In the fast-paced world of technology, mobile phones have become ubiquitous and an integral part of our daily lives. The term “smartphone” has gained immense popularity and recognition, signifying modern mobile phones with advanced capabilities. However, we here at the White Hatter propose a shift in terminology to better reflect the diverse functionalities of today’s cellphones. In our presentations with parents and caregivers, we have introduced the concept of “Fusion Phones” and “Minimalist Phones”, each catering to different family preferences and needs. In this article, we explore the origin of the term “smartphone”, why we advocate for a change in the vernacular when it comes to cellphones, and why we recommend minimalist phones as the best choice for youth in “most” cases.
The Birth of the Smartphone:
The word “smartphone” entered the human vernacular in 1997 when Ericsson coined the term to describe a prototype phone they had developed. This innovative device allowed users to make calls and play games, marking the early stages of enhanced mobile phone capabilities. Over time, smartphones have evolved to encompass a wide range of features such as internet access, email, texting, multimedia functions, and the ability to download interactive applications.
Debunking the “Smartphone” Label:
While the term “smartphone” has become widely accepted, it is important to recognize that a phone itself is merely a tool, lacking inherent intelligence. A phone can be neither smart nor dumb; it is the functionalities and applications it offers that determine its level of sophistication. At the White Hatter, we believe that using alternative labels to describe today’s phones can provide a better understanding of the capabilities of modern mobile devices. This holds particularly true for parents and caregivers who are contemplating the purchase of their child’s first phone, a topic we also thoroughly delve into as well (1).
Fusion Phones:
To better describe the diverse range of capabilities in today’s cellphones, we propose the term “fusion phone” over “smartphone”. These devices seamlessly fuse various features, including calls, email, texting, internet access, gaming, and the ability to download interactive apps. Popular examples of Fusion Phones are the Apple iPhone and Android phones, which provide users with a comprehensive suite of functionalities.
Minimalist Phones:
In contrast to fusion phones, minimalist phones offer a streamlined approach to mobile communication. These devices prioritize essential functions such as calls, email, and texting while deliberately excluding internet access. Two examples of a minimalist phone that we recommend are the WisePhone (2) as our first choice, or the PinWheel Phone (3) as our second choice. By restricting internet access, minimalist phones promote digital well-being, reduce distractions, and encourage face-to-face interactions. We advocate for the adoption of minimalist phones as the best first phones for youth.
Yes – it is crucial to recognize that a fusion phone may be a more suitable option than a minimalist phone in certain situations. For instance, when considering a child with Type 1 diabetes who requires a phone for health-related purposes, or for youth with developmental or physical disabilities who can benefit from using apps to effectively cope with their specific emotional, psychological, or physical challenge.
Benefits of Minimalist Phones:
There are several compelling reasons why parents and caregiver should consider a minimalist phone as the primary phone for young users:
#1 They help to create a balanced relationship with technology by limiting access to potentially problematic online platforms that are not age appropriate.
#2 They offer increased privacy and security. With limited internet connectivity, the risks associated with online privacy breaches and exposure to harmful content are significantly mitigated. Parents and guardians can have a better peace of mind knowing that their children are using a device that prioritizes their safety and well-being and still allows them to communicate with their child via a phone call, text message, or email in exigent circumstance or whenever else you need to do so as a parent or caregiver.
#3 They reduced distractions by focusing on essential communication functions like calls and texts. They lack the myriad of apps, notifications, and social media features that often lead to constant distractions on smartphones. By eliminating unnecessary distractions, minimalist phones can help youth stay focused and present in the moment.
#4 They often offer improved battery life due to their simplified features and lack of power-intensive applications; minimalist phones typically have much longer battery life compared to smartphones. This can be particularly useful when youth are not necessarily diligent when it comes to keeping their phones fully charged.
Challenges – Especially for Those Up Here In Canada:
Presently, the two minimalist phones that we recommend (Wisephone or Pinwheel) can’t be purchased or shipped into Canada and neither accept a Canadian credit card. A work around – if you have a friend who lives in the United States, you can ask them to purchase one of these phones and have it shipped to their address, and then have them ship it to Canada and you reimburse them the costs. We have had several Canadian families utilize this option successfully.
NOTE:
Although both the WisePhone and PinWheel cannot provide a guarantee regarding their phone’s compatibility within Canada, we conducted tests on the Canadian Rogers Cell Network and found that both phones functioned flawlessly without encountering any issues.
As technology continues to advance, it is important to re-evaluate the terminologies we use to describe technology, including mobile phones. While the term “smartphone” has become widely adopted, it fails to capture the full spectrum of functionalities and options that are available in today’s market. We believe the concepts of fusion phones and minimalist phones offer more accurate descriptions of these modern tools. We believe that promoting minimalist phones as a first phone, especially for youth, helps to fosters healthy digital habits and prioritizes safety, privacy, and overall well-being. As your child matures and demonstrates good digital literacy, then consideration can be given to upgrading them to a fully functioning fusion phone.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/smartphones/
Other Related Articles and Resources:
“The Analogy of Riding A Bike When It Comes to Tech Integration, Benchmarks, and our Kiddos”: https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/the-analogy-of-riding-a-bike-when-it-comes-to-tech-integration-benchmarks-and-our-kiddos/
“Cellphones and Mental Health – Another Study Hits The Media: Things That Make You Go Hmmm?” https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/cellphones-and-mental-health-another-study-hits-the-media-things-that-make-you-go-hmmm/
