Smartphones Are a New Tax on the Poor

Re:Smartphones Are a New Tax on the Poor by ghaff on Thursday December 16, 2021 @11:05AM (#29579591)

I think it's fair to say that you essentially need text messages (in the US). However, I question if you need a smartphone beyond that--although a working individual may. I don't need to do any of the things you list with a smartphone although e.g. COVID vax status may in some places. (Just a piece of paper has been sufficient whenever I've needed to.)

I don't really disagree that we're moving to a place where a smartphone is universally needed because of apps but I'm not sure we're universally there today.

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Re:Smartphones Are a New Tax on the Poor by jjj123 on Thursday December 16, 2021 @11:15AM (#29579732)

I think “need” might be too absolutist of a term. But yeah, not having a device connected to the internet (which is what we’re talking about here, not a supplemental device to your MacBook or whatever) makes life a lot harder.

So no, it’s not food and water level necessary but it’s pretty damn important.

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Re:Smartphones Are a New Tax on the Poor by alistairSH on Thursday December 16, 2021 @11:34AM (#29580077)

Need a smartphone? Maybe not. Need an internet connection? Probably.

A smartphone just happens to be the easiest way to get phone/SMS & internet. As noted elsewhere, a massive number of Americans (and people worldwide) use their phone as their only means of internet access.

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Re:Smartphones Are a New Tax on the Poor by Shish2k on Thursday December 16, 2021 @11:56AM (#29580383)

> Just a piece of paper has been sufficient whenever I've needed to

OK so you need a printer, ink, probably a PC… (Or at least access to one, which would be a fine requirement, if the US had good public transport and libraries...)

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