> A concrete example, the ability to remember 10 digit phone numbers was really normal before smart phone, try to push your mind now to see if you are still able to do that?

But would you tell anyone in the early 2000s to keep practising 10 digit phone number memorisation knowing that it will be completely useless skill in the coming future? How do you know what telling OP to be more hands on and spend time on active practice isn't the same thing?