I don't use a mobile phone. Am I unique?

My mobile phone is for emergencies only. Or sometimes if I’m trying to meet up with someone and we can’t find each other. I do depend totally on my iPad for a lot of things. I’ve never sent a text message and don’t know how to! I am going to get a better mobile though, purely because I need one with good security as it’s impossible to use most car parks without using one and giving out your bank details.

I wouldn't be without mine either. If you don't want one, that's entirely up to you, but personally, I like to embrace new technology and adapt to it where I can. Having the entire world wide web at your fingertips whenever you want it? What's not to like? You don't have to be tied to it 24/7 if you don't want to, but it's there to be explored or called upon when needed.

My Dad had his first mobile phone in his 90s and very quickly mastered how to use it. He loved it. As well as daily phone calls I had multiple texts per day from him. He loved daily updates from his grandchildren.

He spent the last month of his life in hospital age 92 . By that time he only had the use of one hand but he still managed to text and make calls . The staff declared him the oldest one handed texter they’d ever had in the ward 😊

RosieandherMaw

I’ve never quite understood the “humble-bragging” mentality which claims virtue in not taking advantage of modern technology- and by “modern” I include 20th century.
I know people who “don’t believe in “ central heating (take it from me, it exists) who don’t ever shop in supermarkets, or heat their bedroom or use a hairdryer to dry their hair, or a steam iron when spitting on an iron heated at the fire was fine for their granny or have a television or prefer easy care bedding. I could go on.
By all means, you are entitled to your choices, but don’t expect admiration from those of us who believe in the benefits of progress in our domestic appliances.
Some old people seem particularly prone to this - beware *hardening of the attitudes*

I agree with many of the things on your list, however I do believe everyone has different reasons, apart from hardening attitudes to progress.

Some things are difficult depending on home location, petrol cost, time wasted.

For example mobiles don't work out on our property, we do carry one away from home - for emergencies. Central heating may not be worth replacing in old home if wood is plentiful and the fireplaces work/draw well. Supermarkets are at a great distance - time and petrol, delivery is better, in my opinion.

Hair dryers - yes! Irons - what is an iron? Oh no no no, dry and shake.

I think with a lot of technology deniers it’s embarrassment of not being able to grasp the very simple actions.

Spot on M0nica.

I would be lost without my mobile and I'm not ashamed to admit it
So far today I have received several WhatsApps regarding a meet up and a couple checking up on me!(I've not been well). I've checked my bank balance, googled a few things, turned on the central heating, read the latest news and an interesting blog. Yes, I've received emails that I've deleted without reading but I've also received two important phone calls which I would have missed if I had been reliant on a land line as I was not at home when they rung. Last, but by no means least, I am using my mobile to read and reply on Gransnet.

Today I have, via my phone, for which I currently pay under £2 per month, checked the time of an appointment, checked the weather forecast, received a quotation for work by email, seen where my daughter is out walking in the Lake District and followed her route, read other emails and messages from friends and family and replied to some, and made one phone call. I have also browsed lots of maps, reviews and tourist information for my next holiday. I haven’t used the torch or camera today, nor did I set my alarm, but I often do.
Years ago, when I was at university, my parents wrote letters to me and I rang them once in a while. Now I can keep in touch with friends and family directly whenever I choose - and much more. The phone also gives me reassurance that I can summon help from anywhere.
There are aspects I hate eg paying for parking by phone, but overall I welcome mobile phones.
Why not embrace the 21st century, just as we embraced electricity, TV, central heating, double glazing…..?

My mobile is in regular use, Mr C’s rarely.

We have two friends we cannot contact by mobile. They both only switch their basic phones on when leaving their respective homes.

One friend has never used a computer of any sort and when her computer using husband died chose not to learn. She is a highly anxious person and although most of us here have little or no problem with using the complex technology that is a smart phone she just can’t feel confident enough to try anything other than using one as a phone. I can sort of understand it and happily accept it’s how she is.

The other friend is frankly frustrating as she is a whizz with a computer and just chooses not to make full use of her phone which is switched off unless she is going out and then for emergency calls only. I’d so love to be able to send a quick text or WhatsApp photos to her. Instead it’s phone the landline and grumble while I attach photos to an email.

They both have their reasons for not using a phone in the way many of us do, I do my best to respect their reasons - even when I’m frustrated with them and yes, my life would be easier I’d they did. .

mum2three

How refreshing. Mobile phones do save lives and it's a good idea to always have one with you went you go out.
Apart from that, most people can mange perfectly well without one. It's just become a habit.

Are you talking about phone calls becoming a habit? I use mine for Satnav, googling information as well as phone calls, plus, of course 'verify by visa' and credit cards codes.

It's not about 'humble bragging- how incredibly rude, as per usual. Some of us don't want to become slaves to our phones. With a tablet, you use it when you want to, and then you go in the garden out in the woods, seeing friends, go to Conferences and all sorts of activities- and you just leave them behind.

Modern technology is great, but not being slaves to them. Fair enough.

So having and using a smart phone makes people slaves to them?

Don't people with smartphones go in the garden or to the woods? No conferences?

You think people can't do that if they have a smartphone?

Depends. Your choice,

If I go to the garden, or out in the woods with the dogs, or to all sorts of activities- I don't want a phone with me as a distraction. My tablet- as said, use it, then leave it. Walk away. Having it as a permanent apendage, would, for me- feel like being a slave to it.

That is my choice, and I don't expect to me mocked for it.

You should take a phone out with you though. That's the joy of mobile phones. That's why they're called mobile.

So you drive to the local woods. Car breaks down, puncture, whatever, how helpful is your phone in that scenario.

Walking in the woods, (this happened to me) fall over, twist your ankle, reach for your phone for help.

You witness a crime or an accident. Your phone will be invaluable.

I'm guessing you aren't too sure what mobile phones actually are.

You don't need to look at it. You don't need to answer any calls. But it's there. Security.

They are a tool that we're very lucky to have.

Claremont

Depends. Your choice,

If I go to the garden, or out in the woods with the dogs, or to all sorts of activities- I don't want a phone with me as a distraction. My tablet- as said, use it, then leave it. Walk away. Having it as a permanent apendage, would, for me- feel like being a slave to it.

That is my choice, and I don't expect to me mocked for it.

Imagine you've fallen over. Can't get up. It happens. There's not many people around. I'm sure you'd be very grateful however if someone came to assist using their phone to call for help.

Also you walk dogs. Me too. On occasions a dog runs off , doesn't return. A FB group in my area can be contacted immediately. Many volunteers will be with you in no time to help search.

This is a good thing!

I have already said I walk with the dogs and my younger neighbour, who always has her phone with her.

I don't need the phone stuck to me all the time.

Claremont

It's not about 'humble bragging- how incredibly rude, as per usual. Some of us don't want to become slaves to our phones. With a tablet, you use it when you want to, and then you go in the garden out in the woods, seeing friends, go to Conferences and all sorts of activities- and you just leave them behind.

Modern technology is great, but not being slaves to them. Fair enough.

Hilarious!
Washing machines, hoovers, coomets, freezers, electric kettles, dishwashers, cars, computers (whether ipads, laptops, desktops or in the form of a mobile phone) - so taking advantage of modern gadgets and appliances makes us slaves to them ? Glued to them ?
How many of us spend a lot of time at "conferences" or did you mean meetings?
I am perfectly capable of turning my phone off in the cinema, in the theatre, dining with friends or at any function and turning it on and using it if and when mecessary. Grant us sone intelligence!
Totally ridiculous- do try to keep a sense of proportion !

Oops! Fat finger syndrome, that was meant to be "hoovers"

Aldom

I often wonder if the people who seem to be so proud of not using a mobile phone own a washing machine, when two dolly tubs and a mangle did the job.

I boil up the copper and I use a wash board for stubborn stains.

Claremont

I have already said I walk with the dogs and my younger neighbour, who always has her phone with her.

I don't need the phone stuck to me all the time.

Dont need to take your phone on walks but no qualms about using your companion's phone should the necessity arise?
Smacks of hypocrisy to me

My husband died 3months ago and now I need to plan a holiday to be away when it is his birthday.A highly respected local company refused to let me go on one of their tours despite my being willing to pay for for x2 to acquire the last remaining twin room . Should I have made the booking and not disclosed that he had died ? They would have honoured the booking if I had wanted to take a friend

77 here and use a mobile phone,I am on several What’s App groups.

I had a bad car accident just over a year ago,the Police used my mobile to call my son to come to me.My other son now has a tracker on my phone so that he can see where I am.

I always make sure I have it with me,I don’t make many calls these days,but I wouldn’t be without it.

Rula
Why do people talk about a mobile as if it’s an inconvenience 🤷‍♀️
I have my phone either in a pocket ( at home) or in my bag/ car when I’m out.
I was very grateful I had it when the lock jammed on my shed door with me inside.
I was very grateful when indoors I broke a bone in my foot and couldn’t move.
I was grateful when my car broke down in a one way traffic system in a very busy area.
Like the majority of us I could go on and on about how much we value this wonderful invention.

Claremont

It's not about 'humble bragging- how incredibly rude, as per usual. Some of us don't want to become slaves to our phones. With a tablet, you use it when you want to, and then you go in the garden out in the woods, seeing friends, go to Conferences and all sorts of activities- and you just leave them behind.

Modern technology is great, but not being slaves to them. Fair enough.

@ Claremont I'm not sure you understand the term, my fault for omitting the hyphen
It's not "humble bragging" but humble-bragging sometimes even written as one word
gerund or present participle: humble-bragging
make an ostensibly modest or self-deprecating statement with the actual intention of drawing attention to something of which one is proud .

" she humblebragged about how ‘awful’ she looks without any make-up "

I have a bit of an obsessive personality eg when I smoked I chain smoked. Although I don’t use my mobile phone much I have my iPad on all of the time. First thing I do in the morning is turn it on to check what’s happening. So I did resolve today to have days in which I don’t turn it on or, if I do just check for any messages. I think it’s stopping me from reading books. I should be reading a book now but I’m just browsing the internet. I know it’s my fault for being this way but I’m sure I’m not alone in being like this.