Why ‘Smart’ Products Have Started to Look Like the Dumb Choice
The New York Times • • technology
Key Points:
- A growing number of younger Americans are showing interest in "dumbphones," basic cellular devices without smart features, reflecting ambivalence toward the societal and attentional impacts of smartphones.
- The term "dumb" is being used to describe simpler versions of modern tech products, creating retronyms like "dumb TV" or "dumb watches" that contrast with their "smart" counterparts.
- The rise of smart devices in the 2010s, including connected appliances and gadgets, often led to user frustration due to unnecessary features, subscription fees, and privacy concerns.
- Consumer backlash against smart technology is fueled by issues such as software discontinuation, forced subscriptions, and security vulnerabilities, prompting a renewed appreciation for straightforward, reliable "dumb" devices.
- This trend highlights a shift in consumer values toward ownership, durability, and privacy over connectivity and advanced features in everyday technology.