[WORLD] Matt Thurmond epitomizes the tech-savvy millennial. He operates an AI-powered platform designed for mortgage professionals, heads a nonprofit connecting longevity researchers, investors, and startups, and co-chaired a technology conference at Harvard, where he earned his MBA.
Given his extensive background in technology, Thurmond's decision to disconnect from smartphones stands out. While many in Silicon Valley advocate for digital minimalism, few truly embrace it—especially those whose careers are built on innovation. Yet Thurmond's move is part of a larger cultural trend, particularly among younger generations, who are reassessing their relationship with technology in the face of growing concerns about mental health and productivity.
It's somewhat surprising, then, that Thurmond is rarely seen with his phone in hand.
He’s part of the "appstinent" movement—a growing group of Americans, mainly millennials and Gen Z, who are choosing to forgo endless scrolling. "Screen time was just crowding out other things," says Thurmond, 41. "It wasn’t where I wanted to get my entertainment, and it wasn’t where I wanted to have meaningful conversations. I prefer to engage in those kinds of things in the analog world."
The concept of "appstinence" has gained momentum in recent years, spurred by studies linking excessive screen time to anxiety, disrupted sleep, and shorter attention spans. A 2023 Pew Research study revealed that 40% of adults under 30 have consciously tried to reduce their smartphone usage, with many opting for minimalist devices like the Light Phone or even returning to flip phones. This movement isn’t simply about eliminating distractions—it’s a rejection of the constant connectivity that now defines modern life.
Three years ago, Thurmond grew concerned that his smartphone was diminishing his presence, social interactions, and productivity. He switched from his Android to a Light Phone, a so-called "dumb phone" that allows calls and texts but restricts access to email and social media. With its simple interface and limited features, it’s designed to combat phone addiction.
The Light Phone, launched in 2015, has enjoyed a resurgence as demand for low-tech alternatives rises. Its creators market it as a "tool, not a toy," promoting intentionality over convenience. Although sales initially catered to a niche market, the company reported a 300% surge in orders over the past two years, with waitlists often stretching for months. Other brands, such as Punkt and Nokia’s reissued "brick" phones, have similarly capitalized on this growing trend.
The transition wasn’t without challenges. Thurmond, a self-described "long-winded texter," found the Light Phone’s E Ink keyboard tricky to master at first. Not being constantly glued to his device also meant slower responses to texts, which became a point of contention in his relationship with his now ex-girlfriend.
However, as he reduced his screen time, Thurmond realized he no longer needed his Android as much as he had thought. He came to see many of the Light Phone's limitations as "benefits in disguise." He began calling people instead of texting, which fostered more meaningful conversations. He started each day by mapping out his goals on a whiteboard, rather than simply reacting to incoming emails. Instead of using his phone to unlock Citi Bikes in New York, he opted for a $10 key from the company.
Thurmond’s experience mirrors research suggesting that analog habits—such as handwriting notes or making phone calls—can improve memory retention and emotional connection. A 2022 study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that participants who substituted digital tasks with physical alternatives reported greater focus and satisfaction. For Thurmond, the trade-offs have been worthwhile: "The friction forces you to be more deliberate," he says. "That’s the whole point."
"I felt more relaxed because I didn’t have all this noise in my head," he says. "I was just more fulfilled by the little things in everyday life."
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