Honestly, honestly do you feel smartphones have improved your quality of life?

[cozmohoot]

In response to the original question, it has not improved my quality of life. My biggest gripe is that it has become something that I can't live without. So much so, that even if I personally decided that I will no longer carry one, that won't fly with my job. I am expected to be able to respond to emails and Whatsapp and other messages on the fly. I absolutely hate the fact that if I forget my phone I feel like I left my pants at home. It's ridiculous.

There are some redeeming qualities to it though. I like certain whatsapp groups, like my family's group, shul group etc. and I feel like it gives me the opportunity to be in touch in a way which would not otherwise be possible. There is certain news I appreciate knowing as soon as it breaks, though most news I can definitely live without. There are utilities I use such as smart timers for my switches, Nest etc. which are invaluable.

Of course, how could I live without instant notices of hot, hurry and sizzling deals from Dan's? This alone makes it a must.

I got the notices from Dan via SMS for a long time. Dont need a smartphone for the notice....

[myi]

I got the notices from Dan via SMS for a long time. Dont need a smartphone for the notice....

Yup plain old way! Still use that way till today during the day. Love it.

[12HRS]

I got the notices from Dan via SMS for a long time. Dont need a smartphone for the notice....

Didn't help me when the Delta glitch went out and I couldn't find a computer to book with.

[EliJelly]

Keeping a flip phone in my pocket and a smartphone with no browser, just email and a few VERY basic apps like banking etc. in the drawer, blocked by TAG, and of course I don't know the phone number either.. I think that's a good compromise.

[thaber]

Keeping a flip phone in my pocket and a smartphone with no browser, just email and a few VERY basic apps like banking etc. in the drawer, blocked by TAG, and of course I don't know the phone number either.. I think that's a good compromise.

that's not a compromise. in essence you have a laptop and a flip phone. I have an iphone and a pixel 3. both in my pocket for the most part. that's a compromise! (the iphone is the number I have in my email sig and give to work colleagues. I leave it behind when spending time with family, and with God. the Pixel is my personal phone, and there isn't as much urgency to me to answer or check it).

[srap]

Absolutely improved, HOWEVER I am VERY strict with it and have self control, B"H. 

Most people do not and I would definitely NOT recommend a smartphone for them.  It is too easy to get hooked on whatsapp and chat groups, facebook, twitter, INSTAGRAM and games as well as checking emails, texts, and forums (like ddf).  Videos and movies are also time wasters.

The only thing I do on that entire list is check ddf once in a while and texting a few family members once in a while for information. 
I have very few apps on my phone.  I mainly use it for WAZE, the enhanced camera, and the enhanced "smart" aspect for phoning, essentially a glorified flipphone.  I also use it for looking up information (phone numbers, addresses, and hours).

I think it is a matter of who is in control, you or the phone.  Once the phone controls you and even more if you become dysfunctional in your daily life...that is when you know the smartphone has to go.  I understand why rabbanim have assured it lchatchila.

[stooges44]

I think it is a matter of who is in control, you or the phone.  Once the phone controls you and even more if you become dysfunctional in your daily life...that is when you know the smartphone has to go.  I understand why rabbanim have assured it lchatchila.

See @aygart 's perfect rebuttal here

[skyguy918]

See @aygart 's perfect rebuttal here

What's nice about this thread is that it solicited people's very personal responses on this topic - especially since the process of responding often helps people to make a cheshbon hanefesh on the matter. But beyond people sharing their own experiences, it seems like there's a lot of convincing going on. As in the people who want eliminate (or have eliminated) their own smart use trying to convince others that they need to do the same, and the people who continue to use their smartphones trying to convince others that everyone can handle it. IMO, this is a very personal nisayon, and everyone needs to find their comfort zone - to make that cheshbon hanefesh and find the balance between taking advantage of the positives of smartphones while eliminating (or limiting) the potential negatives. No need to convince each other - what's best for one may not be the best for another.

[yzj]

One thing I will say is that if you ask people if shmiras einayim/ porn addiction is a problem with smartphones (yes,  I know this is not the topic of this thread- just an analogy) many will say “no, not if you have self control.” Ask TAG or guardyoureyes and you will hear a very different story. In fact, in the non-Jewish world it’s far worse; large scale studies show that over 67% of males who identify as religious go to inappropriate material on their smart phones at least once a month.

From what I see amongst friends, peers, relatives and others I would venture to say that many of those who answer that they have seen a net positive impact in their lives are not being entirely honest or are lacking in self awareness, and if you would ask their spouses or children you would hear a very different answer.

I am not saying it’s universal, but definitely a significant subset in my opinion.

[stooges44]

One thing I will say is that if you ask people if shmiras einayim/ porn addiction is a problem with smartphones (yes,  I know this is not the topic of this thread- just an analogy) many will say “no, not if you have self control.” Ask TAG or guardyoureyes and you will hear a very different story. In fact, in the non-Jewish world it’s far worse; large scale studies show that over 67% of males who identify as religious go to inappropriate material on their smart phones at least once a month.

From what I see amongst friends, peers, relatives and others I would venture to say that many of those who answer that they have seen a net positive impact in their lives are not being entirely honest or are lacking in self awareness, and if you would ask their spouses or children you would hear a very different answer.

I am not saying it’s universal, but definitely a significant subset in my opinion.

"...those who answer that they have seen a net positive impact in their lives are not being entirely honest or are lacking in self awareness and if you would ask their spouses or children you would hear a very different answer."

another bingo!

Thank you!

[mochjas]

"...those who answer that they have seen a net positive impact in their lives are not being entirely honest or are lacking in self awareness and if you would ask their spouses or children you would hear a very different answer."

another bingo!

Thank you!

Why did you ask the question if you supposedly already know the answer? 

[skyguy918]

Why did you ask the question if you supposedly already know the answer? 

+1. This is what I was getting at. OP, why bother with the appearance of 'asking', if you're really just interested in 'telling'?

[Yard sale]

"...those who answer that they have seen a net positive impact in their lives are not being entirely honest or are lacking in self awareness and if you would ask their spouses or children you would hear a very different answer."

another bingo!

Thank you!

Agreed. Reminds me of what Rav Yaakov Galinsky used to say that there are only two who know if someone is a true yirei shamayim- Hashem and his wife....

[yitzgar]

On this internet it seems like there's a lot of convincing going on.

Ftfy

[stooges44]

Why did you ask the question if you supposedly already know the answer? 

+1. This is what I was getting at. OP, why bother with the appearance of 'asking', if you're really just interested in 'telling'?

Because..

What's nice about this thread is that it solicited people's very personal responses on this topic - especially since the process of responding often helps people to make a cheshbon hanefesh on the matter.

[shwarmabob]

Agreed. Reminds me of what Rav Yaakov Galinsky used to say that there are only two who know if someone is a true yirei shamayim- Hashem and his wife....

Lol, they both judge us every day 

[srap]

Perhaps I was not strong enough in my post above and I think I am giving off the wrong impression.  I feel it is best NOT to have a smartphone for almost everybody. I still stand by everything I said in my post above (and now need to daven that I will not be tested in this area after all this time). 
 

[BarryLincoln]

Timely from Rabbi Pruzansky in Teaneck, NJ

#AseresYemeiTeshuvaChallenge

[CountValentine]

One thing I will say is that if you ask people if shmiras einayim/ porn addiction is a problem with smartphones (yes,  I know this is not the topic of this thread- just an analogy) many will say “no, not if you have self control.” Ask TAG or guardyoureyes and you will hear a very different story. In fact, in the non-Jewish world it’s far worse; large scale studies show that over 67% of males who identify as religious go to inappropriate material on their smart phones at least once a month.

From what I see amongst friends, peers, relatives and others I would venture to say that many of those who answer that they have seen a net positive impact in their lives are not being entirely honest or are lacking in self awareness, and if you would ask their spouses or children you would hear a very different answer.

I am not saying it’s universal, but definitely a significant subset in my opinion.

What idiot watches porn on their smartphone. You need a minimum of a 52 in TV and a fire stick. Such n00bs.
Disclaimer: This is what I have been told.

[Yard sale]

What idiot watches porn on their smartphone. You need a minimum of a 52 in TV and a fire stick. Such n00bs.
Disclaimer: This is what I have been told.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/09/25/smart-phones-computers-generation-porn-addicts-public-health-emergency/amp/