Accidental digital detox

Pickpocketed at Barcelona

I was travelling with my family for 2 weeks around Europe. It was a busy trip. Munich to Paris to Mallorca to Barcelona to Madrid. I might write more about the trip later if anyone shows interest.

During the constant packing-unpacking, taking the two kids around, missing our plane once, and trying to get football tickets, I got picked-pocketed. I had all the family passports, my wallet and my iPhone. Fortunately, my elder son noticed the suspicious man. So the damage was limited. I just had my iPhone stolen.

What I have noticed

I tried finding my phone using "Find my" but could only locate which building it might be in. I reported to the local police which required some time.

Within 12 hours of my loss, I found out how much I was reliant on my phone.

I had to use a paper/physical map to go to the police station.

I had to drag my laptop to print the necessary documents.

I had to beg to use the WiFi at the printing shop since I didn't have a device that had a SIM card.

I had to do some awkward photo-taking with my laptop.

But with all that downside, something that I wasn't expecting happened.

I wasn't watching my screen.

The outcome

I was able to forget more of the small tasks throughout the day. Since I have such a bad memory, I usually am constantly adding tasks to my ToDo list so I don't forget. I stopped doing that.

I was able to think about the more important stuff.

I noticed how much attention and time was sucked out of me when I had my iPhone.

I still haven't figured out how to deal with my device once I decide to purchase one. I probably will delete most of my apps. (I had already deleted my Facebook, Instagram and YouTube app.)

(This blog was originally written on April 25th, 2024)