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Can we live without smartphones?

08:58

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Anne-Sophie Brändlin
October 18, 2026

People rely on smartphones for everything from banking to staying in touch. Yet many wish to spend less time on them. Why is putting them down so difficult, and what can we and the companies behind our apps do about it?

Are we addicted to smartphones?

Meet Benno Flügel, who lived without a smartphone for 15 years, then stopped what he calls his "rebellion." He has now turned into an anti-smartphone activist.

In this report, DW explores the pros and cons of social media apps, offline clubs, and offers tips and tricks on how to cut back screen time.

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