Americans Ditch Smartphones for 'Dummy Phones' to Break Free from Addiction, Sparking Heated Debate

According to a report by the British Daily Mail, a significant number of Americans are abandoning their smartphones to avoid falling into the "zombie mode" of constant screen time and social media addiction. The report cites a staggering 280,000 units sold in the US last year alone, with users claiming that they feel more at peace and are able to focus more on their real lives.

The news has sparked a heated discussion on Weibo, with many users expressing their opinions on the matter. Some, like @科技教主-娜娜, have shared their own experiences with smartphone addiction, revealing that they spend an average of 13 hours and 48 minutes staring at their screens every day. Others have praised the move, saying it's a step towards a healthier lifestyle.

One user, quoting a report from the Global Times, pointed out that the rise of smartphones has coincided with a 50% increase in anxiety and depression rates between 2010 and 2019. "This shows that people are starting to reflect on the balance between technology and social needs," they wrote.

Software developer Caroline Cadwell, who created an app called Unplug that aims to help users reduce their screen time, has also chimed in on the debate. "At first, it may be inconvenient to switch to a 'dummy phone', but once you get used to it, you'll feel more relaxed," she said. "You'll find that you have more time and space, and you'll be able to maintain relationships better."

However, not everyone is convinced that ditching smartphones is the solution. Some Weibo users have pointed out that, in China, where e-commerce is more developed, smartphones are an essential tool for daily life. "In the US, it may be possible to live without a smartphone, but in China, it's not convenient," wrote one user.

Others have argued that the real problem lies not with smartphones themselves, but with the way people use them. "The reason we're so tired is not because of smartphones, but because of the hidden overtime and pressure that comes with them," wrote another user. "Although technology is advancing, our labor force is not getting a break, but is instead getting more tired."

As the debate rages on, it's clear that the issue of smartphone addiction is a complex one, with no easy answers. While some advocate for a return to simpler, "dumb" phones, others argue that the solution lies in finding a healthier balance between technology and daily life. One thing is certain, however: the conversation is far from over.