Why some people are back to using dumbphones

By Hana Muneer

KUWAIT: In an era where smartphones dominate our daily lives, we see a surprising trend emerging: the renaissance of dumbphones. These basic devices involve pressing buttons through which communication is restricted to calls and messages. Once considered relics of the past, they are finding their way into the hands of a new generation of users.

Omar Khaled Al-Farsi is a 27-year-old lawyer who uses a Nokia flip phone in an era dominated by smartphones. This decision has been influenced by his desire to lead a simpler life. As a lawyer, he is constantly surrounded by screens - laptops, tablets, and monitors; so, when he is away from work, he likes to disconnect - the flip phones allow him to do that.

For Farsi, flip phones bring back memories of a simpler time when social media was less intrusive, and life felt less hectic. He believes this nostalgia is powerful, as it taps into a yearning for a time when digital life didn’t overshadow real-world experiences. To him, flip phones symbolize a return to a more intimate life where typing involves pressing keypads, and calls are the primary form of communication. This yearning for simplicity extends much beyond mere nostalgia. As society increasingly becomes digitalized, many seek ways to reconnect with a simpler life. With their basic functionality and minimal distractions, these classic devices offer a tangible link to a less complicated and more connected past.

In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, many people are seeking ways to unplug and simplify their lives. According to Layan Nasser, a 36-year-old psychologist, smartphones while powerful and convenient, also come with several distractions, from constant notifications to the pressures of social media. ‘’The flip phone’s limited functionality serves as a counterbalance to this digital overload, encouraging users to focus on essential communication.’’

It is interesting to note how this desire for a digital detox is closely tied to the broader trend of minimalism. People are increasingly looking to declutter their lives, both physically and mentally. Dumbphones with their simple approach, fit perfectly into this minimalistic mindset. For Nasser, they offer a way to stay connected without the burden of unnecessary features and apps that can lead to an overload of irrelevant information.

A significant factor that has driven Youssef, a 17-year-old high schooler, to the flip phone is his growing fatigue with social media. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter, while created to connect us, can often have the opposite effect — leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and disconnection. The pressure to constantly curate and present a perfect online image can detract from authentic human interactions.

As people gravitate towards older gadgets, there is a noticeable shift towards valuing a smaller, more intimate circle of friends and family. To them, these devices align with this desire for more meaningful interactions. They facilitate genuine communication without the noise and clutter of constant online engagement, allowing us to prioritize quality over quantity in our relationships.

By eliminating access to social media apps and other distractions, these antique devices encourage us to engage more meaningfully with those around us. Without the lure of social media, we are more likely to focus on real-life relationships and experiences, nurturing deeper and more genuine connections. This shift towards a more intentional and present lifestyle is appealing to many who feel overwhelmed by the digital world.

As these retro gadgets make a comeback, their role in the tech landscape is evolving. While they may never replace iPhones and MacBooks entirely, their revival highlights a growing desire for meaningful and intimate connections. By offering a simpler, more focused communication experience, they provide a refreshing alternative for those seeking to disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with what truly matters.