I used to think that. I racked up thousands in internet fees on my honeymoon. I proposed wearing Google Glass. I worked for two major wearable electronics companies. I was addicted to being connected at all times.

Then I spent a year removing apps I do not need because as I grow older I am not proud of how many thousands of hours of my limited time on this rock I spent doom scrolling.

Eventually I ended up with one messenger, music app, a camera, a mapping app, and a browser.

Turns out, I do not even need those all the time. Started getting to where I would accidentally leave my phone at home... and did not notice.

Then I got a standalone offline digital audio player and enjoyed deciding what music to listen to again. I learned to notice signs and maps and surroundings to navigate on my own in most of my local area. I learned I can take notes on paper when I am out and research things later at home. I learned I do not actually owe it to anyone to be reachable during hours I am not being paid. I learned you can pick times and places to meet, and have a rich IRL social life outside chat rooms. I learned reading books on paper creates more focus.

I learned I could port my cell phone numbers to an old payhone that lives in my office and some old DECT landline phones around my home walk away from them when I leave to enjoy real life.

I have not used a cell phone since December 2021. I am comfortable living in my own head again and am the happiest I have ever been in my life.

Take baby steps to detox from connection addiction. You will not regret it.