In today's technology-driven world, Matt Thurmond stands out as a beacon for tech-forward millennials. At just 41 years old, he manages an AI-assisted platform dedicated to mortgage professionals and leads a nonprofit that bridges the gap between longevity researchers, investors, and startups. His impressive resume includes co-presidency of a technology conference at Harvard, where he earned his MBA. Yet, despite his deep involvement in the tech industry, Thurmond is almost never seen on his smartphone. He represents a growing cohort of individuals, primarily millennials and Zoomers, who have committed to a lifestyle devoid of incessant scrolling, coining the term appstinence to describe their choice.
Thurmond realized three years ago that excessive smartphone use was making him less present, social, and productive. This prompted him to exchange his Android phone for a Light Phone, a minimalist device designed to combat phone addiction. The Light Phone allows users to text and call but limits access to email and social media, which he found beneficial. Although adjusting to the E Ink keyboard was a challenge for Thurmond, he soon discovered that the limitations of the Light Phone encouraged him to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations and interactions.
Thurmond's shift away from his smartphone led him to adopt various productive habits. He began sketching out daily goals on a whiteboard rather than reacting to emails, and he even requested a physical key to unlock Citi Bikes, eschewing the app entirely. "I felt more relaxed, and my mind was clearer," he explains. For Thurmond, this journey toward appstinence has not only enhanced his productivity but has also enriched his day-to-day experiences.
The term appstinence was coined by Gabriela Nguyen, a 24-year-old graduate student at Harvard. Raised in Silicon Valley, Nguyen recognized her own smartphone addiction as detrimental to her productivity and ability to live in the moment. She founded a club called APPstinence at Harvard and launched a website to promote this lifestyle. "After adopting this lifestyle, it felt like I had discovered a competitive edge that I wanted to share," says Nguyen.
While Nguyen maintains three different dumb phones for various tasks, she sees appstinence as a pathway to a healthier relationship with technology. "Leaving social media is not about surrender; it’s about reclaiming your life," she asserts. The growing evidence of our collective phone addiction has sparked increased interest in the principles of appstinence, evident in the rising searches for dumb phones and the trend of nightclubs requesting that patrons leave their phones at home.
As more young adults recognize the impact of constant scrolling on their lives, appstinence is increasingly appealing. A Pew Research Center survey highlights that nearly half of American teens report being online almost constantly, prompting many to reconsider their smartphone habits. Samantha Palazzolo, a 20-year-old who got her first iPhone in sixth grade, experienced a turning point during her freshman year at university. After feeling embarrassed about a social media post, she realized that her phone was detracting from her real-life experiences.
To regain control, Palazzolo and her friends opted for flip phones, which sparked conversation and engagement in social settings. She even went viral on TikTok for her advocacy of flip phones, showcasing a growing trend among Gen Z to explore dumb phone options. Another advocate, Seán Killingsworth, began promoting phone-free events in high school and now runs the Reconnect Movement, dedicated to creating uninterrupted social environments on college campuses.
While the appstinence movement is liberating, it isn’t without challenges. For many, including Palazzolo, the need for digital tools in a tech-centric world remains. "A dumb phone may be liberating, but it can be impractical," she admits. Thurmond echoes this sentiment, commenting on the difficulty of navigating a city filled with smartphone users: "It feels like giving up alcohol while living in a bar. It’s like being in Zombieland," he reflects.
Thurmond's journey into appstinence began in 2022, fueled by a desire for more face-to-face interactions as the pandemic receded. He began hosting digital detox events, attracting a diverse crowd seeking to reconnect without their devices. His partnership with Joe Hollier, co-founder of the Light Phone, further emphasizes the need for tools that prioritize mental well-being over constant connectivity.
As society navigates the complexities of a digital age, the appstinence movement serves as a reminder of the importance of balance. With growing interest in dumb phones and technology-free social events, individuals like Thurmond, Nguyen, and Palazzolo are paving the way for a future where people can reclaim their time and attention from the clutches of technology.
