Smartphones

A smartphone is a handheld electronic device that functions as a telephone, computer, camera, GPS, entertainment device, and connection to virtually all of human knowledge — simultaneously. It is the most important piece of technology most modern humans carry.

What a Smartphone Can Do

• Call and text — communicate with other humans by voice or text message
• Access the internet — browse websites, watch videos, read news
• Navigate — GPS maps give turn-by-turn directions anywhere
• Take photos and video — capture and share moments
• Run apps — thousands of specialized programs (banking, food delivery, fitness, games)
• Email — professional and personal communication
• Social media — connect with others on platforms (Social Media)
• Translate languages in real time — extremely useful for Chad
• Clock, alarm, calculator — utility tools
• Payments — paying for things digitally

The Major Platforms

• iOS (Apple iPhone) — hardware and software are made by the same company; known for ease of use
• Android (Google) — used by Samsung, Google Pixel, and many others; more customizable

The core apps and functions are similar on both.

Essential Apps for Chad

Phone Etiquette

🚩 Using a phone in social situations is a significant source of social friction. Key norms:

• Don’t use your phone when having a meal with others — this is widely considered rude; you’re signaling the phone is more interesting than the people with you
• Silence your phone in meetings, theaters, concerts, religious services, and classrooms
• Don’t talk loudly on the phone in quiet public spaces (libraries, waiting rooms, quiet train cars)
• Don’t use your phone while driving — it is dangerous and illegal in most places
• When with someone, be with them — “phubbing” (phone + snubbing) is a genuine social offense

Screen Time

The average human spends 4–7 hours per day on their smartphone. Research links excessive social media use with anxiety and depression, particularly in young people.

Suggestions:

• Set limits on apps that consume time mindlessly (social media, games)
• Keep phone out of the bedroom to protect sleep
• Practice being present without checking your phone

Privacy on Your Phone

• Use a PIN, fingerprint, or face ID to lock your phone
• App permissions — apps request access to your camera, microphone, location. Review these; many apps don’t need everything they request.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi — don’t do banking on unsecured networks
• Back up your data regularly

Related: The Internet | Social Media | A Typical Day | Transportation