Lennon Torres, a public figure known for her activism and advocacy work, recently made a bold move: she left behind her iPhone for a simple Motorola Razr flip phone. It wasn’t just a change in hardware; it represented a conscious break from the deeply intertwined relationship many of us have with smartphones today.
Torres describes the experience as ending “the most toxic relationship” of her life, comparing the psychological grip of her iPhone to that of even her past romantic relationships. This isn’t just an isolated sentiment. She notes that she and millions of others are increasingly trapped in a cycle of dependency on these devices, spending an average of over five hours daily scrolling through apps and notifications. This dependence extends beyond mere convenience; it impacts our mental well-being, with alarming statistics revealing that nearly 60% of teenagers feel anxious when separated from their phones, while 73% experience phantom vibrations — a manifestation of withdrawal symptoms.
Torres highlights how Apple’s initial vision of liberation through technology has been overshadowed by a profit-driven ecosystem designed for constant engagement. Early promises of untethered creativity have morphed into intricate app ecosystems and manipulative push notifications that keep users hooked. The phone, once envisioned as a tool for empowerment, now feels like an inescapable web woven from convenience and addictive design.
Torres’s decision was catalyzed by two key events: participating in protests against Apple’s handling of child sexual abuse material on its iCloud platform, and her growing disillusionment with CEO Tim Cook’s prioritization of profit over ethical responsibility. Confronting the hypocrisy of using a product she was protesting forced Torres to confront the larger issue: the weightiness of her complicity in supporting a company that, despite its outward progressive image, prioritized revenue over social good.
The switch wasn’t easy; she experienced withdrawal symptoms and navigated societal pressures associated with using a “less cool” phone. However, the move represents more than just an individual choice— it signifies a rejection of a system where user well-being is sacrificed at the altar of convenience and profit maximization.
Torres makes a powerful statement: breaking up with her iPhone wasn’t simply about ditching a device; it was about reclaiming agency over her time, attention, and ultimately, her values in a world increasingly dominated by tech giants. This personal revolution, she argues, urges us to reconsider the unseen costs of our digital dependence and question whether the supposed benefits truly outweigh the erosion of our autonomy and well-being.
