Anyone else toss their cell phones for good?

Mine is gone. After a vision in which I saw the reality of all of us getting sucked into the big black void with a few last minute exceptions, I knew it was time. Then the decision was forced as my phone got hacked. I decided on a landline instead and now I am free. Anyone else out here free as well? Would love to hear your story, and I'll share mine.

Hi Jules,
I wish I was in a place in my life where I could get rid of my cell. My reasons for it, might be different than yours, but I see that there is a lot of problems and damage that can come from the way we use cell phones right now.

I've never had my own mobile phone....I use an old one as a camera though! If I want someone to reach me they can leave a message on my land line.



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As I understand it, the more you use a cell phone as a phone the less invasive it is. Personally I find text messaging indispensible, and I use the camera a great deal. That's as "smart" as my cell phone gets.

Even a disconnected cell phone can still call the 911 emergency operator in most jurisdictions. This is a potential life saver for those of us who work alone with heavy equipment and chainsaws.

I made three calls in the last year or so on my phone.

One to report a fire.

One to make them stop the trains when there was a washout on the track.

And one to ask the neighbours if there were supposed to be two strange men wandering all over his land and homing in on his tractor shed.

One of those calls was completely unnecessary. One was superfluous because dozens of other people made the same call. And one potentially saved dozens of lives.

I use the actual device to play audiobooks, keep my to-do list on, track my heart-rate and sleep, and as a camera. And I take it with me if I go walking in case I need to summon help to get back. I wouldn't dare venture out alone without it these days.

I'm keeping my phone!

Edit to add - I received one phone call on it. A friend was supposed to be doing a two hour phone interview with international police and his mobile packed up at the wrong moment so I emailed them my number and lent my phone out for the duration. I don't think my phone stats meet 'normal' criteria...

Nancy, good for you! The biggest thing I am feeling is free. Free of the cell phone, free of the scrolling, free of texting. Free of the BEAST. Thank you Lord! I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing this level of freedom. There are no forums for free from cell phones that I can find, no groups of people who have released themselves, no one. Where are they?

Nancy Reading wrote:I've never had my own mobile phone....I use an old one as a camera though! If I want someone to reach me they can leave a message on my land line.



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Jules Harrell wrote:There are no forums for free from cell phones that I can find, no groups of people who have released themselves, no one. Where are they?

Enjoying all their time away from electronics, and not bothering with online stuff :)

I find this somewhat amusing. I didn't have a cellphone for about 7 years. Just recently got one again.

Where I live most people don't have a landline/email so texting often becomes the easiest way to communicate. If the landline goes down, we can text/phone, if the cellphone doesn't work, we can email. Luckily we only get 1 bar or so in the window at our house. If we want to make a phone call with our cellphone we need to walk for about 5 minutes to the top of a rocky bluff.

I think alot of the cellphone baggage comes down to how its used. I can easily go a day without turning the airplane mode off. I also don't carry my phone with me unless I want to take photos!

Another reason was for safety out on the boat. I can now phone/text/email people when I am out on the water. The map function is helpful as well.

So no I do not need one, but where I live, it has its advantages.

We have just recently (the last five years) gone from a land line/internet $100+ per month to a cell phone that we share with a bit of data for $10 a month...I see that as freedom

We don't carry it everywhere although I do slip it in the backpack on hikes and it goes on long drives with us.

Texting has been great for many reasons including my difficulty hearing.

How does one use these forums from a land line only?

Maybe because we grew up before the internet and cell phones, then lived in the woods for 15 years with no phone of any kind before getting a land line, the cell phone seems like a useful tool combining phone and computer...none of these are as freeing as no electronics what so ever though

I have a cell phone. For some reason, I don’t need to carry it in my hand so I can walk.   In fact, it generally spends its time on an end table.   I am trying to force myself to carry it more as a safety issue…but I seem to be failing at that.

When Hubby was pressuring me to get a cell phone, I told him I would only carry it if it had a *really* good camera. My sisters have both complained that the small digital cameras don't last well at all, so "phone as camera" seems to last longer.

That said, our property is quite long and narrow, so if I need help, it's nice to be able to call for it. That said, if the system fails, my lifestyle wouldn't change that much. *Very* few people call me on it. I *don't* use it for any sort of surfing - just very occasional looking up something like directions or confirming an address, and there isn't a single game on it.

So although I'm not quite in your club, Jules, I totally was for decades when most of my friends looked at me weird like, "why don't you" (well for starters, I can turn a cell phone into a brick without dropping it into water - just by pushing a button here or there!)

However, if you're here on permies, Jules, I'm expecting you must have access to some sort of computer - 90% or more of my contact is through my computer with a proper keyboard I can touch type on. No plans on giving that convenience up!

That's a great question. We have DSL, no wireless, and are out way out up a mountain in the country. I never took my cell phone into the woods. What was once convenient is now cumbersome. It seems like I'm the only one who really needed to get away from the cell phone addiction. Yes, it's addictive. Starts out non addictive, but slowly over time, texting, social media, scrolling.... it can get to a person. Certainly got to me. Wondering if anyone else out there has already run the gamut and ended up on away from cell phones.

Judith Browning wrote:We have just recently (the last five years) gone from a land line/internet $100+ per month to a cell phone that we share with a bit of data for $10 a month...I see that as freedom

We don't carry it everywhere although I do slip it in the backpack on hikes and it goes on long drives with us.

Texting has been great for many reasons including my difficulty hearing.

How does one use these forums from a land line only?

Maybe because we grew up before the internet and cell phones, then lived in the woods for 15 years with no phone of any kind before getting a land line, the cell phone seems like a useful tool combining phone and computer...none of these are as freeing as no electronics what so ever though

Yes, we have DSL, no wireless. We are www.heartsinhandhorsemanshipllc.com. I no longer have any social media except Linkedin.

Jay Angler wrote:When Hubby was pressuring me to get a cell phone, I told him I would only carry it if it had a *really* good camera. My sisters have both complained that the small digital cameras don't last well at all, so "phone as camera" seems to last longer.

That said, our property is quite long and narrow, so if I need help, it's nice to be able to call for it. That said, if the system fails, my lifestyle wouldn't change that much. *Very* few people call me on it. I *don't* use it for any sort of surfing - just very occasional looking up something like directions or confirming an address, and there isn't a single game on it.

So although I'm not quite in your club, Jules, I totally was for decades when most of my friends looked at me weird like, "why don't you" (well for starters, I can turn a cell phone into a brick without dropping it into water - just by pushing a button here or there!)

However, if you're here on permies, Jules, I'm expecting you must have access to some sort of computer - 90% or more of my contact is through my computer with a proper keyboard I can touch type on. No plans on giving that convenience up!

Judith Browning wrote:How does one use these forums from a land line only?

Our phone lines do internet too - even before we had the cable exchanged for fibre optic - so I use a tablet (either plugged in or wifi) or the Computer. There are worse addictions on the 'net than permies however.

One uses DSL, which is a hard line ethernet cable. I've worked remotely as a technical writer for many years. No wireless. I was the wireless technology editor for GlobalSpec.com for a few years also. Been connected to the internet since 1996 when I made my first website as a grad student at RPI. After almost 30 years of technology and web technology and wireless technology and cellular technology I can at the very least disconnect from cellular use and feel great about it LOL.

I use a flip phone.  I had a smart phone for a couple years and found myself spending 2-3 hours a day on it wasting time. I realized one day......imagine what I could get done with 2-3 extra hours a day. I love it and never want to go back. Except music. I miss having good music whenever I want it.

Landlines are not available to everyone.

And the Act that guarantied this to everyone expired a few years ago.

Sorry a cell phone is my only option, other than using satellite internet which I prefer not to use.

My predictions:

One day I see landlines going away as everyone will be using phones over the internet.

One day cell phones will go away as everyone will be using phones over the internet.

I don't ever see the internet going away.

So I have a phone with whatsapp… That only my family, bank, doctors and about 2 friends have the number for. The 2 inch screen isn’t big enough for anything other than messaging.

I have a second whatsapp linked to my ipad which has all of my friends on.

During the day I’m contactable for emergencies, in the evening I’ll respond to fluff.

Now if only Meta will finally make an ipad app that will use the internal sim, I can ditch the old android phone that only gets turned to relink whatsapp after an update.

Good on you, Jules!

It's a tightrope, that phone, too easy to go wobbly and overuse it. I do recommend a book I recently read, "Opt-out Family" by Erin Loechner. It's aimed mostly at young families, and is by Zondervan (evangelical Christian publishing house, so you know the perspective she has in general). I won't summarize the book, but it is a good argument both against tech overuse, and more importantly, for real and effective interpersonal engagement beginning in the family and extending out from there.

I did the flip-phone thing for a few years, and it was great as a phone. I found I still carried a smartphone to look up datasheets on jobsites and such, tethering with the flip hotspot. It seemed dumb and like two antennae instead of one. So I have a smartphone as my phone again. I'm also a fan of Cal Newport's flavor of digital minimalism, which is admittedly aimed at professionals in careers (which I am again, so it's aimed at me), but he has generally a good perspective on why to limit digital exposure, as well as details on how, which again, are aimed mostly at those in professions, but include things like leaving the phone on an end table (specifically, away from where you're spending your at-home time) - if it rings, go answer it like it was a landline. Don't read on the phone. Don't scroll feeds - ever (Permies forums? maybe even the forums), and replace the easy-shallow with the engaging-deep of things like real hobbies, books, etc.

Anyway, keeping tech in its place is an ongoing human challenge. There were Greeks opposed to writing because they said it would impair oral memory (it did). And I think of the pitiably-offensive character of Ted Sandyman in Tolkein, who sold out Hobbiton to work on the mechanical mill that could grind more flour than there was grain to grind... So, thanks for another good discussion of the technological tightrope!

Happy homesteading,
Mark

I always think of the anecdote Mark mentions- writing was supposed to be the end of intelligence, and while it did alter the oral tradition, it opened new doors.

While I use my phone and am very thankful for what it allows me to do (keeping in touch with people around the world, and avoiding trips to the bank, for just two), I really do see Jules`s point and respect it. I choose to use my phone in the ways that most benefit me, and I defend my time fiercely: I use the tool, the tool doesn't use me. I can agree with anyone who is zealous about protecting time, their most precious resource.

Thank you Mark. My phone used me, I was definitely caught up in the scrolling instagram facebook shopping texting black hole, and yes, it was a waste of many hours of my valuable time. I now read more, my mind is still and quiet, I sleep deeply and there's more time for things like mounted archery which we did today. I truly understand others don't feel the way I do. Just wondering if ANYONE did haha!

Jules

Mark Miner wrote:Good on you, Jules!

It's a tightrope, that phone, too easy to go wobbly and overuse it. I do recommend a book I recently read, "Opt-out Family" by Erin Loechner. It's aimed mostly at young families, and is by Zondervan (evangelical Christian publishing house, so you know the perspective she has in general). I won't summarize the book, but it is a good argument both against tech overuse, and more importantly, for real and effective interpersonal engagement beginning in the family and extending out from there.

I did the flip-phone thing for a few years, and it was great as a phone. I found I still carried a smartphone to look up datasheets on jobsites and such, tethering with the flip hotspot. It seemed dumb and like two antennae instead of one. So I have a smartphone as my phone again. I'm also a fan of Cal Newport's flavor of digital minimalism, which is admittedly aimed at professionals in careers (which I am again, so it's aimed at me), but he has generally a good perspective on why to limit digital exposure, as well as details on how, which again, are aimed mostly at those in professions, but include things like leaving the phone on an end table (specifically, away from where you're spending your at-home time) - if it rings, go answer it like it was a landline. Don't read on the phone. Don't scroll feeds - ever (Permies forums? maybe even the forums), and replace the easy-shallow with the engaging-deep of things like real hobbies, books, etc.

Anyway, keeping tech in its place is an ongoing human challenge. There were Greeks opposed to writing because they said it would impair oral memory (it did). And I think of the pitiably-offensive character of Ted Sandyman in Tolkein, who sold out Hobbiton to work on the mechanical mill that could grind more flour than there was grain to grind... So, thanks for another good discussion of the technological tightrope!

Happy homesteading,
Mark

Jules Harrell wrote:Thank you Mark. My phone used me, I was definitely caught up in the scrolling instagram facebook shopping texting black hole, and yes, it was a waste of many hours of my valuable time.

I'm pretty sure cell phones are *designed* to be addictive, to require your constant attention and suck you into the vortex.

I know that any time I get a new cell phone, I have to spend time figuring out how to turn all that extraneous crap off. My phone is a tool that serves me, not a squalling infant that requires my constant attention (a.k.a. distraction).

Douglas Alpenstock wrote:I'm pretty sure cell phones are *designed* to be addictive, to require your constant attention and suck you into the vortex.  

To be fair, the device itself isn't too bad. Even what I call the base apps (phone, calendar, calculator, flashlight, text) isn't too bad. It's as soon as you get into the social media and games and whatnot, then you get into things that are designed to get you to come back over and over again.

I live off grid without electricity. My mobile is my bank, mail, tax office, internet and library.
I find it is a really electricity-frugal way to do things that otherwise would require a several hours long trip by bike and bus to the nearest town.
For me, this site is tremendously helpful. I can't imagine whom would I turn to for advice otherwise? Nobody within 40 miles radius is doing off-grid homesteading.

I was thinking as I studiously ignored the intermittent binging of my cell this morning, that there are parallels even in the world of land lines. I've been told off for not answering our land-line when I was busy, or my hands were mucky. If it was that important, they could leave a message, right? I've been told that's rude?

So I think many of us need to reset our attitudes - we should use electronics as a benefit, not as another "job".

For those people who recognize they can't cope with the addictive side of electronics of any sort, I totally support those who are strong enough to recognize that and find a way to limit or eliminate the danger it poses to them. Searching for like-minded people on the internet, which is also highly addictive, may be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but at least here on permies, anyone doing so will get support and acknowledgement.

I'm a little worried about people who say how much more time they have when they unplug. Hunter gatherers used to "work" very few hours a day. Even in the Middle Ages, most peasants who did back breaking labor, did it for short periods with frequent holidays. It was only when the Industrial Revolution hit when "time" was equated to "money" that humans worked long hours year round and that only benefitted the wealthy. We're still in that situation. So please make sure that when you unplug, as was mentioned above, turn that time into quality conversation with friends and family, go for hikes, enjoy watching the clouds, or take up a hobby because you *want* to.

Jay Angler wrote:I've been told off for not answering our land-line when I was busy, or my hands were mucky. If it was that important, they could leave a message, right? I've been told that's rude?

I don't want to sidetrack things too much but this reminded me of something I've noticed lately.
I'm at a point in my career where I'm mentoring a lot of junior colleagues. If I send someone a text, I often get an apology if they took more than two minutes to reply. I always say, look, I'm from the era of answering machines and pay phones. If I needed an immediate response I'd have called you, or an ambulance -- you have the right to manage your own time the way you want. 90% of the time I can literally see the scales fall from their eyes.
Which gives me hope that we can change this. Sometimes it just takes a reminder, or being the one person on the trip without a phone in hand, just enjoying a fully analog experience. I love starting these conversations. Jules (and everyone else who is examining how their lives fit with technology and daring to go against the current), hi-5 for starting them too.

Jules Harrell wrote:Mine is gone. After a vision in which I saw the reality of all of us getting sucked into the big black void with a few last minute exceptions, I knew it was time. Then the decision was forced as my phone got hacked. I decided on a landline instead and now I am free. Anyone else out here free as well? Would love to hear your story, and I'll share mine.

I only use a flip phone, always have always will. Just for calls and texting. Never owned a smart phone (no need to I am online all the time doing virtual education for a university). I do have my late bro's iphone which I only use to take pics since a flip phone resolution isn't the greatest.

Jay, great response. Never worry though, we have a farm with 150 acres including 5 horses I train and trim myself (I am 65 fyi). I also train and trim others horses, offer a multitude of equine related opportunities, am a long time woof usa host, and am responsible for my grandson part time. We have a family run farm here, with huge gardens, llamas, goats, dogs, cats bees. There is absolutely no danger of us not being busy with our hands doing something. I'm happy to type on my laptop rather than texting, and not looking at a small portable electronic device is super satisfying. I'm mostly curious about other's experiences, and have a great bunch of cool folks to shoot bows and train horses. We have a good rich life here. It just got richer for me when I unplugged from the cell phone. Killed it in fact. It's no longer in existence. Never said off grid. We are fortunate to have a wide variety of power tools and a nice tractor. We use the ATV as another farm machine, and are able to build things here, apply crusher run to our gnarly driveway, and keep the bees alive.Thank you again for what you wrote. I am greatly enjoying reading what people on permies have to say. Yes, this is indeed a wonderful place here at permies. I am happy to be online right now reading what everyone is thinking.

Jay Angler wrote:I was thinking as I studiously ignored the intermittent binging of my cell this morning, that there are parallels even in the world of land lines. I've been told off for not answering our land-line when I was busy, or my hands were mucky. If it was that important, they could leave a message, right? I've been told that's rude?

So I think many of us need to reset our attitudes - we should use electronics as a benefit, not as another "job".

For those people who recognize they can't cope with the addictive side of electronics of any sort, I totally support those who are strong enough to recognize that and find a way to limit or eliminate the danger it poses to them. Searching for like-minded people on the internet, which is also highly addictive, may be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but at least here on permies, anyone doing so will get support and acknowledgement.

I'm a little worried about people who say how much more time they have when they unplug. Hunter gatherers used to "work" very few hours a day. Even in the Middle Ages, most peasants who did back breaking labor, did it for short periods with frequent holidays. It was only when the Industrial Revolution hit when "time" was equated to "money" that humans worked long hours year round and that only benefitted the wealthy. We're still in that situation. So please make sure that when you unplug, as was mentioned above, turn that time into quality conversation with friends and family, go for hikes, enjoy watching the clouds, or take up a hobby because you *want* to.

Absolutely Tereza! Yes! Have done a lot of mentoring junior tech writers myself, and we would of course be using something like Skype, Slack, Teams....for work I always make it a point to be very responsive, regardless who's asking for assistance. After ditching the cell phone, I'm actually happier without so many text messages to send and receive. We have plenty happening right here right now. Facebook also doesn't like the fact that I do not have a cell phone anymore, so I can no longer access my account. It's okay, folks know where to find me. It's pretty fun being against the current in such a big way. I spent years in EMS as an EMT/firefighter, ski patroller, and then paramedic school. We ARE 911 haha! No seriously, everyone else has a cell phone just look around. There's always a phone with which to call 911. I have faith someone will provide that phone ....

Tereza Okava wrote:

Jay Angler wrote:I've been told off for not answering our land-line when I was busy, or my hands were mucky. If it was that important, they could leave a message, right? I've been told that's rude?

I don't want to sidetrack things too much but this reminded me of something I've noticed lately.
I'm at a point in my career where I'm mentoring a lot of junior colleagues. If I send someone a text, I often get an apology if they took more than two minutes to reply. I always say, look, I'm from the era of answering machines and pay phones. If I needed an immediate response I'd have called you, or an ambulance -- you have the right to manage your own time the way you want. 90% of the time I can literally see the scales fall from their eyes.
Which gives me hope that we can change this. Sometimes it just takes a reminder, or being the one person on the trip without a phone in hand, just enjoying a fully analog experience. I love starting these conversations. Jules (and everyone else who is examining how their lives fit with technology and daring to go against the current), hi-5 for starting them too.

Yes, my mistake was going with a "smart" phone because it truly made me dumber.

Dennis Goyette wrote:

Jules Harrell wrote:Mine is gone. After a vision in which I saw the reality of all of us getting sucked into the big black void with a few last minute exceptions, I knew it was time. Then the decision was forced as my phone got hacked. I decided on a landline instead and now I am free. Anyone else out here free as well? Would love to hear your story, and I'll share mine.

I only use a flip phone, always have always will. Just for calls and texting. Never owned a smart phone (no need to I am online all the time doing virtual education for a university). I do have my late bro's iphone which I only use to take pics since a flip phone resolution isn't the greatest.

I am puzzled by the responses that appear to hold the phone responsible for all the bad issues related to them.
I have use mobile phones since they appeared as 'bricks' in my utes.
Now I have a smartphone and a landline I had installed in 1983.
I use them when I need to and I use the answering machines attached.
They both save m petrol and travelling because I can call looking for items, they save me hours of time and I can keep contact with mates,
I think they are great, if used for my advantage.
I rarely answer the mobile if I am working or with someone.
I encourage txt messages.
I do not get hooked' on them and feel I use them as was intended when invented.

Matt McSpadden wrote:

Jules Harrell wrote:There are no forums for free from cell phones that I can find, no groups of people who have released themselves, no one. Where are they?

Enjoying all their time away from electronics, and not bothering with online stuff :)

Ah, yes, back to smoke signals. Such a simple life! I personally don’t mind not having a phone at all. My computer is my form of communication as well as entertainment.

Yes, thank you Mark, I do not mind it either. The only issues I've had are disconnecting my email addresses and yes, my facebook account from my cell phone number. I have a horse training business and use facebook for that, but unfortunately facebook wants you to have a cell phone and a WhatsApp which I have neither. So all my info now requires a million hoops to jump through before I can actually access the account. I'm probably going to start a new profile just for the business so that I can rebuild NOT using a cell phone. If it is possible. Stay tuned.

Thea Morales wrote:

Matt McSpadden wrote:

Jules Harrell wrote:There are no forums for free from cell phones that I can find, no groups of people who have released themselves, no one. Where are they?

Enjoying all their time away from electronics, and not bothering with online stuff :)

Ah, yes, back to smoke signals. Such a simple life! I personally don’t mind not having a phone at all. My computer is my form of communication as well as entertainment.

I like my cell phone. I talk on it, text a little bit, take pictures and videos, sometimes use GPS or check the weather. I never had to free myself from any of the other stuff, I never got trapped by it in the first place. I also don't facecrap, whatshit, instafart, x, twit or any of the rest of that garbage. I'm basically immune to marketing, following, admiring and conforming and have been for a long time. I do have a little YouTube channel, and I do waste some time here and on other gardening related forums, but I use a laptop and I'm cutting back on that too. No offence to those who enjoy fingering a little screen or that enjoy using those applications, it's just not for me.

I feel a bit sorry for people born after the internet, let alone cell phones, I don't know how they tie their shoes. O' I forgot they have Velcro shoes now, probably smart ones too, if not I bet, they soon will.

Mark, thanks for your response. I agree there's a lot of crap out there to choose from. I'm not writing this post to negatively portray others who do things differently, only to share experiences. Good that you have avoided all the pitfalls and traps that many people are not immune to, including myself. Yes, agree, typing on a laptop is so much better than fingering a little screen.

Jules

Mark Reed wrote:I like my cell phone. I talk on it, text a little bit, take pictures and videos, sometimes use GPS or check the weather. I never had to free myself from any of the other stuff, I never got trapped by it in the first place. I also don't facecrap, whatshit, instafart, x, twit or any of the rest of that garbage. I'm basically immune to marketing, following, admiring and conforming and have been for a long time. I do have a little YouTube channel, and I do waste some time here and on other gardening related forums, but I use a laptop and I'm cutting back on that too. No offence to those who enjoy fingering a little screen or that enjoy using those applications, it's just not for me.

I feel a bit sorry for people born after the internet, let alone cell phones, I don't know how they tie their shoes. O' I forgot they have Velcro shoes now, probably smart ones too, if not I bet, they soon will.

I have worked in translational research in the biomedical field (oncology) for nearly 30 yrs.  

A very deep dive into the health effects confirmed for me not only that I don't want a cell phone but also I don't want and don't have wifi, bluetooth, or any smart gadgets.
I'm not a fan of the loss of privacy either. Not that I or anyone I know "has anything to hide," just as a matter of principle.
I was a late adopter, using a cell phone for fewer than 3 yrs, then happily smashed it with a sledge hammer in 2019 and never looked back! I moved and now live more than 3 miles from the nearest cell tower in a very rural location (find your distance here: https://www.antennasearch.com). There is no cell service here. Gee that makes me happy!

Arthur Firstenberg's book, The Invisible Rainbow, does a good job of explaining the effects of electrical fields and EMFs on the human body. It's a fascinating read, though long.
Acres review: "In The Invisible Rainbow, Firstenberg traces the history of electricity from the early eighteenth century to the present, making a compelling case that many environmental problems, as well as the major diseases of industrialized civilization―heart disease, diabetes, and cancer―are related to electrical pollution."

Firstenberg has called for a movement of folks to ditch cell phones until safer technology is available. Not only for human health, but for the birds, bees, insects and planet as well.
Here's a recent article on his Substack "PLEASE GET RID OF YOUR CELL PHONES NOW" https://arthurfirstenberg.substack.com/p/nophone

Dr Devra Davis, an expert on the health effects of cell phones, has many talks on youtube. Here's a recent one from 6 mo ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rDQ-gyC7A8 Don't miss this talk! And see also the Environmental Health Trust for fact sheets and more info: https://ehtrust.org.
Her TED talk is good as well, though getting older (2018), she details how the safety testing was rigged: https://www.ted.com/talks/dr_devra_davis_rapid_fire_what_brain_and_sperm_share_and_why_care

Kathleen Burke's story of "Restored Health and Vitality from Ditching my Cell Phone" https://arthurfirstenberg.substack.com/p/ditchingmycellphone

Some helpful links:
https://cellphonetaskforce.org/pwcp (PWCP = people without cell phones)

Frequently Asked Questions: https://cellphonetaskforce.org/frequently-asked-questions-2

100 Consequences of Owning a Cell Phone: https://cellphonetaskforce.org/100-consequences-of-owning-a-cell-phone

I wish to add an update: https://ehtrust.org/science/science-on-health-effects-of-cell-phone-and-wireless-radiation

Yes! A kindred spirit! I have a trifield meter and have measured the EMF from cell phones along with many common household products, such as refrigerators, electric stoves etc. I'm sooo glad to meet you thank you for this. Wow, my faith is restored! Jules

Jeanne M Wallace wrote:I have worked in translational research in the biomedical field (oncology) for nearly 30 yrs.  

A very deep dive into the health effects confirmed for me not only that I don't want a cell phone but also I don't want and don't have wifi, bluetooth, or any smart gadgets.
I'm not a fan of the loss of privacy either. Not that I or anyone I know "has anything to hide," just as a matter of principle.
I was a late adopter, using a cell phone for fewer than 3 yrs, then happily smashed it with a sledge hammer in 2019 and never looked back! I moved and now live more than 3 miles from the nearest cell tower in a very rural location (find your distance here: https://www.antennasearch.com). There is no cell service here. Gee that makes me happy!

Arthur Firstenberg's book, The Invisible Rainbow, does a good job of explaining the effects of electrical fields and EMFs on the human body. It's a fascinating read, though long.
Acres review: "In The Invisible Rainbow, Firstenberg traces the history of electricity from the early eighteenth century to the present, making a compelling case that many environmental problems, as well as the major diseases of industrialized civilization―heart disease, diabetes, and cancer―are related to electrical pollution."

Firstenberg has called for a movement of folks to ditch cell phones until safer technology is available. Not only for human health, but for the birds, bees, insects and planet as well.
Here's a recent article on his Substack "PLEASE GET RID OF YOUR CELL PHONES NOW" https://arthurfirstenberg.substack.com/p/nophone

Dr Devra Davis, an expert on the health effects of cell phones, has many talks on youtube. Here's a recent one from 6 mo ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rDQ-gyC7A8 Don't miss this talk! And see also the Environmental Health Trust for fact sheets and more info: https://ehtrust.org.
Her TED talk is good as well, though getting older (2018), she details how the safety testing was rigged: https://www.ted.com/talks/dr_devra_davis_rapid_fire_what_brain_and_sperm_share_and_why_care

Kathleen Burke's story of "Restored Health and Vitality from Ditching my Cell Phone" https://arthurfirstenberg.substack.com/p/ditchingmycellphone

Some helpful links:
https://cellphonetaskforce.org/pwcp (PWCP = people without cell phones)

Frequently Asked Questions: https://cellphonetaskforce.org/frequently-asked-questions-2

100 Consequences of Owning a Cell Phone: https://cellphonetaskforce.org/100-consequences-of-owning-a-cell-phone

Jules Harrell wrote:Yes! A kindred spirit! I have a trifield meter and have measured the EMF from cell phones along with many common household products, such as refrigerators, electric stoves etc. I'm sooo glad to meet you thank you for this. Wow, my faith is restored! Jules

Hi Jules,
Yes, nice to connect here on permies! I've had my Trifield meter for more than 25 yrs! I bring it everywhere and always ask if those I visit would like to see how their living space, bedrooms and work-spots fare when we go on a measuring tour. It can be very eye opening.

Bau Biologie is a hobby of mine. I wish more people understood the true effects of many "modern day conveniences".
-Jeanne