I was content and managed just fine with paper maps and directions before smartphones. When I got my first one it rendered those devices obsolete for me.

Printing out the MapQuest directions. Keeping the Thomas Guide in your car.

I hear ya. I too was a late cell and smart- phone adopter.

If I couldn’t use them anymore I would be annoyed at first. But I would adjust and yes, would certainly lead a fulfilling life regardless.

I myself am in between both extremes. Here are some ways I remain old school even though I’ve bought into the smartphone era:

1. I remain in a real sense anti-app and keep them to a minimum on my phone. I keep their permissions as locked down as I can and I review every update pretty extensively. It’s ridiculous how everyone and their brother wants me to install their app. No thank you. I’m quite content getting up to adjust the thermostat and don’t need a fully automated smart home.

2. If I’m socializing with someone they get my full attention. If I need to look something up, respond to a text, etc I excuse myself.

3. When I’m out and about I’m present in my environment. “Smartphone zombie” behavior is foreign to me.

4. I take full advantage of the digital well being and bedtime features of my phone. I set timers for my addicting apps.

5. Oh, when I do drive I am hands off with my phone. If I really do need to use it then I pull over.

Etc

If you don’t find value in smartphones I can respect that

You’d have to pry my own from my cold, dead hands. I have a map of the entire world (mostly) in my pocket! That in itself I find invaluable. I use Google Maps all the time. To find places and to navigate to them. On foot, public transit, and car. Here and in other countries.

Sure, I used to manage before Maps was a thing but do I ever want to go back? Nope.

That is one killer feature for me

And yeah I definitely see how life changed for the worse because of them. I actively moderate my own behavior.

I love Java! And I love that video.