Okay, in recent years, a large number of people have invested in smartphones and signed up for expensive data plans, some unfortunately later called “the share everything plan” due to the surveillance strategies of the authorities and the mobile app vendors. In other words, everything you do, everyone you talk to, and everyone you interact with is recorded. Think about it, everything about you is on your smartphone, phone numbers, contacts, birthdays, information, passwords, and credit card information. Yes, we should talk.
Personally, I have a dumb little phone for a reason. I’ve managed just fine without all the info on the go, features, and apps. In fact, I also see a higher level of productivity than my fellow friends, no not at all, those little gadgets can definitely improve productivity, but most people end up part ADHD and part multitasking schizophrenics. In the third quarter of 2013, AT&T decided that it would give customers the option to upgrade to a new smartphone without waiting for the 24-month contract, why? Well, sales aren’t what they used to be. Does this mean that everyone who wants a smartphone has one? Maybe, but maybe there is more?
There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on July 16, 2013 titled “Smartphone Upgrades Slow As the ‘Wow’ Factor Fades” by Spencer E Ante which noted that only 68% of people have upgraded their smartphone since 2008, the number of people this year is down by more than 9% though. But why is that? Well, I’ve talked to several people who haven’t upgraded because they don’t trust that technology, GPS location giveaway apps, or Snowden’s latest NSA revelations. But at least you no longer have to wait to get to heaven, your whole life is already in the cloud?
Given the cost of smartphones and outrageously expensive data plans, you can understand why not everyone has bought one, plus all the privacy issues. Still, the lure of giving up a bit of privacy for intense productivity and efficiency gains in your daily life and at work makes it almost irresistible to a large percentage of our population and they don’t plan on ditching their smartphones. trust, even if they barely use 15% of their capabilities, which brings us to one more reason; Why upgrade if you already love your current phone and are used to using it? In fact, I hope you will please consider all of this and think about it.
