Comment by mr_mitm
12 hours ago
There are plenty of banks in Germany which offer over-the-counter services, if you prefer to do banking as if it's 1999. Most of the time, when people say it's impossible to live without a smartphone, it's actually only impossible to enjoy the conveniences of the internet without a smartphone (at least in Germany). Besides these rentable scooters, I can't think of anything that actually requires a smartphone. Sure, you'll miss out on a lot of conveniences, but I remember a time where that was the norm, so it's not like it's unreasonable.
I recently bought my first smartphone, just went for a refurbished Pixel 8 with GrapeheneOS.
To be honest, life without a smartphone was increasingly becoming a PITA.
For example, Ryanair doesn't accept printed tickets anymore.
A few clubs in Berlin (Tresor, Ohm, Oxi) have recently replaced their cloakroom by automated lockers that require a smartphone to operate.
I've encountered a few gyms (2 in Spain, 1 in USA) that use live-updated QR codes to enter the gym.
I did a project in the US and the client's office required a smartphone to open the door.
In Spain it's common since the pandemic to have restaurants that only offer the menu as QR code.
In fact, the pandemic was rough, as you had this system where you had to register with a QR code in most places. In many places they had a paper-registry that I could use, but often I would have to end up just using a friend's phone.
Plus all 4G dumbphones are crap compared to older 2G models. The few that exist are built really bad, designed for old people, lack features like T9. 2G is out already in great parts of the world.
To be honest, it saddens me deeply that the only way to live in society today involves carrying an internet-connected computer in your pocket. But it was just too much of burden... With GrapeheneOS the experience still feels somewhat acceptable and I get a somewhat similar feeling of control to what I get using NixOS on my laptop. But still...
To add to the sibling comment, you are also ignoring the fact that in 1999 nobody had those conveniences, everybody was on equal ground. In 2026, if you handicap yourself by rejecting those "conveniences", you will be met by friction at every step - lower productivity at work, impatient looks from your family members etc.
The comparison to 1999 is not entirely accurate. It doesn't take into account that most physical banking locations closed down. At least here in Belgium for example, you have to go far to find one, and it's often on appointment only.
And what if I'm someone that depends on the city bike rentals to live my life? I cannot use them without the official app.
Additionally, there are many sports and music venues where i live that require smartphone apps for ticketing.
Giving up my favorite forms of entertainment and transport isn't really reasonable imo