ON/OFF – And you?
This article was originally published in German. The English version is an automatic translation and may contain errors. The German original is authoritative.
In July too, we were out and about on campus and in the faculties for you, and we asked students what they thought. This time we wanted to know:
"What would you miss if you had to live without your smartphone?"
Read for yourself what makes this device indispensable for others.
"Safety. A certain sense of safety that I could look things up. For example, if I have to use public transport, I feel safer when I have my smartphone with me, or Google Maps to see where I need to go. If I'm going somewhere where I don't need that safety, I can leave it at home."
"Honestly, I think I wouldn't miss anything, because people lived without it before. Once you give it up, you realise there are other ways to replace the phone. Cameras, for example, or arranging to meet people beforehand."
"I would miss that it's not so easy to get in touch with my friends. To arrange to meet, to ask questions, or especially not being able to share news and thoughts with my friends in other cities."
"I would mainly miss communication with other people. And also apps like Google Maps or Deutsche Bahn's app. Of course I could print out the bus and train timetables, but it would be cumbersome."
"Google Maps! I need maps that tell me where I need to go and how to get there."
"The knowledge that N. and L. just got engaged, F. had a Banana-Chocolate-Protein shake for breakfast today, and thanks to company S. I can finally whiten my teeth via phone-bleaching in just 16 minutes. I would miss all of that."
"Being easily connected to other people (especially when you can't meet other people). Easily looking up words in the dictionary. Google Maps (Hell, it's hard getting lost). Easy access to music (Mp3-Players and iPod's are outdated)."
"Camera function and Google Maps; many other functions can be partly replaced with laptop/tablet, Mp3-player/M4A and radio alarm clock."
"I would miss everything. WhatsApp, Google Maps… especially abroad. It just combines so many devices."
"Personally, I would only miss the simplified way of staying in touch with people who live far away. Otherwise I could do without my smartphone."