I agree with you in concept, but I think in practice people struggle with the self discipline, and that's kind of the fundamental problem with apps (and particularly algorithm-based social media). I've set timers to limit my usage of certain apps, including my Lemmy app, to encourage mindful use, but I can understand why someone might want or need more of an enforced limitation.

You might not replace your current phone with a "dumb" device, but when it's time to get a new device eventually, you could ask yourself if less-smart device might meet both your functional and other needs.

Edit: I guess to me this is kind of like: why are people overweight? They can just not eat as much. And while that's technically true - and advice I follow - it's apparently not that easy for everyone. If it was, we wouldn't see problems as pervasively as we do.

As somebody who has in recent years changed habits like this, I agree with you. But its a harsh change at first.

Turning off most notifications is a key step. It changes your mentality from reaction to your device to a proactive action at a chosen time. It's a huge shift and well worth it.

Then I started turning my services off at times. No, I don't need to take a call while driving or check messages in the store. That stuff can wait.

My overall logic is that I don't need to make myself available to any and everyone at any and every time.

Sure, sometimes it bites me in the butt as far as convenience, however my quality of life has improved overall. I am very protective of my time and mental attention now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I highly recommend taking small measures to test the waters. Then increase as you acclimate to it.

You think we should bring back dumbphones because it will help us use social media less

I think we should bring back dumbphones because it would make the devices more interesting and creative

I am become the Joker