Surviving Modern Life with a Flip Phone (Barely)
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Mama was right: Smartphones are frying our brains. App locks, screentime reminders, digital detoxes: we’ve tried them all. Nothing sticks because honestly? We’r

I’ve been using a flip phone as my daily driver for a while now. The smartphone is still around, but it mostly sits in a drawer until bureaucracy or banking apps force me to use it.

For me, the benefits are clear: less distraction, more focus, better sleep. But I know for many people it’s not so easy. Essential apps, social pressure, work requirements… these are real blockers.

I’d like to start a discussion (almost like an informal poll):

  • If you thought about switching, what’s the single biggest thing that holds you back?

  • Is it banking? Messaging? Maps? Something else?

I’m genuinely curious because if we can identify the main pain points, maybe it’s possible to work on solutions or even start a small project around it.

So: what would need to change for you to actually give a flip phone a try?

  • sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    5·
    9 hours ago

    The main blocker is MFA. I can technically work around Google Authenticator (I use Aegis currently) because I can run it on my laptop, but I also need Okta verify (work VPN), Symantec VIP (bank), and the Steam app.

    And some other very nice to haves:

    • Signal messenger
    • SSH client
    • Libby app
    • Organic Maps

    I can find workaround for the rest.

    That said, wouldn’t it just be easier to uninstall the apps that cause distractions?

      • sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        2 hours ago

        CoMaps

        I haven’t. I looked into it, and that’s quite the drama. I like the name of CoMaps better, so I’ll check it out. I see shared commits, but they seem to go to Organic Maps first and then I guess get cherry-picked onto CoMaps?