You've probably seen the headlines: flip phones are back. But this isn't just a nostalgia play — it's a genuine response to how overwhelmed many of us feel by our screens. And for office managers who are "chronically online" by job description, the dumbphone trend is worth paying attention to.
The Return of the Brick Phone
Dumbphones are a thing: Alright, this might not sound like such a hot trend, but it's real. Gone are the days when we were chasing the newest iPhone every year. We are rocking dumbphones now. Think Nokia 3310 or the iconic flip phone: no camera, no internet, just the good old texting and calling.
This is a reaction to the crazy dopamine overload we encounter daily, which many people struggle with. As office managers, we are especially prone to this since we tend to be chronically online both at work and in our personal lives.
If you'd like to take the volume down on your social media presence, take a look at these 9 tips I found for us. 🫶
This will be me when I fully embrace the dumbphone trend.
How Big Is the Dumbphone Trend?
The numbers tell an interesting story. Google Trends data shows that searches for "dumb phone" have been climbing steadily since 2020. HMD (the company behind Nokia phones) reported that its flip phone sales doubled between 2022 and 2023. In 2024, HMD and Mattel even launched a Barbie-branded flip phone — marketed explicitly as a way to take a break from social media.
A 2024 Morning Consult survey of over 2,200 U.S. adults found that 64% of Gen Z adults and 52% of millennials said they spend five or more hours a day on their smartphones — and majorities of both groups described that as "too much." The dumbphone trend is essentially a growing number of people voting with their wallets for less screen time.
That said, ditching your smartphone entirely isn't realistic for most office managers. You need Slack, email, and calendar access. But the philosophy behind the trend — being intentional about your screen exposure — is something anyone can adopt.
Practical Ways to "Go Dumber" Without Ditching Your Phone
Use grayscale mode. Most phones let you switch to black-and-white display, which makes apps far less appealing.
Delete social media apps from your phone and check them only on your desktop at set times.
Set app time limits. Both iOS and Android have built-in screen time tools that can cap your daily usage.
Designate phone-free zones in the office — like the break room or meeting spaces — to encourage face-to-face interaction.
Try a "dumbphone weekend." Leave the smartphone at home for a Saturday and see how it feels.
You don't need a Nokia 3310 to benefit from the dumbphone trend. You just need a little more intention with the phone you already have.
