The Wisdom of Ditching the Smartphone: Why Some hollywood Celebrities Are Going Old School

Smartphones have undeniably transformed the way we live, connecting us with loved ones across the globe and putting the world’s information at our fingertips. But with this unparalleled access, there’s a growing cost. From the endless social media scrolls that make us compare our lives to others, to the overwhelming flood of notifications, it’s easy to understand why some people are opting out. While many of us have wisely taken social media breaks, a select few have taken it a step further, choosing to forgo smartphones altogether. This choice isn’t just about rejecting modern technology—it’s about reclaiming control of their lives.

Some might call them unconventional, but when we look at the reasons behind their decisions, it’s clear that these celebrities have found something valuable in stepping away from their screens. Here’s a look at the inspiring stories of those who’ve rejected smartphones for a more balanced, fulfilling life.

1. Michael Cera: A Fear of Losing Control

For actor Michael Cera, choosing not to own a smartphone is a conscious decision rooted in a deep fear. “I feel a bit of fear about it,” he confessed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I’d really lose control of my waking life.” His aversion to smartphones goes back to the early days of mobile tech. He remembers a lunch with a close friend in the early 2000s when his friend was engrossed in his Blackberry, typing emails throughout their meal. Cera sat there, feeling disconnected and ignored. That moment sparked his early aversion to technology that steals our attention and keeps us away from real, meaningful interactions.

2. Ed Sheeran: A Flip Phone for Mental Clarity

Pop star Ed Sheeran made waves in 2017 when he revealed that he swapped his smartphone for a flip phone as part of his New Year’s resolution to detach from social media. In an interview, Sheeran shared how overwhelmed and sad he had felt while constantly scrolling through his phone, which pushed him into a negative mental state. “It was like a veil just lifted,” he explained after he made the change. Even when he told Adele about his flip phone during a dinner, she thought he was joking. But for Sheeran, this was a life-changing move. By limiting his digital exposure, he reclaimed his peace of mind.

3. Justin Bieber: Boundaries and Control

Justin Bieber doesn’t have a traditional cellphone. Instead, he communicates via an iPad, a choice that empowers him to create clear boundaries between himself and the world. In an interview with Billboard, Bieber explained that he’s learned to manage who has access to him and when. “I don’t feel like I owe anybody anything,” he said. By using an iPad instead of a phone, he keeps his life a little more private, limiting the constant pressure to respond to messages and notifications.

4. Dolly Parton: A Fax Machine for Communication

While many people cringe at the thought of dealing with outdated technology, country legend Dolly Parton has made a fax machine her preferred means of communication. According to her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, Parton is “rarely on the phone” and mainly communicates through fax. “We do use the phone, but she does a fax, and then someone scans the fax, and they put it into a text message,” Cyrus shared on Late Night with Seth Meyers. For Parton, this method of communication provides a sense of distance and control over her personal life—something that’s often lost in today’s hyper-connected world.

5. Shailene Woodley: A Return to Simplicity

In 2014, actress Shailene Woodley made headlines when she revealed that she had gotten rid of her cellphone entirely. For Woodley, the decision was about privacy and reconnection. “There’s a bigger lack of privacy than there’s ever been,” she explained, noting that people are more disconnected from one another, despite having more ways to communicate. Without her phone, Woodley found herself talking to people more than she ever had before. The absence of a device to hide behind led her to real human interactions. In a 2019 interview, Woodley admitted to still owning an iPhone, but she uses it only for Wi-Fi and as a backup. Her primary means of communication? A good old-fashioned flip phone.

6. Christopher Walken: Unplugged and Unbothered

Veteran actor Christopher Walken has never owned a cellphone or a computer. He admits he just “missed the boat” when it came to modern technology. Walken has always been fine without the need for constant connectivity, and in fact, he sees no real need for a phone at all. “If you need one, somebody else has got it,” he said during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. For Walken, the world didn’t change when he skipped the digital revolution, and he’s comfortable with the fact that technology isn’t a central part of his life.

7. Saswata Chatterjee: Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind

actor Saswata Chatterjee takes a different approach, but one that’s rooted in similar principles. He doesn’t feel the need to carry a phone with him because, in his words, “wherever I go, it’s always pre-planned.” When he’s working, he provides an alternative contact number to his family in case of emergencies, but otherwise, he’s quite content without a device on hand. “I have a landline at home,” he says, underscoring that sometimes, simplicity is all we need.

8. Elton John: The Digital Detox

Legendary musician Sir Elton John has never been a fan of smartphones. In fact, he admits that he “couldn’t bear to have a phone.” However, he does use an iPad when he’s with his children and occasionally uses Skype to stay in touch. “My life is fabulous,” John said during a Jimmy Kimmel Live interview. “I don’t have people ringing me two times a minute.” For John, staying disconnected from the constant pinging of smartphones allows him to live a more peaceful, stress-free life.

9. Kate Beckinsale: Flip Phones and Old-School Charm

Actress Kate Beckinsale isn’t a fan of smartphones either. In 2016, she was still using a flip phone—specifically a red Verizon LG. While many people are obsessed with the latest iPhone models, Beckinsale has no interest in the hype. She’s more about the simple joys of life, such as vinyl records and books. In an interview with Slash Gear, Beckinsale shared, “That’s about the extent of it. I don’t like my iPod.” Her choice reflects a deeper preference for unplugging and reconnecting with the world around her.

10. Dierks Bentley: Going Back to Basics

Country singer Dierks Bentley made an interesting choice when the iPhone 6 came out. Rather than upgrading to the latest and greatest, he asked for the “cheapest, lowest tech phone” available. Bentley bought a flip phone that had a camera, but beyond that, it was simple. “I’m trying to call more and text less,” he shared. Bentley’s choice wasn’t about rejecting technology—it was about reclaiming his time and mental space. “It was getting to me,” he admitted, referring to his earlier habit of checking his phone incessantly. By dialing things back, Bentley found a sense of freedom that many people with smartphones might be yearning for.

In a world that increasingly demands constant connectivity, these celebrities have found peace and clarity by rejecting smartphones. Their stories remind us that sometimes, stepping away from the noise can lead to more meaningful lives. Whether it’s about reclaiming privacy, setting boundaries, or simply finding freedom from constant distraction, their choices offer valuable lessons for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of the digital age.

So, next time you feel the urge to check your phone, consider the example set by these celebrities. It might just be time to disconnect in order to reconnect with what really matters.