fear of missing out) triggered by social media.
According to the Royal Society for Public Health, limiting screen time can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Reclaiming real-world connection
Humans are wired for connection.
Yet, as we spend more time on screens, our in-person relationships can suffer.
The 'dumbphone revolution' is about more than nostalgia; it's about learning to be present again.
Adults are reporting improved relationships, deeper conversations, and more engagement with friends and family after making the switch.
The growing embrace of dumbphones is also being celebrated by mental health professionals and wellness advocates.
Rehab.uk suggests that even a brief 'digital detox' can help reset your relationship with technology, reduce anxiety, and improve well-being.
For many, a weekend without social media is the first step toward a healthier, more intentional life.
Improved sleep
Blue light from screens can interfere with our natural sleep cycles.
By limiting phone use, especially at night, dumbphone users often report falling asleep faster and enjoying deeper, more restorative rest.
Without endless notifications and app distractions, people often find it easier to concentrate at work and home.
A study published in Computers in Human Behaviour found that participants who limited phone use reported significantly better focus and memory retention.
Better relationships
Face-to-face conversations are deeper and more meaningful without the constant interruption of phones.
Parents find themselves more present with their children, partners report increased intimacy, and friends enjoy richer social experiences.
Rediscovering boredom and creativity
When you remove the option to fill every idle moment with scrolling, you make space for new hobbies, creative thinking, and even boredom, which psychologists say is essential for personal growth and innovation.
If the thought of being without your smartphone feels scary, you're not alone. That's exactly why so many people are leaping.
Maybe it starts with a weekend digital detox, or just putting your phone down during dinner.
Small steps can lead to big changes.