A new phenomenon between young generations
In recent years, mobile phones without Internet access have begun gaining popularity among the centuries, a generation that, despite being considered a digital native, seeks to disconnect from hyperconnectivity. Experts warn about the need to manage the time of use of mobile devices, especially among young people.
Digital Addiction: An increasing problem
Recent studies, such as the Barcelona Provincial Council’s Health Survey, reveal that an alarming proportion of the population, including a third of the adolescents, see their telephone between 100 and 150 times a day. This constant attention to the screens has led to a significant concern among mental health professionals, who have identified digital addiction as one of the great challenges of ours.
Impacts on daily life
Depending on mobile devices not only affects social relationships, it also has an impact on sleep quality, academic performance and mood. Looking at the cellphone before sleeping can interfere with melatonin production, causing sleep alterations and generating a vicious circle of stress and fatigue.
The return to basic phones
In response to this problem, a growing number of young people opt for basic phones, known as ‘Dumbphones’, which allow calls without social media distractions. According to Silvia Martínez, a UOC teacher, these devices offer an alternative for those who want to escape the functionalities of the smartphones.
An evolving market
Initially designed for the elderly, Dumbphones have found a new audience among teenagers and pre -teens who want to prevent premature use of smartphones. This tendency reflects increasing awareness of the dangers of constant connectivity.
Strategies for a healthy disconnection
For those who do not want to give up their smartphone, there are options to transform it into a less addictive device. By simply eliminating unnecessary applications and configuring concentration modes, it is possible to reduce distractions and encourage healthier use of devices.
Government measures in response
The Spanish government has recently considered recommendations for limiting adolescents to smartphones, suggesting that children under the age of sixteen use basic phones to maintain communication only in emergency cases.
A future with options
With the increase in basic phones, it is clear that there is a change in the way new generations perceive technology. Despite the fact that the Dumbphons may seem like a temporary solution, the real battle is in the capacity of users to manage their time online and their relationship with technology.
The debate between hyperconnectivity and continuous disconnection, leaving a key question in the air: can future generations find a balance between technology and real life, or are we doomed to live in an increasingly digitized world?
