The Anti-Smartphone Revolution
Many people are choosing to stop using smartphones and instead are using simpler 'dumb phones'. This is because smartphones can make people feel stressed and waste time. People using dumb phones say they feel calmer, more present, and have more time for other things. They also feel less addicted to their devices. While there are some small problems, like not being able to scan QR codes easily, many users feel the benefits of being less connected to the internet are worth it. Companies like Light phone and Nokia are now making new versions of these simpler phones, showing a growing interest in this trend, especially among younger adults who grew up with both pre-internet and internet eras.
Key Vocabulary
Individuals who choose to live with fewer possessions and less complexity, often embracing simplicity in various aspects of their lives.
Examples:
- The apartment, with its sparse furniture and neutral colors, was clearly designed for minimalists.
- Many minimalists advocate for a capsule wardrobe to reduce decision fatigue.
- She found that adopting a minimalist lifestyle helped her focus on experiences rather than material goods.
A disadvantage or a problem, especially one that makes something less appealing or effective.
Examples:
- The main drawback of the new car was its poor fuel efficiency.
- One significant drawback of working from home is the lack of direct social interaction with colleagues.
- Despite its many benefits, the plan had a major drawback: it was incredibly expensive to implement.
To stop, either temporarily or permanently.
Examples:
- Construction on the new building came to a halt due to unexpected budget cuts.
- The sudden downpour caused the outdoor concert to halt briefly.
- The negotiation process was brought to a halt when one party refused to compromise.
To make a short, high-pitched sound, often as a signal or notification.
Examples:
- The microwave oven will beep when the food is ready.
- His car alarm began to beep loudly in the parking lot.
- The nurse heard the monitor beep, signaling a change in the patient's condition.
Exchanged one thing for another.
Examples:
- She swapped her old bicycle for a newer model.
- The two friends swapped stories about their summer vacations.
- He swapped his shift with a colleague so he could attend the family gathering.
An idea, plan, or invention that is the creation of one person or a small group.
Examples:
- The innovative software was the brainchild of a brilliant young programmer.
- The annual community festival was the brainchild of the town's mayor.
- This unique architectural design is the brainchild of a renowned firm.
Causes someone to feel annoyed or discouraged because they cannot achieve something.
Examples:
- Constantly dealing with technical issues frustrates many computer users.
- The inability to communicate effectively often frustrates team members.
- Lack of progress on the project frustrates the entire development team.
The part of a telephone that is held to the ear and mouth, or a mobile phone itself.
Examples:
- He picked up the handset and dialed the number.
- The new smartphone handset is much lighter than previous models.
- She prefers a cordless handset for greater mobility around the house.
With a clear aim or intention; deliberately.
Examples:
- She walked purposefully towards the exit, ignoring the commotion.
- He purposefully avoided eye contact, signaling his discomfort.
- The team worked purposefully to meet the demanding deadline.
Given a descriptive name or nickname.
Examples:
- The new bridge was quickly dubbed 'The Skyway' by local residents.
- The artist was dubbed 'The Master of Light' for his unique painting style.
- His incredible speed on the track earned him the nickname, and he was dubbed 'The Flash'.
Freed someone from a mistaken belief or idea.
Examples:
- The scientist disabused the public of the notion that the earth was flat.
- He was quickly disabused of the idea that the job would be easy.
- Her travel experiences disabused her of many preconceived notions about other cultures.
To fall or drop straight down at high speed; to make a sudden, often risky, decision or movement.
Examples:
- The stock market took a sudden plunge after the news announcement.
- He decided to take the plunge and start his own business.
- Without hesitation, she took the plunge into the icy water.
New and inexperienced; an organization or enterprise that is in its early stages of development.
Examples:
- The fledgling company struggled to gain market share in its first year.
- She joined the fledgling startup, excited by its potential.
- The fledgling bird took its first shaky flight from the nest.
Lasting for a period of one week.
Examples:
- The family planned a weeklong camping trip in the mountains.
- The conference featured a weeklong series of workshops and seminars.
- Students prepared for the weeklong final exams with intense study sessions.
A person who is one of the original founders of a company or organization.
Examples:
- The cofounder of the tech company gave a keynote speech at the industry conference.
- She met her business cofounder at a university entrepreneurship event.
- The two cofounders worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life.
A weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely, often used to describe a situation that repeatedly changes between two opposite extremes.
Examples:
- The political pendulum often swings between conservative and liberal ideologies.
- The company's strategy has seen the pendulum swing from aggressive expansion to cautious consolidation.
- Public opinion on the issue continues to swing like a pendulum.
To eat dinner; to have a meal.
Examples:
- They decided to dine at a new Italian restaurant downtown.
- Guests will dine in the grand ballroom overlooking the city.
- It's a tradition for the family to dine together every Sunday.
Instances of lifting or handling a device, especially a phone.
Examples:
- He noticed a significant decrease in his phone pickups after disabling notifications.
- The study tracked the number of daily phone pickups for each participant.
- Frequent pickups of the device can indicate a strong habitual reliance.
Not able to be destroyed.
Examples:
- The ancient artifact was believed to be virtually indestructible.
- Children often prefer toys that seem indestructible, enduring countless hours of play.
- The new material was marketed as being almost indestructible, capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
An acronym for Quick Response, referring to a type of barcode that can be read by a smartphone camera and typically links to a website or provides information.
Examples:
- Many restaurants now use QR codes for their digital menus.
- Scan the QR code on the poster to get more information about the event.
- The museum provided a QR code at each exhibit for visitors to access audio guides.