Great video! I've switched to dumb phone for a year and it was the best year of my life. I always thought that my basic level of happiness was quite low... except it wasn't. Not only did I become a happier person but also my anxiety levels reduced to minimum and I was finally able to live without my meds. The only weird thing is - when you sit down at a table at a restaurant with your friends, they start constantly checking their phones and you just sit there and stare into the void 😅
Friends checking their phone in front of you is becoming quite common thing nowadays, but happy to know there's still someone who fine it weird😂 Gread decision for sure, thanks for sharing your experience.
@@user-ep6le1ft4l It’s just a social norm at this point, albeit an anti-social one. Everywhere has taken advantage of everyone having a smartphone so it’s become a standard so if you don’t have one then you’re just being weird or awkward. Workplaces rely on people having a phone now to access rosters or other online systems even though they have no right what goes on your phone, this is the exact reason everyone is just less professional than they were 10-15yrs ago, using personal devices for work is counter productive but they do it anyway.
The friends are missing out , and totally addicted . I agree we need to take a break at times . Not judging anyone. Friends come over to spend time but they only their phone . 😢
Hey Matt heres why I love your content. You dont pretend to to live an unrealistically perfect life. You akowldge your own struggles, whilst many others in the field try to pretend they have no flaws. So keep doing you. Love from Adelaide SA.
I did it last month for 3 weeks and I realise how much time my wife is on her phone. I was happy to get it back, because I talk with my friend and family a lot, but never miss it for social media
As someone that has done this for the last 90+ days (Macrofactor), I can confirm that it's definitely worth doing. I'm more conscious of what I'm eating, how it's broken down, and what effects it has on my weight compared to my daily expenditure. I've already lost almost 10% of my body weight and feel much more knowledgeable about my general diet without making sacrifices or resorting to limiting diets.
I've given this a try for a week and it's been the best decision; it's drastically reduced my screen time + increased my productivity and brain space. Infinite gratitude for the quality content you've made and continue to make.
Hey Matt, exciting video! Quick tip for navigating with the Watch, if you click on the map at the bottom of the interface you get a classic and much more convenient map view. It was hard to watch you try to navigate with the instructions 😭
I watched this video when it released. I started this journey on March 26th. This has been better than I could have ever imagined. The intentionality in my life has improved drastically. I am more present with my family and friends. I have been reading more books and enjoy so much more time with my daughter. Thank you for this video!
I bought an Apple Watch a few months back for a reduced version of this and it’s been great. I had a huge issue scrolling for ages at night and in the morning so I really just didn’t want to have my phone in my room anymore and I wanted to be able to keep it away from me while working and the watch has been great for all that. I also love the health tracking features for sleep and general well being to make sure I don’t just sit at my desk for 7 hour stints. I know it’s foolish to buy new tech to use existing tech less but, hey, humans are (I’m) dumb!
Just upgraded from a series 3 to an SE. Loving it so far, the features of the 7 and 8 just didn’t justify the extra price for me. Was able to go cellular which is amazing when trying to ditch the phone, and still be under the starting price of the 8. Sleep tracking works very well, and I’m enjoying it a lot. Definitely reduced my screen time overall :)
It comes down to control. You have control to not reach for your phone. It seems the watch has helped since it’s a very tiny screen with minimal function.
I’ve reached a place with my phone use where I don’t use devices in bed. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made between the last Matt D’Avella challenge and this one
Or better yet, an actual satellite navigation device. Some of them are actually way better than anything you can get on a phone. Especially the ones that are built into newer cars (at least VW cars).
I thought of the same thing. But from the final conclusion, sounds like he's planning to do something similar, and only use the phone as a navigation device (and for firmware updates).
@@somedudeinatunnel3102 Unfortunately not, at least not with an Apple watch - this has been my only real barrier to dropping my phone entirely. CarPlay is essential for me - Maps, Music, Calls etc and you only get that with an iPhone. I have definitely considered just stashing my phone in my car though - my arm rest has concealed storage with a USB port so it would be feasible.
Well Matt, you've done it again. I've spent too much thought trying to find a system for phone addiction. As much as I hate my phone, I just couldn't get off IG and RUclips lol. And using a smart watch was my last thought as a resolution. I always figured it would make life even worse by putting a smart phone on your wrist. A true game changer that I'll have to try. The last two videos have been absolute bangers 🙌
I did it guys 30 days completed Next challenge is for 3 months 24 feb to 23 may and today is 23feb And i ended my target of 30 days be ready next traget ❤
I'll leave you the same comment I left Matt D'Avella: People keep wanting to ditch their smartphone but, actually, no they don't. What they want to ditch is social media.
Love Matt D'Avella. Not just social media. News, Reddit, dooms scrolling. I've found it impossible to have a phone and not use these things. I think lots of others feels the same. Maybe my will power just isn't strong enough 😅
@@mattdavella Yours and most the rest of us lol Smartphone is the only thing I've ever had an addictive pattern with, and its unfortunately a tool that is unlikely to diminish from our daily lives in the future. (this comment sent from my Nokia :/)
This is what worked for me: deleting social media apps that are not necessary for communication with family/friends. Disabled all notification for apps that I need sometimes but not want to be reminded of. Placing on the first screen of my phone only apps that I need to use often. Also placing most in folders so it's more organized.
Loved the stock footage when you were talking about getting lost in Sydney at 8:56. Ending up in the middle of Melbourne is getting epically lost in Sydney!
I really don’t like using a phone but I am an iPad/RUclips addict. So having an Apple Watch changed things, like I don’t have to wake the whole house or my partner for alarms. The watch quietly wakes me up through vibration. I also use it for meditation since I suffer from anxiety. I also use it for tracking heart rate since I get palpitations and dizziness at times. I’ve been able to dedicate things for a specific gadget so I don’t have to grab them unnecessarily. My phone is always at my desk, I no longer bring it in bed. And when I’m outside, it’s just in my bag when I really need it since I don’t have the cellular version of Apple Watch. When I’m outside, I’m not hunched over my phone like most of the people I see nowadays.
you put this video up again :P I remember getting notified for this upload coincidently when i was done 30days without a smartphone and then it was pulled. now its almost two months so hey *cheers*
I’ve practiced this for nearly 5 years, it’s great, I do still get ‘range anxiety’ when it comes to Apple Watch battery life but as you say the benefits outweigh the cons.
I recently got a Samsung Z Flip 4 and a galaxy watch 5 and I love it. It helps me reduce the screentime since its an extra step to "unfold" my phone, plus when I'm at the gym the front screen is great for seeing my reps and selecting music
THIS! I have been struggling with my screentime for a while now but I got an Apple Watch Cellular and it completely changed the game for me. I still have days where I would just drag my phone around with me but then I would think “hang on, why do I cary this if I have the watch?” and poof I leave my phone again and I rediscover life lol
I’ve been using the same system for the past half a year and it’s an absolute game changer! I carry my phone when I need a map (apple maps don’t work in South Korea)
For some reason, it was the navigation thing that got me. Ask anyone (Aussie) over 30, and they would have used a Melway or UBD (depending on where you're from!) to navigate. We managed for decades with that old-fashioned book of maps to help us get to new places.
There are a couple ways to reduce the usage of phone and not go to the extremity of locking it in somewhere: 1. Set screen time for your social media apps to like 30-40 minutes or so combined, not individually, combined. 2. Once you see that screen time notification, do not ask for more time no matter what. The splash screen that says your time is up should serve as a warning to you. 3. Silence notifications from social media apps completely. You can respond to whatever messages in there in those 30 minutes you use them. 4. Resist the urge to pull out your phone when you're out and about with your friends and family. 5. Check your screen time reports weekly. When you see that going down, you'll be happy and pretty soon you'll be able to stick to this without any screen time restrictions in place. Maybe try these out and see if it helps. If it doesn't just do what Matt does.
I agree. Personally, my only social media is RUclips and LinkedIn (which is not your typical social media). I don’t have Facebook, twitter, instagram, etc. when these social media sites rolled out I knew they were time vampires. I tried TikTok for 1 day and upon my 1st use I saw it was a huge problem and deleted it immediately. I also turn off all of my phones push notifications. I don’t need doordash telling me about their latest discount at 5pm everyday, etc. I moved and distracting apps or apps that I checked constantly to the last page of my phone screen, so I couldn’t see the little circle showing the number of messages or emails I have waiting for me. This was one of the best things I have ever done. Now I check my email once a day, instead of 10 or 20 times a day. When I am waiting at a doctors office or whatever, I go through and unsubscribe from junk email and I also clear out my text messages, voicemails, and useless photos that I have taken that are no longer relevant to me.
Love you and Cal Newport author of "Digital Minimalism" and podcaster of "Deep Questions"! I love how you guys are both about the "a life well lived". The 5 C's: constitution, contemplation, community, celebration and craft - Go Team! I wish he would interview you!
He has absolutely no idea about smartphone addiction despite making multiple videos about it, it's just hilarious to see. He thinks that he done well because he hasn't used his phone, but instead he made his life much harder and overcomplicated everything. You can tell he lives a very comfortable, rich life because regular people would never do something like this.
@@senzation01 I mean, not necessarily. He's clearly addressed any lifestyle issues that his 'challenges' end up placing on him. I think he's done a pretty good job dealing with any compromises and showing them to the audience. Also to the OP, I disagree that this is a minimal enough change to the way a smartphone addiction is handled via a normal smartphone. This was already addressed in the video: You won't scroll on the watch for 8 hours. I think that idea was clear enough, and that's already a big barrier jumped over when it comes to reducing the impacts of smartphone addiction. This is less so a perpetuation of the addiction and moreso a compromise between inherent needs that MAY perpetuate the addiction, and having a physical solution that won't allow you to go farther than what is healthy. Obviously if you meant that this was a half-ass solution because the phone is still *physically* around the house (which the idea itself of only having the phone at home and not having it outside is also a valid solution), then I do get why this is still 'perpetuating' the addiction - though in a different manner. But using the smartwatch as an alternative is absolutely not a zero-percent improvement when it comes to perpetuating the addiction. It's definitely a reduction since again, the majority of the ways your addiction manifests and starts to hurt you (prolonged usage of overstimulating content is one of them) is absolutely not possible on the watch.
My husband broke his phone a few years ago and didn't replace it for over a year. I had to track him through online banking. Oh, he just got A&W. He must be on his way home... or I would have to email him, and if he was at work, he would respond. Anyways, it was really annoying, and I'm glad he at least decided to get a flip phone.
One Hack that I use: I use Parental Control on my phone. I have setup a parental control on my mom's phone and any thing I need to download or browse on my phone, I have to raise a request and then allow it from my mom's phone. This little friction helps me to be intentional about my smartphone use and at the same time I can get all the benefits of having a smartphone. would Love if Matt tries to make a video on. I have used Parental Control on my smartphone for 30 days.
It just makes me think like imagine how people had to do it without ANY tech back then 😮that's wild how they had to figure it out haha cool video Matt and great way to bring awareness to people on how much we really use our phones.
If you tap on the little map icon (the middle icon on the bottom of the navigation screen) it will actually show a screen with a map like it would on a phone. It is tiny, but I still find it helpful.
Love this! This is exactly why I love my Apple Watch. I still have contact for the the things I really need without all the extras that have become "default" for smartphone ownership. I would be stoked to hear a proper like 6 month update. Good luck man
I like this. I think I’ll hold onto my phone, but delete all “non-essential” apps off my phone. Sticking to texts, calls, maps, music, and maybe banking (though web apps are usually better than mobile apps).
I love this idea! I think I could do it however we recently had a baby last summer and having my phone in my pocket allows for pictures anytime...maybe that could be mitigated by purchasing a little point and shoot camera. I'm interested to see if you use it more for the camera after the baby comes!
You can bring a power bank with you on your car, this way you can charge your watch whenever you need to. You can easily get a cheap one online, it’s been around for ages.
My strategy: I quit my phone for just five minutes and focus on surrounding sounds. It relaxaes my mind so much and feel good, I extend that time. You can also make an analogy of people living in Africa and you. They're living with way difficult situations than you probably. So quitting social a little everyday is not a big deal you'll realise. You can also watch David Goggins. He is a game changer when it comes building discipline but apply his advice carefully or you can hurt yourself
Really amazing idea. I'm also sort of skeptical about getting an additional piece of technology to wear, which will surely keep you more connected than you were before. Aren't you concerned about when this experiment ends, that now you will get re-addicted to the phone and also have a watch now too? 😅 Anyways cool concept and nice work😁
As someone with a pretty bad phone addiction, I don’t find the smart watch worsens it. It allows me to do small things like check the time, weather, and access Spotify (I have all those widgets on the front screen) without having to open my phone. I would recommend adjusting your notifications for distracting apps. The fitness/activity rings are a nice reminder to move around, and I also wear it when I sleep as I find the alarm buzzing on my wrist to be a more gradual and quiet way to be woken up. Whether or not that’s worth the price tag depends on the person, but mine is 2 years old and waterproof and seems fine. However I didn’t pay for the cellular version so it’s not very smart without my phone in Bluetooth range, and I wouldn’t be able to try this experiment.
I am 42. It’s deeply disturbing to hear someone say that they experience “pain” and “misery” from not having a phone. I love tech. I love human beings waaaay more.
I think it would be very interesting to find out the emotional needs using a phone satisfies and trying to meet them in a different way. When you view compulsory phone use as a behavioral addiction, it would make sense that in addition to it being designed to draw you in, it would also meet a lot of emotional needs (feeling connected to others, feeling safe, not engaging with negative emotions, relaxing, etc.), right?
0:10 get by: live 0:17 eye opening 0:27 out of reach 0:44 a dump phone củ gạch 3:10 tech forward friend 7:27 raise the stakes: risk tiền cược 8:35 make a turn 10:06 battery life Douche bag: unpleasant person 10:52 there is no way around that: ko có cách nào khác 12:03 slip back into : return into bad habits
For the last hurdle of navigation, Garmin has a range of navigation devices that are pretty good, not as smart as Apple/Google maps but it's a dedicated device to eliminate your last phone use case!
Maybe what I do can help you. I quit my phone for just five minutes and focus on surrounding sounds. It relaxaes my mind so much and feel good, I extend that time. You can also make an analogy of people living in Africa and you. They're living with way difficult situations than you probably. So quitting social a little everyday is not a big deal you'll realise. You can also watch David Goggins. He is a game changer when it comes building discipline but apply his advice carefully or you can hurt yourself
For those who are thinking of joining Matt's master youtube course: I joined mid 2022 and the content is INCREDIBLE. + i've been able to connect with a lot of fantastic people, specifically in The Netherlands. Worth the money. If you're debating/wondering if you should join, do it. (Matt didn't pay me to say this haha.)
I think the smartphone is maybe the most insidious of all addictions because it does legitimately serve a functional purpose and it is difficult to be in today’s modern world without one. From a mindfulness perspective, I’m working on identifying what it feels like in my brain when I’m doomscrolling or otherwise spending an unhealthy amount of time online. I’ve also found it helpful to pair awareness with the knowledge that my life is precious and scrolling isn’t how I want to spend my time.
'm a web developer in the states and I got rid of my smart phone and all cell phones in 2012 as it was very apparent it was consuming my life. I love my freedom now. It appears I'm the only person who doesn't own a cell phone!
As I watched this video and started thinking what I would really miss without my phone, there were 2 things that you didn't touch in your video. One, having a camera with me at all times! With 2 kids and a bunch of family stuff happening around me all the time, knowing that I always have a good quality camera with me to capture those precious moments is key. Two is the flashlight! I use my phone's flashlight every night to ninja my way around the house while everyone is sleeping....other than that, I love the concept and it really made me think how I could use my phone less, awesome video Matt 👏
For navigation in your car, you could get a old iPhone that you just leave in the car with nothing on it but maps - that way there is no temptation to use your actual iPhone for anything
Matt, you should totally get the Apple Watch Ultra! It has a bigger screen, much better battery life, and would take away most the cons you have with your current watch.
The apps you listed are pretty essential. Banking/credit card apps tell you immediately about unauthorized activity where an email may get moved to spam.
I’ve had an Apple Watch for a while. It took me forever to realize I didn’t have to sit there like Dick Tracy ( omg I’m old ). Holding my watch to my face. People can hear you if you relax your arm, just as long as you’re not opening a bag of chips or something.
Hey Matt, for navigation in the car you could use a GPS navigation device such as TomTom which you can leave in the car. This was the method of navigation I used 10-15 years ago before phones were capable of being good navigation devices.
Any interesting video would be to track your blood glucose for 30 days with a continuous glucose monitor or any other form of glucose testing. Use it to see how different foods affect your blood sugar, and if avoiding some of these will affect your health or your mood.
@@LiveType Honestly I never knew that about the order of foods. I’m guessing that it does have something to do with the insulin spike. I know there are a lot of videos on RUclips about the topic, but one from Matt might be the most interesting to watch. Obviously Matt doesn’t have a problem with weight, but there are still so many other effects felt from diet. There is still so much research to be done about diet after a century of what we have done to food.
Honestly, this is not a good idea and I am telling you this a MSc student of Kinesiology. There are many people wearing continuous glucose monitors, being surprised about the spike and not realising that the spike is completely natural response of the body. This is, I have to say, a good way of practicing confirmation bias if you want to eat keto or low-carb diet, as this will only lead to reducing intake of foods that spike glucose, whic again, is not a unhealthy thing. How about just making sure you eat enough veggies and fruits for fiber every day, lower your intake of processed foods and have a protein source with every meal? Just following this guideline would make you healthier and not being obsessed about some numbers on your glucose monitor which, honestly, most of people wearing it have no in-depth idea what the number represents.
@@lukas-sab I agree, but the research conducted on diet is still ongoing. Certain genes dictate how certain foods are digested. The order in which foods are digested also change how foods are digested. But why can’t Matt try this just to see how a change in glucose affects are aspects of his wellbeing? Every wonder why alcohol metabolism differently on an empty stomach versus a full stomach?
I have the Light Phone 2 and I don't really have a problem with using my phone. I have been using it for more than 6 months now and it has helped me to be more productive and more confident than before.
Quitting something as addictive and necessary as a smartphone is something that should be done more than once. You really do learn something new every time
Another fascinating video. I actually became much more intentional with my phone after reading Essentialism. Now, I never take it into the bedroom and only turn it on after I've got myself ready for the day. I try to not get my entertainment from my phone, I put it on DNS when I'm working and I turn it off or put it on flight mode around 7pm when I'm done for the day. I also don't have it next to me while watching TV. If I find myself reaching for my phone when watching a film for example then, as it's always right across the room, I'm forced to realise that the film isn't very good! I still feel drawn to my phone but moving it physically away from me, never bringing it into the bedroom (I use an alarm clock and I wear an analogue watch) and turning it off when I'm done for the day has made a massive difference so I don't feel as if I overuse it.
If you want to keep the convenience of a smartphone, block all websites and disable the app store through parental filers except the ones you need. I have a friend who knows the pin so I can't remove the filter and waste hours on RUclips or whatever. If I need an app, I'll download it when I am with him. Still have Uber, maps, podcast, Spotify, budget, but no search engines or social media. I spend so much less time on my phone.
Dont think this counts as a valid experiment simply because the point of quitting your phone is to live life completely without it; not having a smaller phone on your wrist. You’ve set the bar high with your sugar experiment so this one seems duller by comparison. Great videography and script as always!
I had to be without a phone cause mine spent weeks in repair and I'm seriously starting to consider buying and iPad mini for everything else and just keeping an older not-that-smart phone just for calls and texting. Cause the iPad mini is so small, and I already use my iPad air everyday to journal, draw, sometimes watch videos/movies, I think it would be an easy transition to having a phone with you all the time and having the urge to pick it up just out of habit, to just having a small tablet that isn't that convenient to use at all times but if you really need to grab it for something like navigation, you can. Idk, just an idea. Great video tho!
If you want to minimize screen time, I suggest developing new habits such as music or cooking, which can be done at home easily and keep you busy. Also, it will help you to understand yourself better. This way you don't have to put in extra effort or money to fix a problem that will never arise.
The Apple Watch is a game changer. I used to be a mechanical watch guy but decided to get an Apple Watch as it came basically free with my employer providing Vitality Healthcare in the UK. I do most of my tasks on my watch and my ‘doom scrolling’ has somewhat decreased. Just wish the battery life was better than decent
Thank you Matt! Amazing video! After watching it, I tried out myself and ended up doing a RUclips video about my experience on my own channel! It's in Italian so not sure you would get much... but only kind words about you and your video brother 😅 Take care and thanks again!
For driving navigation, you could always use your iPad. There are magnetic mounts you can get that go over top of where your CarPlay screen would be. In addition, you can get 4g service for an iPad as well, making it just as capable as a phone, albeit with a bigger screen
Anyone planning to give this a try? 🙋♂
Nah
It will be a major challenge. We’re all addicted to technology.
Might be necessary
@@BenjaminMutuku not all of us
Nah
Had a mini heart attack when he said “alright I wanted to raise the stakes” while appearing to be driving blindfolded…
But then you realise they're in Sydney.
Same 😂
Me too! 😂😂
Hahaha omg didn't even think of that until now!
Yeah, that got me for a sec also. 😄
Great video! I've switched to dumb phone for a year and it was the best year of my life. I always thought that my basic level of happiness was quite low... except it wasn't. Not only did I become a happier person but also my anxiety levels reduced to minimum and I was finally able to live without my meds. The only weird thing is - when you sit down at a table at a restaurant with your friends, they start constantly checking their phones and you just sit there and stare into the void 😅
Friends checking their phone in front of you is becoming quite common thing nowadays, but happy to know there's still someone who fine it weird😂 Gread decision for sure, thanks for sharing your experience.
@@user-ep6le1ft4l It’s just a social norm at this point, albeit an anti-social one. Everywhere has taken advantage of everyone having a smartphone so it’s become a standard so if you don’t have one then you’re just being weird or awkward. Workplaces rely on people having a phone now to access rosters or other online systems even though they have no right what goes on your phone, this is the exact reason everyone is just less professional than they were 10-15yrs ago, using personal devices for work is counter productive but they do it anyway.
And now you are back to the dopamine machine??
The friends are missing out , and totally addicted . I agree we need to take a break at times . Not judging anyone. Friends come over to spend time but they only their phone . 😢
man, I love your content so much.
Hey Chuck! Nice to see you here ❤
we love you content too man
Wtf I never expected to see chuck here.
Crossover of the two guys most caffeine addicted I know
Look out for your network Matt. Ehehe 😅
Thanks! :)
Hey Matt heres why I love your content. You dont pretend to to live an unrealistically perfect life. You akowldge your own struggles, whilst many others in the field try to pretend they have no flaws. So keep doing you. Love from Adelaide SA.
Thanks Billy! :)
This feels like an Apple Watch commercial except it would literally cannibalise iPhone sales. Great video 🎉
you need a iphone to use a apple watch tho
@@DanRustle not really, there’s Apple Watch with esim
He did say that he's gonna keep his phone because the watch needs to be updated from it. I'd say it is a commercial.
Cannibalise? Lol you NEED a phone to operate and update it! Impossible without it.
@@vish2112 irrelevant because you are required to have an iPhone for setup and updates
I did it last month for 3 weeks and I realise how much time my wife is on her phone.
I was happy to get it back, because I talk with my friend and family a lot, but never miss it for social media
Idea for a video: try tracking your macro nutrients for 30 days and see if it’s something worth taking the time to do for fitness and health.
As someone that has done this for the last 90+ days (Macrofactor), I can confirm that it's definitely worth doing. I'm more conscious of what I'm eating, how it's broken down, and what effects it has on my weight compared to my daily expenditure. I've already lost almost 10% of my body weight and feel much more knowledgeable about my general diet without making sacrifices or resorting to limiting diets.
It is worth it
Without carbohydrates for 5+ years. Don't need to track it anymore.
Yes
Don't need a video for that. The simple answer is just yes. There must be a balance between three macronutrients for the best of benefits.
I've given this a try for a week and it's been the best decision; it's drastically reduced my screen time + increased my productivity and brain space. Infinite gratitude for the quality content you've made and continue to make.
Hey Matt, exciting video!
Quick tip for navigating with the Watch, if you click on the map at the bottom of the interface you get a classic and much more convenient map view. It was hard to watch you try to navigate with the instructions 😭
I watched this video when it released. I started this journey on March 26th. This has been better than I could have ever imagined. The intentionality in my life has improved drastically. I am more present with my family and friends. I have been reading more books and enjoy so much more time with my daughter. Thank you for this video!
I bought an Apple Watch a few months back for a reduced version of this and it’s been great. I had a huge issue scrolling for ages at night and in the morning so I really just didn’t want to have my phone in my room anymore and I wanted to be able to keep it away from me while working and the watch has been great for all that. I also love the health tracking features for sleep and general well being to make sure I don’t just sit at my desk for 7 hour stints.
I know it’s foolish to buy new tech to use existing tech less but, hey, humans are (I’m) dumb!
Which watch did you buy Amanda? Tempted to try this myself but dont want to spend a fortune, just wondering if the SE 2 is worth it or get a 7 or 8
Just upgraded from a series 3 to an SE. Loving it so far, the features of the 7 and 8 just didn’t justify the extra price for me. Was able to go cellular which is amazing when trying to ditch the phone, and still be under the starting price of the 8.
Sleep tracking works very well, and I’m enjoying it a lot. Definitely reduced my screen time overall :)
Love your videos. Are you going to make one on John Wick 4?
@@pixxel17 Thanks Zach, going to buy one today
It comes down to control. You have control to not reach for your phone. It seems the watch has helped since it’s a very tiny screen with minimal function.
I’ve reached a place with my phone use where I don’t use devices in bed. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made between the last Matt D’Avella challenge and this one
Awesome!
Again he has given up on his smartphone, and once again we are watching it. 😄
Hey Matt, my idea for your navigation problem is: why don't you just keep a phone or tablet attached inside your vehicle and use it instead.
Or better yet, an actual satellite navigation device. Some of them are actually way better than anything you can get on a phone. Especially the ones that are built into newer cars (at least VW cars).
I thought of the same thing. But from the final conclusion, sounds like he's planning to do something similar, and only use the phone as a navigation device (and for firmware updates).
I've thought about that but I feel like it's a little bit of a security risk to leave your phone in your car 24/7.
I believe smart watches can connect to in-car navigation systems, so you wouldn't even need a phone with you (I'm assuming).
@@somedudeinatunnel3102 Unfortunately not, at least not with an Apple watch - this has been my only real barrier to dropping my phone entirely. CarPlay is essential for me - Maps, Music, Calls etc and you only get that with an iPhone. I have definitely considered just stashing my phone in my car though - my arm rest has concealed storage with a USB port so it would be feasible.
Well Matt, you've done it again. I've spent too much thought trying to find a system for phone addiction. As much as I hate my phone, I just couldn't get off IG and RUclips lol. And using a smart watch was my last thought as a resolution. I always figured it would make life even worse by putting a smart phone on your wrist. A true game changer that I'll have to try. The last two videos have been absolute bangers 🙌
I did it guys 30 days completed
Next challenge is for 3 months
24 feb to 23 may and today is 23feb
And i ended my target of 30 days be ready next traget ❤
Once again proving there's no limit for creating quitting-phone-related-stuff 30 days challenges.
Rodrigo!
@@mattdavella 😂
I'll leave you the same comment I left Matt D'Avella: People keep wanting to ditch their smartphone but, actually, no they don't. What they want to ditch is social media.
Social media, and games, and constantly checking the email, constantly checking for chat messages... So yeah, the smartphone.
Love Matt D'Avella.
Not just social media. News, Reddit, dooms scrolling. I've found it impossible to have a phone and not use these things. I think lots of others feels the same. Maybe my will power just isn't strong enough 😅
@@mattdavella Yours and most the rest of us lol Smartphone is the only thing I've ever had an addictive pattern with, and its unfortunately a tool that is unlikely to diminish from our daily lives in the future.
(this comment sent from my Nokia :/)
This is what worked for me: deleting social media apps that are not necessary for communication with family/friends. Disabled all notification for apps that I need sometimes but not want to be reminded of. Placing on the first screen of my phone only apps that I need to use often. Also placing most in folders so it's more organized.
Loved the stock footage when you were talking about getting lost in Sydney at 8:56. Ending up in the middle of Melbourne is getting epically lost in Sydney!
I really don’t like using a phone but I am an iPad/RUclips addict. So having an Apple Watch changed things, like I don’t have to wake the whole house or my partner for alarms. The watch quietly wakes me up through vibration. I also use it for meditation since I suffer from anxiety. I also use it for tracking heart rate since I get palpitations and dizziness at times. I’ve been able to dedicate things for a specific gadget so I don’t have to grab them unnecessarily. My phone is always at my desk, I no longer bring it in bed. And when I’m outside, it’s just in my bag when I really need it since I don’t have the cellular version of Apple Watch. When I’m outside, I’m not hunched over my phone like most of the people I see nowadays.
you put this video up again :P I remember getting notified for this upload coincidently when i was done 30days without a smartphone and then it was pulled. now its almost two months so hey *cheers*
I’ve practiced this for nearly 5 years, it’s great, I do still get ‘range anxiety’ when it comes to Apple Watch battery life but as you say the benefits outweigh the cons.
Your voice is so remarkable and easy on the ear, I recommend you do a podcast.
I recently got a Samsung Z Flip 4 and a galaxy watch 5 and I love it. It helps me reduce the screentime since its an extra step to "unfold" my phone, plus when I'm at the gym the front screen is great for seeing my reps and selecting music
THIS! I have been struggling with my screentime for a while now but I got an Apple Watch Cellular and it completely changed the game for me. I still have days where I would just drag my phone around with me but then I would think “hang on, why do I cary this if I have the watch?” and poof I leave my phone again and I rediscover life lol
I love that you go further than many for a solution to your problems. This is inspiring and makes me want to do more experimenting.
The long awaited sequel to the Dumb Phone!!! I'm STOKED to see this one!
Phone addiction is real, and a major challenge. I’ll probably last a few hours, let alone days!
I’ve been using the same system for the past half a year and it’s an absolute game changer! I carry my phone when I need a map (apple maps don’t work in South Korea)
For some reason, it was the navigation thing that got me. Ask anyone (Aussie) over 30, and they would have used a Melway or UBD (depending on where you're from!) to navigate. We managed for decades with that old-fashioned book of maps to help us get to new places.
There are a couple ways to reduce the usage of phone and not go to the extremity of locking it in somewhere:
1. Set screen time for your social media apps to like 30-40 minutes or so combined, not individually, combined.
2. Once you see that screen time notification, do not ask for more time no matter what. The splash screen that says your time is up should serve as a warning to you.
3. Silence notifications from social media apps completely. You can respond to whatever messages in there in those 30 minutes you use them.
4. Resist the urge to pull out your phone when you're out and about with your friends and family.
5. Check your screen time reports weekly. When you see that going down, you'll be happy and pretty soon you'll be able to stick to this without any screen time restrictions in place.
Maybe try these out and see if it helps. If it doesn't just do what Matt does.
I agree. Personally, my only social media is RUclips and LinkedIn (which is not your typical social media). I don’t have Facebook, twitter, instagram, etc. when these social media sites rolled out I knew they were time vampires. I tried TikTok for 1 day and upon my 1st use I saw it was a huge problem and deleted it immediately.
I also turn off all of my phones push notifications. I don’t need doordash telling me about their latest discount at 5pm everyday, etc.
I moved and distracting apps or apps that I checked constantly to the last page of my phone screen, so I couldn’t see the little circle showing the number of messages or emails I have waiting for me. This was one of the best things I have ever done. Now I check my email once a day, instead of 10 or 20 times a day.
When I am waiting at a doctors office or whatever, I go through and unsubscribe from junk email and I also clear out my text messages, voicemails, and useless photos that I have taken that are no longer relevant to me.
Love you and Cal Newport author of "Digital Minimalism" and podcaster of "Deep Questions"! I love how you guys are both about the "a life well lived". The 5 C's: constitution, contemplation, community, celebration and craft - Go Team! I wish he would interview you!
You haven't lost your smartphone addiction, you've just changed the way you enjoy your addiction.
The addictiveness is gone though, the watch retains most of the tools, but distances you from the media consumption of a phone
He has absolutely no idea about smartphone addiction despite making multiple videos about it, it's just hilarious to see. He thinks that he done well because he hasn't used his phone, but instead he made his life much harder and overcomplicated everything. You can tell he lives a very comfortable, rich life because regular people would never do something like this.
@@senzation01 I mean, not necessarily. He's clearly addressed any lifestyle issues that his 'challenges' end up placing on him. I think he's done a pretty good job dealing with any compromises and showing them to the audience.
Also to the OP, I disagree that this is a minimal enough change to the way a smartphone addiction is handled via a normal smartphone. This was already addressed in the video: You won't scroll on the watch for 8 hours. I think that idea was clear enough, and that's already a big barrier jumped over when it comes to reducing the impacts of smartphone addiction. This is less so a perpetuation of the addiction and moreso a compromise between inherent needs that MAY perpetuate the addiction, and having a physical solution that won't allow you to go farther than what is healthy.
Obviously if you meant that this was a half-ass solution because the phone is still *physically* around the house (which the idea itself of only having the phone at home and not having it outside is also a valid solution), then I do get why this is still 'perpetuating' the addiction - though in a different manner.
But using the smartwatch as an alternative is absolutely not a zero-percent improvement when it comes to perpetuating the addiction. It's definitely a reduction since again, the majority of the ways your addiction manifests and starts to hurt you (prolonged usage of overstimulating content is one of them) is absolutely not possible on the watch.
My husband broke his phone a few years ago and didn't replace it for over a year. I had to track him through online banking. Oh, he just got A&W. He must be on his way home... or I would have to email him, and if he was at work, he would respond. Anyways, it was really annoying, and I'm glad he at least decided to get a flip phone.
Leaving my phone at home. Inspired by your idea and thank you 🙏
One Hack that I use:
I use Parental Control on my phone. I have setup a parental control on my mom's phone and any thing I need to download or browse on my phone, I have to raise a request and then allow it from my mom's phone. This little friction helps me to be intentional about my smartphone use and at the same time I can get all the benefits of having a smartphone. would Love if Matt tries to make a video on.
I have used Parental Control on my smartphone for 30 days.
It’s crazy that we as humans need so much control though. We should have more self discipline
Is it just me or I've seen the thumbnail changed 3 times already since it's posted? Great content as always Matt!
Great experiment, loved it!!
It just makes me think like imagine how people had to do it without ANY tech back then 😮that's wild how they had to figure it out haha cool video Matt and great way to bring awareness to people on how much we really use our phones.
I love the way you film and talk. You are very humble and nice.
If you tap on the little map icon (the middle icon on the bottom of the navigation screen) it will actually show a screen with a map like it would on a phone. It is tiny, but I still find it helpful.
I'd be happy to have at least a few RUclipsrs like you discuss things like this 😊
It's rather courageous of you to basically shut down any form of social media for a while. We look forward to seeing more insightful content from you.
How?
9:27 This framing needs a shoutout! So good 🔥
Love this! This is exactly why I love my Apple Watch. I still have contact for the the things I really need without all the extras that have become "default" for smartphone ownership.
I would be stoked to hear a proper like 6 month update.
Good luck man
I like this. I think I’ll hold onto my phone, but delete all “non-essential” apps off my phone. Sticking to texts, calls, maps, music, and maybe banking (though web apps are usually better than mobile apps).
I love this idea! I think I could do it however we recently had a baby last summer and having my phone in my pocket allows for pictures anytime...maybe that could be mitigated by purchasing a little point and shoot camera. I'm interested to see if you use it more for the camera after the baby comes!
what I would miss the most is the camera app. Having a device with you all the time that has a great photo and video camera.
Been trying to break my own bad technology habits, needing to be contactable is a must and this might be a route that works for me. Thanks Matt!
You can bring a power bank with you on your car, this way you can charge your watch whenever you need to. You can easily get a cheap one online, it’s been around for ages.
My strategy:
I quit my phone for just five minutes and focus on surrounding sounds. It relaxaes my mind so much and feel good, I extend that time. You can also make an analogy of people living in Africa and you. They're living with way difficult situations than you probably. So quitting social a little everyday is not a big deal you'll realise.
You can also watch David Goggins. He is a game changer when it comes building discipline but apply his advice carefully or you can hurt yourself
@@mycowhasanaemia being an african itself is a struggle negar
A healthy amount of control really does help.
Really amazing idea. I'm also sort of skeptical about getting an additional piece of technology to wear, which will surely keep you more connected than you were before. Aren't you concerned about when this experiment ends, that now you will get re-addicted to the phone and also have a watch now too? 😅
Anyways cool concept and nice work😁
As someone with a pretty bad phone addiction, I don’t find the smart watch worsens it. It allows me to do small things like check the time, weather, and access Spotify (I have all those widgets on the front screen) without having to open my phone. I would recommend adjusting your notifications for distracting apps. The fitness/activity rings are a nice reminder to move around, and I also wear it when I sleep as I find the alarm buzzing on my wrist to be a more gradual and quiet way to be woken up. Whether or not that’s worth the price tag depends on the person, but mine is 2 years old and waterproof and seems fine. However I didn’t pay for the cellular version so it’s not very smart without my phone in Bluetooth range, and I wouldn’t be able to try this experiment.
very insightful video! i’ve always wanted to give this a try, seeing you have success with your experiment is the encouragement i needed to go for it!
I am 42. It’s deeply disturbing to hear someone say that they experience “pain” and “misery” from not having a phone. I love tech. I love human beings waaaay more.
I am 45. I love tech, worked with it all my life. I don’t like people.
I think it would be very interesting to find out the emotional needs using a phone satisfies and trying to meet them in a different way. When you view compulsory phone use as a behavioral addiction, it would make sense that in addition to it being designed to draw you in, it would also meet a lot of emotional needs (feeling connected to others, feeling safe, not engaging with negative emotions, relaxing, etc.), right?
0:10 get by: live
0:17 eye opening
0:27 out of reach
0:44 a dump phone củ gạch
3:10 tech forward friend
7:27 raise the stakes: risk tiền cược
8:35 make a turn
10:06 battery life
Douche bag: unpleasant person
10:52 there is no way around that: ko có cách nào khác
12:03 slip back into : return into bad habits
For the last hurdle of navigation, Garmin has a range of navigation devices that are pretty good, not as smart as Apple/Google maps but it's a dedicated device to eliminate your last phone use case!
I think I’m finally going to do this in the month of Ramadan 🥰
I'm over here inspired to give up my smartphone but then I'm on RUclips distracted by this video instead of working ha-ha.
I WISHHHH I CAN DO THIS. I try everyday to reduce my screen time and it’s so depressing. I just wonder all the things I would do with all that time 😢
Maybe what I do can help you.
I quit my phone for just five minutes and focus on surrounding sounds. It relaxaes my mind so much and feel good, I extend that time. You can also make an analogy of people living in Africa and you. They're living with way difficult situations than you probably. So quitting social a little everyday is not a big deal you'll realise.
You can also watch David Goggins. He is a game changer when it comes building discipline but apply his advice carefully or you can hurt yourself
For me id just switch to hobby that is gaming or watching movies on my tv with blu-rays disc. so id say finding a hobby could help you
Try setting some screen and app timers that will either tell you to take a break or lock you out of the app for the remainder of the day :)
For those who are thinking of joining Matt's master youtube course: I joined mid 2022 and the content is INCREDIBLE. + i've been able to connect with a lot of fantastic people, specifically in The Netherlands. Worth the money. If you're debating/wondering if you should join, do it. (Matt didn't pay me to say this haha.)
Aw thanks Gabie!! :D
Don’t all cars nowadays have satellite navigation system installed?!
I was wondering the same. It's been around for ages.
I think the smartphone is maybe the most insidious of all addictions because it does legitimately serve a functional purpose and it is difficult to be in today’s modern world without one. From a mindfulness perspective, I’m working on identifying what it feels like in my brain when I’m doomscrolling or otherwise spending an unhealthy amount of time online. I’ve also found it helpful to pair awareness with the knowledge that my life is precious and scrolling isn’t how I want to spend my time.
Just read your message, have you found a way to get rid of phone addiction?
'm a web developer in the states and I got rid of my smart phone and all cell phones in 2012 as it was very apparent it was consuming my life. I love my freedom now. It appears I'm the only person who doesn't own a cell phone!
how many times you gonna do this dud
Lol
As I watched this video and started thinking what I would really miss without my phone, there were 2 things that you didn't touch in your video. One, having a camera with me at all times! With 2 kids and a bunch of family stuff happening around me all the time, knowing that I always have a good quality camera with me to capture those precious moments is key. Two is the flashlight! I use my phone's flashlight every night to ninja my way around the house while everyone is sleeping....other than that, I love the concept and it really made me think how I could use my phone less, awesome video Matt 👏
Flashlight is solved by brightening the screen like when your iPhone does a selfie
The Deepak Chopra joke made the laugh of my day! Thank you Matt!
Rather than addicted to your phone, you're addicted to your smart watch.
Didn't you make this video twice already or something? 🤔
For navigation in your car, you could get a old iPhone that you just leave in the car with nothing on it but maps - that way there is no temptation to use your actual iPhone for anything
Matt, you should totally get the Apple Watch Ultra! It has a bigger screen, much better battery life, and would take away most the cons you have with your current watch.
Love you content Matt. I'm learning a lot from your course! ❤️
AGain?
The apps you listed are pretty essential. Banking/credit card apps tell you immediately about unauthorized activity where an email may get moved to spam.
Again ? Didn't I see this already ?
I’ve had an Apple Watch for a while. It took me forever to realize I didn’t have to sit there like Dick Tracy ( omg I’m old ). Holding my watch to my face. People can hear you if you relax your arm, just as long as you’re not opening a bag of chips or something.
Raise your hand if you've been watching Matt for a long time🤚
Cringe
Thank you for this video. I don't think I can live 30 days without my phone. It is so deeply integrated in my life.
Is your course really open for “limited time” if you open it up every time you post a new video? Seems very disingenuous marketing. Do better
Hey Matt, for navigation in the car you could use a GPS navigation device such as TomTom which you can leave in the car. This was the method of navigation I used 10-15 years ago before phones were capable of being good navigation devices.
Any interesting video would be to track your blood glucose for 30 days with a continuous glucose monitor or any other form of glucose testing. Use it to see how different foods affect your blood sugar, and if avoiding some of these will affect your health or your mood.
@@LiveType Honestly I never knew that about the order of foods. I’m guessing that it does have something to do with the insulin spike. I know there are a lot of videos on RUclips about the topic, but one from Matt might be the most interesting to watch. Obviously Matt doesn’t have a problem with weight, but there are still so many other effects felt from diet. There is still so much research to be done about diet after a century of what we have done to food.
Honestly, this is not a good idea and I am telling you this a MSc student of Kinesiology. There are many people wearing continuous glucose monitors, being surprised about the spike and not realising that the spike is completely natural response of the body. This is, I have to say, a good way of practicing confirmation bias if you want to eat keto or low-carb diet, as this will only lead to reducing intake of foods that spike glucose, whic again, is not a unhealthy thing. How about just making sure you eat enough veggies and fruits for fiber every day, lower your intake of processed foods and have a protein source with every meal? Just following this guideline would make you healthier and not being obsessed about some numbers on your glucose monitor which, honestly, most of people wearing it have no in-depth idea what the number represents.
@@lukas-sab I agree, but the research conducted on diet is still ongoing. Certain genes dictate how certain foods are digested. The order in which foods are digested also change how foods are digested. But why can’t Matt try this just to see how a change in glucose affects are aspects of his wellbeing? Every wonder why alcohol metabolism differently on an empty stomach versus a full stomach?
I have the Light Phone 2 and I don't really have a problem with using my phone. I have been using it for more than 6 months now and it has helped me to be more productive and more confident than before.
I believe this is the .. 3rd video about quitting your phone - creativity is lacking here
Each time you quit it you discover something new
@@alexstraz that’s not a novel idea
Yes felt the same thing. No creativity, only repeated content
I'm having a strong feeling of deja-vu with this one as well.
Quitting something as addictive and necessary as a smartphone is something that should be done more than once. You really do learn something new every time
Another fascinating video. I actually became much more intentional with my phone after reading Essentialism.
Now, I never take it into the bedroom and only turn it on after I've got myself ready for the day.
I try to not get my entertainment from my phone, I put it on DNS when I'm working and I turn it off or put it on flight mode around 7pm when I'm done for the day.
I also don't have it next to me while watching TV. If I find myself reaching for my phone when watching a film for example then, as it's always right across the room, I'm forced to realise that the film isn't very good!
I still feel drawn to my phone but moving it physically away from me, never bringing it into the bedroom (I use an alarm clock and I wear an analogue watch) and turning it off when I'm done for the day has made a massive difference so I don't feel as if I overuse it.
This videos "i quit my something something for 30 days" trend are getting annoying
Really? They’re probably my favourite ones
If you want to keep the convenience of a smartphone, block all websites and disable the app store through parental filers except the ones you need. I have a friend who knows the pin so I can't remove the filter and waste hours on RUclips or whatever. If I need an app, I'll download it when I am with him. Still have Uber, maps, podcast, Spotify, budget, but no search engines or social media. I spend so much less time on my phone.
Dont think this counts as a valid experiment simply because the point of quitting your phone is to live life completely without it; not having a smaller phone on your wrist. You’ve set the bar high with your sugar experiment so this one seems duller by comparison. Great videography and script as always!
Being away from smartphone really increases ones productivity. Great video.
I had to be without a phone cause mine spent weeks in repair and I'm seriously starting to consider buying and iPad mini for everything else and just keeping an older not-that-smart phone just for calls and texting. Cause the iPad mini is so small, and I already use my iPad air everyday to journal, draw, sometimes watch videos/movies, I think it would be an easy transition to having a phone with you all the time and having the urge to pick it up just out of habit, to just having a small tablet that isn't that convenient to use at all times but if you really need to grab it for something like navigation, you can. Idk, just an idea. Great video tho!
Excited for the follow up to this
If you want to minimize screen time, I suggest developing new habits such as music or cooking, which can be done at home easily and keep you busy. Also, it will help you to understand yourself better.
This way you don't have to put in extra effort or money to fix a problem that will never arise.
OMG the scene of him in the car blindfolded saying 'im gonna raise the stakes'. i thought he was in the drivers seat for a hot second holy shit
That video quickly turned from I quit my smart phone for 30 days to " How to replace my smart phone entirely with my smart watch ".
The Apple Watch is a game changer. I used to be a mechanical watch guy but decided to get an Apple Watch as it came basically free with my employer providing Vitality Healthcare in the UK. I do most of my tasks on my watch and my ‘doom scrolling’ has somewhat decreased. Just wish the battery life was better than decent
Thank you Matt! Amazing video! After watching it, I tried out myself and ended up doing a RUclips video about my experience on my own channel! It's in Italian so not sure you would get much... but only kind words about you and your video brother 😅 Take care and thanks again!
For driving navigation, you could always use your iPad. There are magnetic mounts you can get that go over top of where your CarPlay screen would be. In addition, you can get 4g service for an iPad as well, making it just as capable as a phone, albeit with a bigger screen
Great video. Car navigations are fine in VW for example.