In the past, everyday tasks like reading a restaurant menu, attending school events, or using public transit didn’t require a smartphone. However, in recent years, the use of smartphones has grown rapidly, with many services now requiring apps or QR codes for access. This shift has raised concerns about how smartphones affect mental well-being, attention, and personal relationships, leading to a growing movement aimed at reducing phone use or creating phone-free spaces. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently agreed to pay at least $12.1 billion to settle claims that its platforms were designed to keep children engaged for long periods. As part of the settlement, the company announced changes to its platforms for younger users, including daily time limits, automatic lockouts at night, and restrictions on features like "like" counts and beauty filters. However, experts argue that these changes alone may not be enough to address the broader issue, especially as more services now require smartphone access to function. Smartphone ownership in the U.S. has risen dramatically, from 35 percent in 2011 to about 90 percent today. This widespread use has led many institutions to assume that people have smartphones, resulting in the increased use of apps and QR codes in daily life. Some of this shift is due to convenience, while others cite cost-cutting or sociological trends like "isomorphism," where organizations adopt similar practices simply because others do, not necessarily because they are the best choice. Efforts to preserve non-smartphone options are gaining momentum. Some cities have passed laws requiring businesses to accept cash, and New York state has banned "cashless establishments." In Europe, the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly has urged member states to maintain non-digital access to public services, citing that over 40 percent of Europeans still lack basic digital skills. In the U.S., school phone bans have expanded to at least 40 states, with some districts considering policies to limit the use of laptops and tablets. Advocates believe that these efforts, aimed at protecting children, could lead to broader societal changes, similar to past regulations on cigarette marketing. Companies are also exploring alternatives to smartphone dependence. For example, Dumb.co promotes smartphone-free options and encourages businesses to provide non-phone access for customers who prefer it. These efforts are seen as essential for creating a society where people can choose to reduce or stop using smartphones without encountering major obstacles in their daily lives.