Why ‘dumbing down’ your smart phone may be a smart move

“That fear of missing out is so great,” she said, citing the effects of smart devices on mental health. “People are seeing that they're causing anxiety, it's causing depression, it's causing ADHD, sleep deprivation. People are seeing those effects on their bodies.”

Ohrtman, who is also a therapist, said a simpler phone may be worth considering for someone who struggles with being present or gets anxious from not seeing what’s online.

Benefits of a simpler phone may include sleeping better, feeling less anxious and increased attention spans, Ohrtman said.