Name: I tried a flip phone and it didn't work (here's what did).
Uploaded: 2026-02-26 15:00:03
Duration: 10 min 41 s

Question 1

Do flip phones actually help with doomscrolling?

Accepted Answer

They can add friction, which sounds helpful in theory, but in my 90-day test it wasn’t a clean solution. The flip phone created a lot of limitations and frustrations that didn’t automatically translate into healthier habits. What helped more was changing how I use my regular phone so it’s less tempting in the first place.

Question 2

What flip phone did Lilla Björn Stationery use for a digital detox?

Accepted Answer

I used the CAT S22 as my “flip phone experiment” device. I go over its features, but also the parts that made daily life harder than I expected. It was a good test, but it didn’t end up being my long-term answer.

Question 3

What are the biggest downsides of switching to a flip phone?

Accepted Answer

For me, the limitations and friction were constant—little tasks took longer, and it was easy to feel blocked instead of supported. There were also social drawbacks, because so many plans, messages, and everyday logistics assume smartphone-level convenience. It’s not impossible, but it’s not as simple as “flip phone = fixed attention span.”

Question 4

How can I break my phone addiction without switching to a dumb phone?

Accepted Answer

What worked better for me was making my phone unappealing on purpose—so it stops being the prettiest, easiest option in the room. Then I focused on slowing down my consumption instead of trying to quit everything overnight. The final piece was replacing consumption with creation, which is where my planning and notebook systems really shine.

Question 5

How do you make a smartphone less addictive?

Accepted Answer

I talk about intentionally making the phone less appealing, so it doesn’t feel like a treat every time you pick it up. The goal is to reduce the “reward” loop and add gentle friction where you tend to spiral. It’s less dramatic than quitting cold turkey, but it’s more sustainable.

Question 6

What does 'replace consumption with creation' mean for productivity?

Accepted Answer

Instead of filling every spare moment with scrolling, I try to redirect that energy into something I’m making—writing, planning, journaling, or building a system that supports my day. Creation is naturally slower, and it gives my brain a place to settle. It’s also a lot more aligned with the kind of gentle productivity that actually sticks.

Question 7

Is a flip phone worth it if you want better focus?

Accepted Answer

It can be worth trying if you want a strong reset, and I’m glad I tested it. But for me, the flip phone wasn’t the thing that fixed my focus—my habits did. If you’re curious, I’d start with the less extreme changes first, and then decide if you still need the full device swap.

I tried a flip phone and it didn't work (here's what did).

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