The software developer I interviewed a few weeks back seemed a little uncertain about me when I mentioned I don't own a smart phone. But it gets worse. Not only do I not own a smart phone, I don't own a cell phone with a wireless plan. I use a prepaid phone.
For someone who portrays himself as a tech writer, I can see why someone would have reservations. But the reason I don't own a smart phone is simple -- it wouldn't improve my life.
When I go for a walk, I don't need the ability to download MP3s and "friend" yet another stranger. When I drive my truck, I don't need wireless connectivity. When I'm on a plane, I'd rather sleep. When I'm crossing the street, the last thing I want to be doing is surfing the Internet (California drivers can NEVER be trusted.)
Of course, there are downsides to my personal brand of Ludditism lite. I can't check e-mail on the fly and I can't use my phone to ignore other people in awkward social situations, like standing in line at the pharmacy and waiting for the movie to begin.
I am not saying I will never own a smart phone. It would be novel to play games on one or otherwise divert myself from the real world. But I prefer a slower pace of life. I access technology when I need to pay bills, write a blog, conduct research, communicate with friends and colleagues. So I ask myself, why do I need a smart phone?
Of course, I would think differently if I lived in the slums of Mumbai or in a tiny village in Malawi, where owning a smart phone might make the difference with that ultimate of applications -- survival.
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