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Vox
21-05-2025
- Health
- Vox
How switching to a flip phone deepened my friendships
is a deputy editor of Future Perfect, Vox's section on the myriad challenges and efforts in making the world a better place. She oversees the Future Perfect fellowship program. On April Fools' Day, I called my mom. I told her that for a month, I was 'going flip phone' — meaning, abandoning my iPhone for one with no access to social media apps. And no, it wasn't a joke. My discontent with my screen time reached new peaks in late March after a stint in physical therapy and a string of near-constant rainy days. But first, some context: I stare at screens all day for a living, and I'm no stranger to life affixed to a computer, palm-sized or not. I grew up in the 2000s, playing Neopets and the Sims 2. I later inherited my mom's busted iPhone 3GS in 2011 as an eighth-grader, and said goodbye to my LG Lotus flip phone. I've been on Instagram since within a year of its launch. For more than a decade, I lived by the idea of 'good screen' and 'bad screen.' That is, bad screen is work/school-related, and good screen is just for the vibes, like spending an hour or so in a Wikipedia rabbit hole. Good screen felt like a reclamation of my own time. Until it didn't. Turns out, good screen is actually a farce. We didn't know it at the time in the 2010s, but increased use of smartphones and social media was probably bad for my then-developing brain. According to an October 2024 CDC report, the percentage of teenagers who had symptoms of anxiety or depression was higher among those with four hours or more of daily screen time. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention For me, the decision came about because I realized that my phone was getting in the way of doing literally anything else. Like going to a coffee shop with a friend. Or playing evening soccer and getting a drink after. Or hosting dinner parties. If there's one thing I've learned while working here alongside Even Better's Allie Volpe, the key to a good life is to get some sun early in the day, do regular movement, and socialize often. So 'dumbphone' it was. Going Barbie phone The rules, my boss said, were simple. I had a $100 budget. (Him: 'I mean, it goddamn better be under $100. It won't do anything.') And I had to go the whole way. That meant I couldn't switch back and forth between phones. The only exception was using my iPhone for two-factor authentication apps. 'I wonder if you'll have any friends left over by the end,' my boss, editorial director Bryan Walsh, slacked me. 'Or maybe more because you'll call them up on your telephone. Maybe you'll get new friends, better ones.' This story was first featured in the Future Perfect newsletter. Sign up here to explore the big, complicated problems the world faces and the most efficient ways to solve them. Sent twice a week. The strict budget ruled out fancy but still internet-free dumbphones like the Light Phone my colleague Adam Clark Estes tried out last month. So I first turned to older flip phones. My partner's parents had an old Motorola Razr chilling in a drawer, and I had always wanted one when I was a kid (or a T-Mobile Sidekick or LG Chocolate). But after hours of trying to figure out if the phone was compatible with my carrier, I learned that the infrastructure in the US for 2G connection was shut down this year. I couldn't use anything that wasn't at least 4G. I effectively had to get a new phone. Naturally, I stalked the internet's best resource for financial decision-making: Reddit. I checked out tons of posts on r/dumbphones, and finally decided to go for the (at the time) $90 HMD Barbie Phone. It had maps, texts, and a camera — but no app store. It technically does have internet, but it is so impossible to use that it might as well not be there. Social butterfly? When my friends heard about my little experiment, they were worried, thrilled, partially envious, and wondering how on earth we would plan our Formula 1 race weekend watch parties. I didn't set any intentional goal of how often to reach out to people or make plans. But in the absence of mindlessly scrolling on Instagram or TikTok, I was motivated to reach out to people. Still, my texts were very stilted because of the numeric keypad. Some of my friends were annoyed about this within a week. One texted me to ask about my thoughts on tariffs, and I replied 'Hmm hard 2 say.' A few hours later, she texted me with some personal news that warranted a swift phone call. 'I can feel yourself restraining your thoughts in your texts! But it's nice to just hear your voice right now,' she said in that call. This friend lives in a different city, so I don't get to see her as often. But because we weren't seeing what the other was up to on Instagram, we called each other a lot more often than we usually would have. Speaking of Instagram…what a double-edged sword! It's either a black hole of endless, pointless scrolling or it's how you find out about the latest party, book release event, or restaurant opening. I definitely missed out on a lot of potential hangs by not being on IG, but at the same time, would I have actually spontaneously gone to any of them? I'm not so sure. I did cheat a bit by opting to text friends via my personal computer whenever I had the chance to. This also let me participate in some group chats since the Barbie phone doesn't have that capability. And I called my mom way more. That's saying something because I talk to both of my parents essentially every other day with my normal phone. I flew to see my dad in Tennessee and visited my partner's parents in Westchester for Easter. I even planned an intergenerational return with my grandparents to Puerto Rico for May. Life after dumbphone All in all, I about doubled the number of in-person hangs, although my memory is a bit fuzzy. I'm someone who lives and dies by my Google Calendar, and I wasn't great at version control between my physical planner and the g-cal. And I don't have many photo reminders of what I did. However, I did not last an entire month. I fell two days short, thanks to that sporadic trip to Puerto Rico. I had to order Ubers, consult spreadsheets, figure out access codes, find restaurants that everyone actually wanted to eat at, and keep in touch with people we were hanging out with. If you're a caretaker or if your work demands that you be online 24/7, I'm not sure if a smartphone detox is right for you. And honestly, there were some things I missed from my regular iPhone. Having no music during runs made me dread jogging, so I didn't run for an entire month. I couldn't scan QR code menus at restaurants. If I didn't have directions written down somewhere, I was constantly anxious about getting lost since Google Maps on the Barbie phone wasn't all that. I also took fewer photos. (Sorry, Bad Bunny, I know I should take more.) Still, my life felt more full because of the burst of spontaneity encouraging deeper connections with my friends and family. My attention span also no longer seemed like it's the size of a small pea. And while I didn't start this experiment out of concern for my mental health, it did help me feel more socially connected, something that puts people at less risk for depression. I'm now much more deliberate in valuing off-the-cuff hangs. Just last week, I went to a bar to watch the Knicks game, and called a friend who I haven't seen in a few months. And yes, it was on the Barbie phone. A version of this story originally appeared in the Future Perfect newsletter. Sign up here! You've read 1 article in the last month Here at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you — threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country. Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change. We rely on readers like you — join us. Swati Sharma Vox Editor-in-Chief Membership Monthly Annual One-time $5/month $10/month $25/month $50/month Other $50/year $100/year $150/year $200/year Other $25 $50 $100 $250 Other Join for $10/month We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet the Chargers content team winning the schedule release 'Super Bowl'
Megan Julian, Chargers senior director of digital and social media, has played an integral part in helping the team become the undisputed champions of NFL schedule release day. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) Reposts flood in. Likes climb faster than administrators can count. Each spring, the Chargers know how to run up this score. When it comes to what senior director of production Tyler Pino calls the 'content Super Bowl,' the Chargers are multi-time season NFL schedule release champions. They broke the internet with popular anime videos in 2022 and 2023. A Sims 2 theme in 2024 kept online sleuths laughing for weeks at inside jokes. Advertisement The schedule reveal video posted Wednesday in the pixelated style of Minecraft surpassed one million views on X, formerly known as Twitter, in 45 minutes, and four million in three hours, confirming the Chargers' social media dynasty. The next closest NFL team schedule video was viewed roughly 1.5 million times during that same span. The Chargers set the bar among a throwback action figure commercial , a Mario Kart parody and an ad for a prescription drug . They had some brief competition when the Indianapolis Colts also dropped a Minecraft-themed video only to delete it roughly an hour later. The Jets even poked fun at the unexpected twin videos. Each year's creative videos have suddenly become more notable than the schedules they promote. But the Chargers' content team tries to stay focused on the process of winning fans over one like, lower-case letter and laugh at a time. Advertisement 'I don't think our goal is to be the best on the internet,' said Megan Julian, Chargers senior director of digital and social media, 'but our goal is to build generational fandom on the internet.' Read more: Chargers will travel more miles than any other team in the NFL this season Known for their creativity and casual humor, the Chargers were named the NFL's best Twitter account by Complex in 2019, 2022 and 2023. When Julian joined the Chargers in 2018, she was the only person behind the social media accounts. The franchise had just returned to L.A., where a whole generation had grown up without the NFL. Fans were already invested in different teams. Instead of trying to change an established fan's mind, the content team aimed to cultivate new ones by reaching different, younger audiences that will fill SoFi Stadium for generations. Allie Raymond, left, and Megan Julian of the Chargers' social media team, walk on the practice field during rookie minicamp at the team's headquarters in El Segundo. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) Julian made the Chargers' social media accounts feel like entering a group chat. The team, which includes director of organic social media Allie Raymond; Jaemin Cho, the senior vertical video coordinator; Lorren Walker, programming manager for organic social media; and coordinator Hannah Johnson, post in lower-case text in short, sharp bursts. They never overexplain the joke. Advertisement Here, among friends, it's already known. "You're talking with the fans,' Julian said. 'Not at them.' Occasionally commenters complain about the lower case letters or can't keep up with the newest slang. The schedule release videos often include pointed jokes toward opposing players or teams. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who controversially sat out for one play last year because he was tired, ran out of gas in a go-kart race in this year's video. But the unique tone has built a distinct brand for an organization that is fighting for any way to stand out in a crowded L.A. market. "We're creative, and we think a little bit off kilter,' said David Bretto, the director of creative video. 'But we do that because we're allowed to do that, and the organization sees the success." A member of the Chargers' content team films players taking part in rookie minicamp at the team's headquarters in El Segundo on May 9. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) The content team's reputation precedes them. When videographers checked bags at the NFL combine, security guards asked what they were cooking for the schedule release. Incoming rookies asked who is behind the keys of the social media accounts that go viral with the latest TikTok trends. Advertisement Inspired by the energy of young, charismatic stars on the 2018 team including Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Derwin James Jr., Julian started to craft a social media persona that matched the on-field personnel. For the franchise's current era, showing the players' personalities remains at the forefront. Some players welcome the sight of the social media team holding a tiny microphone tethered to their phones. Linebacker Daiyan Henley is as ubiquitous on the Chargers' TikTok account as the team's logo. A more reserved personality such as Justin Herbert still shines through in videos that showcase the star quarterback's humble charm. Highlight videos of Herbert avoiding their cameras still turn into internet gold because while this is a football team, football is only a fraction of the franchise's digital brand. 'There are only 20 days a year that we actually play the sport,' said Jason Levine, Chargers senior vice president of brand, creative and content. 'Then the other 345, we're just entertaining people.' Allie Raymond records players and coaches taking part in Chargers rookie minicamp on May 9. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) The biggest internet stage is the schedule release. The Seattle Seahawks sparked a revolution in 2016 with a cupcake-themed video in which special ingredients representing each city of their opponents were stirred into a batter. Some teams hire production companies and outside contractors to prepare for the big reveal. This season, NBA legend Allen Iverson and actress Brenda Song made cameos for the Buffalo Bills and the Rams, respectively. Advertisement But Julian proudly notes that all of the Chargers' videos have been produced in-house. The Chargers' first major schedule release video came in 2019 when they represented each opponent with stock footage. A dog dressed in a lion's mane. A person in a bear suit on a picnic. Both games against the AFC West rivals Kansas City Chiefs were represented by awkward chefs. The 73-second collection of clips was so weird it somehow worked. Read more: Inside the 2025 NFL schedule: 13 things to know about this season's games The day before it dropped, Julian and Bretto nearly scrapped the project all together. Advertisement 'To me, schedule release kind of feels like you're on a cliff,' Bretto said. 'You put all this work to get to the top of this mountain, and at the very end, there's nothing to do but just jump. You don't know how the audience is going to react.' Just count the tens of thousands of likes. The reception is clear. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Meet the Chargers content team winning the schedule release ‘Super Bowl'
Reposts flood in. Likes climb faster than administrators can count. Each spring, the Chargers know how to run up this score. When it comes to what senior director of production Tyler Pino calls the 'content Super Bowl,' the Chargers are multi-time season NFL schedule release champions. They broke the internet with popular anime videos in 2022 and 2023. A Sims 2 theme in 2024 kept online sleuths laughing for weeks at inside jokes. The schedule reveal video posted Wednesday in the pixelated style of Minecraft surpassed one million views on X, formerly known as Twitter, in 45 minutes, and four million in three hours, confirming the Chargers' social media dynasty. The next closest NFL team schedule video was viewed roughly 1.5 million times during that same span. The Chargers set the bar among a throwback action figure commercial, a Mario Kart parody and an ad for a prescription drug. They had some brief competition when the Indianapolis Colts also dropped a Minecraft-themed video only to delete it roughly an hour later. The Jets even poked fun at the unexpected twin videos. Each year's creative videos have suddenly become more notable than the schedules they promote. But the Chargers' content team tries to stay focused on the process of winning fans over one like, lower-case letter and laugh at a time. 'I don't think our goal is to be the best on the internet,' said Megan Julian, Chargers senior director of digital and social media, 'but our goal is to build generational fandom on the internet.' Known for their creativity and casual humor, the Chargers were named the NFL's best Twitter account by Complex in 2019, 2022 and 2023. When Julian joined the Chargers in 2018, she was the only person behind the social media accounts. The franchise had just returned to L.A., where a whole generation had grown up without the NFL. Fans were already invested in different teams. Instead of trying to change an established fan's mind, the content team aimed to cultivate new ones by reaching different, younger audiences that will fill SoFi Stadium for generations. Julian made the Chargers' social media accounts feel like entering a group chat. The team, which includes director of organic social media Allie Raymond; Jaemin Cho, the senior vertical video coordinator; Lorren Walker, programming manager for organic social media; and coordinator Hannah Johnson, post in lower-case text in short, sharp bursts. They never overexplain the joke. Here, among friends, it's already known. 'You're talking with the fans,' Julian said. 'Not at them.' Occasionally commenters complain about the lower case letters or can't keep up with the newest slang. The schedule release videos often include pointed jokes toward opposing players or teams. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who controversially sat out for one play last year because he was tired, ran out of gas in a go-kart race in this year's video. But the unique tone has built a distinct brand for an organization that is fighting for any way to stand out in a crowded L.A. market. 'We're creative, and we think a little bit off kilter,' said David Bretto, the director of creative video. 'But we do that because we're allowed to do that, and the organization sees the success.' The content team's reputation precedes them. When videographers checked bags at the NFL combine, security guards asked what they were cooking for the schedule release. Incoming rookies asked who is behind the keys of the social media accounts that go viral with the latest TikTok trends. Inspired by the energy of young, charismatic stars on the 2018 team including Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Derwin James Jr., Julian started to craft a social media persona that matched the on-field personnel. For the franchise's current era, showing the players' personalities remains at the forefront. Some players welcome the sight of the social media team holding a tiny microphone tethered to their phones. Linebacker Daiyan Henley is as ubiquitous on the Chargers' TikTok account as the team's logo. A more reserved personality such as Justin Herbert still shines through in videos that showcase the star quarterback's humble charm. Highlight videos of Herbert avoiding their cameras still turn into internet gold because while this is a football team, football is only a fraction of the franchise's digital brand. 'There are only 20 days a year that we actually play the sport,' said Jason Levine, Chargers senior vice president of brand, creative and content. 'Then the other 345, we're just entertaining people.' The biggest internet stage is the schedule release. The Seattle Seahawks sparked a revolution in 2016 with a cupcake-themed video in which special ingredients representing each city of their opponents were stirred into a batter. Some teams hire production companies and outside contractors to prepare for the big reveal. This season, NBA legend Allen Iverson and actress Brenda Song made cameos for the Buffalo Bills and the Rams, respectively. But Julian proudly notes that all of the Chargers' videos have been produced in-house. The Chargers' first major schedule release video came in 2019 when they represented each opponent with stock footage. A dog dressed in a lion's mane. A person in a bear suit on a picnic. Both games against the AFC West rivals Kansas City Chiefs were represented by awkward chefs. The 73-second collection of clips was so weird it somehow worked. The day before it dropped, Julian and Bretto nearly scrapped the project all together. 'To me, schedule release kind of feels like you're on a cliff,' Bretto said. 'You put all this work to get to the top of this mountain, and at the very end, there's nothing to do but just jump. You don't know how the audience is going to react.' Just count the tens of thousands of likes. The reception is clear.
Buzz Feed
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
I Made A Celebrity "Sims" Generator, And The Results Are Genuinely Good — You Can Make Your Own, Too
Hold onto your hootas 🎩, because The Sims 1 and 2 will be re-released for PC to celebrate the game's 25-year anniversary and this is the best news for me personally, in well, a loooooooong time. So to celebrate this momentous event, let's transform some celebrities into their Sims persona. Our BuzzFeed Celebrity Sim Generator below will let you transform any star into a classic Sims 1 or Sims 2 character — pixelated nostalgia and all. Feel free to put them in some weird and wacky scenes. Will Timothée Chalamet strut around in low-res glory? Can Jennifer Coolidge survive a Sims 1 pool with no ladders? There's only one way to find out.... Share your creations below and add a heart on all your favorites! ❤️
