butchbaby goes offline(ish)

I've been interested in the idea of divesting from apple and smartphones in general for a while. My iphone is about 6 years old and looks unrecognizable next to the gigantic buttonless phones of present day. I have a few reasons for 'going dumb' in 2026. Primarily, I am tired of having a phone addiction. It feels like every time I have an unscheduled moment I turn to my phone to fill it. I want to be creating more. I really love knitting, and I miss reading novels. Despite my desires to engage in different activities, my hands move me to watch pointless and endless reels. I don't even enjoy watching them. It's a bit dramatic, but I feel like I am taking my life back. Another reason I am moving away from the smartphone is an ethical one. I am not interested in supporting slave labor, or the genocide in Sudan. I want ethically sourced, ethically created, sustainably made things in my life. My finacial power is nearly insignificant but I am part of the larger masses and I can take an early step in the right direction. I can only do as much as I can, but I feel that I must do it.

How are you replacing your iphone?
I intend on buying a 'dumbphone' and carrying books and knitting with me on my travels. I will not get rid of my iphone as it is barely funtional (would not serve anyone else) and I use it to access important tools at work. Likeley I will leave the phone at work with just those apps installed on it and no sim card.

You seem pretty online... I am reading this on your website
This was never anti-internet. I am interested in disengaging from unconcious practices, and there are asepcts of the current net that I find myself unconcious on. Neocities is actually a big part of this shift for me. I love to make things and I truly love the internet. I want to communicate my thoughts and ideas to my comrades but I cannot resist the endless scroll of instagram and tiktok. I am so tired of it.

updates on my progress

21.01.2026
Shocking news! My Light Phone III arrived yesterday! It is such a beautiful bit of gear. It truly looks like a tool and not like an infinite portal to everything ever. Unfortunately, my SIM card is incompatable at this point. I'm hoping to keep my phone number the same, for a multitude of reasons, and I'm also hoping to be able to use my phone soon. I'm planning to call them, as well as my service provider soon so I can get this worked out. Today I listened to music on my new phone, experimented with the directions tool, took lots of photos, and showed literally everyone. I'll keep you all posted.

10.01.2026
Today I purchased the Light Phone III. I am very excited about it. It is due to arrive in March. Hopefully it gets here in early March as my phone is currently super duper out of storage and I cannot access my photos, calendar, and messages-- my most useful apps. The next two months are going to be difficult but I'm looking forward to the arrival of my package!