This is part of an ongoing conversation about digital incarceration and social media addiction — how to build real digital discipline without buying a Light Phone 3 or a Minimal Phone 2, and without needing to quit social media altogether.

As I got into the space of speaking about the overconsumption of digital devices, I considered getting a minimal tech phone. Naturally it only seemed right. If I'm going to be in this space, how can I walk around with the same device that is addictive.

After looking at the phones and looking at how these minimal tech phones were in some cases Androids with e-ink screens with full access to the Google Play Store, or how these phones ran on their own operating systems and did not support essential apps. Such as CashApp, Venmo, navigation, streaming music and podcasts, rideshare apps, or a decent camera. I decided not to purchase such a phone.

Instead of buying a "minimal tech" phone, I looked at ways to make the phone I already have or phones that other people have into a device that does not require doomscrolling. That's why I mention making a phone into "Greyscale" or using a Brick to block apps. Not to mention these phones cost as much as the standard iPhone and Samsung Galaxy.

As long as I'm in this space speaking about the over consumption of digital devices, I will speak to the majority of what the people have. Not try to sell them on what is a trend, that is playing to their desire to change.

At its core, this is about controlling social media — not quitting it. Real screen time control and smartphone addiction recovery don't come from a new device. They come from digital detox habits and daily discipline: greyscaling your screen, using a Brick to block apps, or simply changing how you use the phone already in your pocket. That's the difference between chasing a trend and actually stopping doomscrolling for good.