Summary of Key Points
Dr. Yang Bo, a graduate in art, decided to embark on a 134-day internet-free journey (without a phone or computer) after realizing that his smartphone consumed nearly half of his non-sleep time each day (7 hours). During this period, he faced numerous inconveniences related to the lack of a mobile device, such as difficulties with accommodation, transportation, and accessing museums. However, he also experienced kindness from strangers, improved work efficiency, and a profound reflection on the reliance on digital technologies. In the end, he called for the right to be "always offline" and for society to embrace diverse lifestyles, rather than assuming that everyone must be constantly connected.
1. The Phone Takes Up Half of My Time? The Doctor's Escape from the Digital World
Yang Bo considered himself disciplined: he avoided watching short videos and hid his phone while working. Yet, the notifications kept drawing him back to check delivery updates and browse social media, resulting in nearly 7 hours of screen time per day (43% of his non-sleep time). He was even more shocked to find that some people around him used their phones for over 10 hours daily. This led him to question whether humans control their phones or the other way around, and he decided to take a complete break from the internet to regain control of his life.
2. Impossible Without a Phone? The Embarrassing Daily Life Without the Internet
After going offline, Yang Bo realized how deeply modern society is dependent on smartphones:
- Hotel Refusal: He was unable to book a room at the Yado Hotel in Linfen using just a phone; the front desk computer couldn't help. It was only with the help of a kind local who drew a map and guided him that he found a hotel that accepted cash payments.
- Museum Access: The Hubei Provincial Museum required a mobile app for reservation, and even with an ID card, he couldn't register manually. He managed to enter with the assistance of a kind elderly person who acted as his "escort."
- Ticket Purchase Mistake: Trying to buy a ticket to Chifeng, he encountered confusion as locals had never heard of the destination. A woman suggested he use his phone to look it up, and upon learning he didn't have one, she suspected him of being a spy.
These experiences made him realize that life without a phone became considerably more difficult.
3. Being Offline Made Me Richer? Unexpected Gains in Focus and Kindness
The internet-free journey wasn't all trouble; Yang Bo gained unexpected benefits:
- Improved Focus and Efficiency: In those 134 days, he read 40 books, filmed 2 terabytes of content, and drafted the first version of his book "Shutting Down." It was the most productive and mentally fulfilling period of his life.
- Deeper Communication: Writing letters with a brush (sending 40 registered mailpieces), he received a four-page handwritten reply from his father that he read multiple times. He noted, "With so many notifications on my phone, I used to respond carelessly, but now I think more carefully before writing."
- Kindness from Strangers: A garbage collector in Henan invited him to eat and drink, and a tired village secretary gave him a free ride back to the hotel. He realized, "I could continue this journey only because of the help of strangers."
4. Are People in Remote Areas More Dependent on Phones? The Hidden Traps of Digital Addiction
Yang Bo thought that smartphone addiction was mainly a problem for urban young people, but he found that it was even more prevalent in rural areas. Elderly people and vendors spent their free time watching short videos, unable to stop even for a moment. He explained that the convenience of big cities (shopping, visiting museums) and higher education levels led to greater awareness of digital habits, while rural life being simpler meant that short videos became the only form of entertainment. Behind this is the strategy of digital platforms, which push content tailored to human weaknesses to keep users engrossed.
5. Should People Have the Right to Be Offline? The Doctor's View on "Selective Connectivity"
After returning from his journey, Yang Bo checked his phone and found that all messages from the past 72 hours had been delivered. He realized that while he had chosen to be offline, the internet had seemingly abandoned him. Comparing the simplicity of his random hotel bookings during the trip with the hassle of comparing prices on apps after returning, he became even more convinced that people should not be forced to be constantly connected.
Now, his approach is to have an internet connection at his studio for efficient work and no connection at home. He keeps his old phone and only buys data packages when traveling. He says, "I'm not against using phones, but society should allow people the freedom to choose whether to be online or not." This story is not just about one person's journey but also a reflection on the life trapped in the digital age. As we pursue efficiency and convenience, have we lost the ability to focus, communicate deeply, and make choices freely? Yang Bo's extreme experience offers everyone an opportunity to reflect: "Do you really need to be online all the time?"