If you're old enough to remember using a flip phone to make calls, send texts, and take a (very limited!) amount of pictures, you might recall that the technology was a step up in convenience from using a landline, but it was too limited to be all-consuming.

　　However, after the iPhone debuted in 2007, everything changed. Our smartphones now keep the entire internet in our pockets, granting us constant access to social media and communication apps, email, GPS navigation, and endless distractions. While smartphones allow us to stay connected with our friends, family, and colleagues from nearly anywhere, studies show that these devices may create an unhealthy dependency in their users.

　　“Although there are many advantages and conveniences that smartphones have to offer, it is fair to say that there can also be certain drawbacks,” says Rachel Emberling, a licensed mental health counselor based in New York City.

　　While maintaining strong social ties with others is important, a smartphone actually isn't required to keep in touch with others. Switching from a smartphone back to a flip phone (sometimes called a “dumb phone”) that just lets you call, text, and have some internet access may be better for your well-being.

　　What's more, you can still hold onto your smartphone in case of emergencies. But for day-to-day use, it might be a good exercise to carry Y2K-era gadgets like a flip phone, mp3 player, and point-and-shoot camera to help keep you in the moment more often.

　　Here are more reasons why switching to a flip phone may be better for your mental health.

　　Having constant access to social media might be problematic

　　Even though social media helps people create digital connections, we need to be able to step away from it from time to time. Otherwise, it could take a toll on our mental health and productivity.

　　“Constant access to social media starting from an early age can make it difficult to set mental and emotional boundaries and practice the discipline to separate and engage in alternative hobbies,” says Emberling.

　　Another upside of swapping to a flip phone is that doom-scrolling could become a thing of the past! Even if you have access to some social media and news apps through a flip phone, the experience is usually much more pared-down than it is on a smartphone.

　　Related Story

　　The Best Wired Earbuds for Budget-Friendly Sound

　　The always-on mentality of email access isn’t letting you rest

　　While being able to take your work with you may sound beneficial, it makes disconnecting after hours much harder.

　　“Many people struggle to fight the urge to check or manage the anxiety that arises when they hear the notification sound indicating a new email,” Emberling says. “For many, it is a struggle to set the necessary boundaries to leave work at work due to carrying around a device that enables constant access. This leads employers to have unreasonable expectations and deadlines. Employees may sacrifice personal time to meet demands and experience increased burnout.”

　　Leaving your work on your desktop (and adhering to regular work hours) allows you to truly sign off until tomorrow.

　　Related Story

　　Google Calendar, Who? Try These Planners Instead

　　Using photo filters can take a toll on self-image

　　Flip phone cameras today may be better than they were in 2004, but they're no match for a smartphone's specs. Not only has the quality of the cameras increased, but there's now a dizzying array of photo-editing apps and filters that can alter the features of a user's face and body.

　　A 2017 survey found that apps like Instagram take a negative toll on mental health, particularly among young people, because of the filters and lenses that can change a person's appearance. If you struggle with physically comparing yourself to others online, using a device without a built-in selfie camera (and not using the apps that encourage photo sharing) may help.

　　Related Story

　　25 Awesome Gifts for Photographers

　　Ditching your smartphone also means ditching blue light

　　Chances are, you've heard that smartphones emit something called blue light — UC Davis Health defines it as the visible light that’s emitted by screens and LED lights. Frequent and prolonged exposure to this harsh light can contribute to several issues, including insomnia, migraines, eye strain, and more.

　　“There is research suggesting that exposure to blue light at night can be disruptive to our natural circadian cycle, due to the ways in which blue light is associated with early morning light,” Emberling says. “While this association affects everyone differently, exposure to screens at night can lead to difficulty falling asleep, which can compound into a more significant chronic fatigue.”

　　A flip phone may limit your ability to scroll for as long as you would on a smartphone, but in case you're tempted to switch to your tablet or laptop at night, consider picking up a book or journaling before bed instead.

　　Even if you don’t completely transition to a flip phone, adding screen-free activities to your bedtime routine could be a major asset to your sleep schedule.

　　Related Stories

　　The Best Gratitude Journals to Foster Reflection

　　Your Soul Needs These Self-Care Goodies

　　7 Best Sleep Headphones for a Better Night’s Rest