My smartphone gave me access to music, information and videos. I would repeatedly refresh my email, shop online and look through the latest bad news. I’d often complain. I felt trapped by it. 【小题1】 I bought a phone with no touch screen. I can’t get access to social media. The benefits are fantastic.

I am more connected in my relationships.

Earlier, while texting with a friend who had moved, I finally got frustrated (懊丧的) and called her. I realized I hadn’t spoken to her since her move. 【小题2】 I learned that when people connected voice to voice, they felt more bonded.

I consume news on my own.

【小题3】 But that didn’t happen. Instead of spending hours sifting (筛) through feeds, I use my laptop to selectively visit a handful of news sources. With the saved time, I’m reading more books. I realized being “in touch” with society doesn’t require constant monitoring of the Internet.

【小题4】

During the lock-downs, I filled boredom by visiting stores sending newsletters to my email. I found myself repeating lines from department store copywriters. Every time I clicked “buy”, I’d get a dopamine (多巴胺) hit. Now I’m online about 10 times less, I’m more thoughtful about what I need and I’ve had the time to take up knitting and needling—making what I once would have “added to cart”.

I am calmer.

When I first quit using my phone, I’d search for it at times. I went through withdrawals. Thankfully, that sense of dependence is false. I’ve found you can find other ways to do all the things. 【小题5】