In a world where your toothbrush can probably outthink your 8th-grade science project, there’s a growing rebellion—a quiet but determined love affair with what some might call “dumb tech.” You know, the stuff that doesn’t try to schedule your dentist appointments or ask how you’re feeling about the latest geopolitical crisis. We’re talking flip phones, film cameras, wired headphones, and those gloriously unintelligent Bluetooth speakers that just play music, without needing to discuss your playlist’s emotional undertones.
But let’s be real: “dumb” tech isn’t really dumb. It’s more like that friend who knows their boundaries. It’s the flip phone that says, “Hey, let’s just stick to calling and texting, okay?” or the film camera that whispers, “Let’s keep it real—no filters, just memories.” These devices don’t try to be everything to everyone, and that’s precisely why they’re loved by the cool kids, also known as Gen Z and Generation Alpha, who are tired of gadgets that think too much.
The Rise of Uncomplicated Charm
Remember the good ol’ days when your watch did nothing but tell time? David Imel, a tech journalist, certainly does. After years of his smartwatch buzzing like an over-caffeinated bee, he swapped it for a Casio wristwatch. It doesn’t track his steps, won’t nag him to stand up, and doesn’t have a clue what a notification is. And you know what? He’s happier for it. It’s like realizing you don’t need a Swiss Army knife when all you really wanted was a spoon.
Chris Velazco, the gadget guru at The Washington Post, has an “undying love” for his Nintendo 3DS XL—a handheld game device that’s as retro as it gets in the gaming world. It’s a far cry from the hyper-realistic gaming rigs he could be using, but sometimes, a simple game of tic-tac-toe is all you need. It’s like going from a five-course meal to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Both are good, but one is just…easier.
And then there’s Lauren Goode, who’s sticking with her Garmin Fenix 5S, a smartwatch so ancient by tech standards that it should probably come with a fossil certification. But it tracks her runs, lasts five days on a charge, and doesn’t bombard her with unnecessary information. Plus, her 2007 Jeep is so basic that it might as well be invisible to hackers. That’s right—her car is so “dumb” it’s practically a fortress.
The Case Against “Smart” Tech Overload
The problem with much of today’s “smart” technology isn’t just that it’s overly complex. It’s that it’s complex and bad. It’s like giving a cat a bath—difficult and almost always a bad idea. Take your typical smart TV, for instance. Sure, it can connect to the internet, stream content, and probably order pizza for you, but if it’s so hard to navigate that you’d rather just read a book, what’s the point?
And don’t even get started on devices that try to do it all but end up failing at the basics. We’ve all wanted to smash a malfunctioning printer or scream at a dishwasher that requires a software update before it’ll tackle the dirty dishes. When did doing a single task well become too much to ask?
The Joy of Simple Tech
Consumer surveys repeatedly show that the number one thing people want from their smartphones is better battery life. Not AI that predicts your next meal or virtual assistants that insist on talking to you when you just want to check the weather. Just a battery that lasts longer than your morning commute.
The rise of “dumb” tech isn’t just a trend; it’s a rejection of the unnecessary and a celebration of the simple. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all we need is a phone that makes calls, a camera that captures moments, and a speaker that just plays music. No frills, no fuss—just functionality.
So, next time you find yourself frustrated by a device that seems to have a mind of its own, consider downgrading. You might just find that less truly is more. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always that trusty old sledgehammer.
