I think OP is pointing our reliance on technology. This contrasts to say soviet era surveillance or in fiction like 1984 in which escaping from the surveillance is not easy.

Is this sarcasm?

It's pretty nice not having a phone at all, and checking on the internet maybe once a day or less.

I can call a Uber with my laptop, the UX isn't great but it works.

What else do you need a phone for?

(Is it a Uber or an Uber? Curiously, uber.com seems to use both.)