People are buying simpler devices to spend less time on phones

In short: More people are turning to simpler devices and screen limiting tools to reduce phone distraction, a trend some call “slowtech.”

What's going on

A TechCrunch report describes a growing interest in using technology in a less demanding way. The idea is to add small hurdles that make mindless scrolling harder, a bit like keeping cookies on a high shelf so you think twice before grabbing one.

One example is Back Market, a marketplace for refurbished electronics, which ran a New York City subway ad promoting the iPod Shuffle and its promise of “zero screen time.” Back Market’s marketing leader Joy Howard told TechCrunch that people feel overstimulated and want more control over their attention.

The story points to several ways people are trying to cut back. Some use apps that block distracting sites or limit social media time. Others switch to simpler phones, or use e-ink devices (screens that look more like paper) and minimalist phones like the Light Phone.

Not everyone wants to give up smartphones completely, since daily life often assumes you have one for things like banking, hotel check-ins, or payments. Because of that, some products aim to reduce screen time without fully replacing the phone. TechCrunch mentions screenless wearables like the Oura ring and Whoop band, and even an “AI bookmark” called Mark that tries to help readers take notes without pulling out a phone and getting distracted by notifications.

What to watch

This trend may push more companies to sell products that do fewer things on purpose, or that help people set boundaries. It could also influence how AI tools are designed, with more focus on quietly helping in the background instead of keeping people glued to a screen.

Source: TechCrunch AI