WEEKLY WHEATIES #2517

Screentime and Cell Phones, Google, Star Wars

Apr 27, 2025

In this newsletter:

📝 Post: The Biggest Events Don’t Allow Cell Phones
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Google in the News
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Tech Headlines
😎 Pick of the Week: Star Wars Unfolded
📦 Featured Product: LED Shop Lights

📝 The Biggest Events Don’t Allow Cell Phones

Last year, I talked about The Rise of Minimal Phones with ‘dumb phones’ getting popular and relabeled as a ‘Minimum Phone.” Since then, the Light Phone has released a more capable and more durable version, the Light Phone III. Another popular alternative gaining traction is the BOOX Palma with its e-ink display, but a basic Android-skinned operating system. Many are finding this phone a good mix between smartphones and the Light Phone, as it still allows many needed apps (travel apps, authenticator/password apps, and tap to pay, to name a few). It’s also much less expensive than the Light Phone.

Believe it or not, while Gen Z is leading in screen time use, they are also helping lead the charge to limit their screen time. There are even a few larger ‘events’ and/or contests that follow this mantra. And who is competing in these events? Mostly Gen Z. There are exceptions, as you’ll see, but for the most part, Gen Zers are the majority participants.

Mr. Beast, one of the largest channels on YouTube, is famous for his challenges, which include up to 1,000 participants, as exemplified in his new Amazon Series, Beast Games. These challenges last multiple days, weeks, or months, and (at least) during the challenges, participants cannot have their phones on their person. They typically are allowed to have a camera to record, but it’s a one-way conversation, and the footage is for Mr. Beast and company, not the individual.

Another popular contest is American Idol. While this may be popular for all ages, their policy only allows participants between 15 and 29. This may include Millennials, but for the most part, it’s mainly Gen Z. During the show, phones are not allowed by the participants or any audience members. As the show gets further into the season, one can see how highly involved and in the moment everyone is. Everyone is giving their undivided attention, making sure not to miss a note. This is becoming more common in the music industry, too. Check out these 16 Musicians And Bands Who Don't Allow Phones At Their Shows.

Last year, I also wrote about my time volunteering at the TPC Zurich Classic. After volunteering again this year and having watched the Masters (for the umpteenth time), none of the volunteers, players, or other workers had their phones out. As mentioned, the Masters is famous for this and doesn’t allow their patrons to even bring cell phones on the course. You can read more about Why The Masters doesn't allow cell phones at Augusta National. It has also seemed to spill over into other tournaments like this one. Looking around, I noticed fans who attended did one of two things: they either would stay close to the same spot as other players came through, or would randomly take pictures. And those following a group for a full or partial round rarely took their phones out, if at all.

With all the technology we have and the amount of time people are spending ‘on screen,’ putting your devices away more often can have benefits. The Mayo Clinic shares 4 health benefits to cutting back screen time, including physical health and increasing sleep. NPR also agrees that a break from your smartphone can reboot your mood. Being present with your friends and family can help make your experiences more enjoyable and memorable.

Now, before you make the switch to go minimal or start a “Phone Bucket” for all family events, remember there are still a lot of great things that come from technology (more on this next week). As mentioned above, Gen Z dominates screen time. And while screen time may harm teens — for people over 50, it has a surprising bonus. While many may argue the negative effects of technology, specifically, cell phones, I still believe they make the world much better, safer, and more interesting. Individually, we need to take precautions to limit our own screen time. Check out my post from Weekly Wheaties #2432 for tips to do just that.

🗞️ ICYMI: Google in the News

Google is back in court trying to defend that it does not have an illegal monopoly in search. If ruled, a judge could force Google to sell Chrome. If required to sell, OpenAI exec says the firm would buy Google's Chrome browser. The price would be the next big question. DuckDuckGo tells the court that Google’s Chrome is worth $50 billion. That seems like a good deal, considering Google reportedly pays $18 billion a year to be Apple’s default search engine.

Last week, the Google blog shared 20 ways they’re celebrating two decades of YouTube. If you’ve never seen the first video ever uploaded to YouTube, check out one of the co-founders’ video: Me at the zoo.

🗞️ ICYMI: Tech Headlines

😎 POTW: Star Wars Unfolded

If you want to watch any of the movies or shows in the Star Wars universe, it’s a lot to take in for newcomers. One of my favorite suggestions for watching the movie saga is known as Machete Order. There are a lot of nuances here, but I like how it keeps a few spoilers saved for the best timing. Recently, I stumbled upon a website titled Starwars Unfolded that allows viewing of “a timeline of every Star Wars film, live-action show, and animated series.” You can either sort by release order or chronological order.

This past weekend, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith was re-released for the 20th Anniversary. Did I do my part and help with that number? Did I relive part of my adolescence and go see it in the theatres? And did I quote half the movie with the rest of the audience? Yes, yes, and yes! Just be forewarned: there’s a literal spoiler in the announcements before the movie starts. At the time of writing, this release Looks Set To Score A Shocking Upset At The Box Office This Weekend.

📦 Featured Product

If you have a need for new lighting in a garage or shop, consider the Skymoatled LED Shop Light Garage Light. They can be purchased in a 4 or 8 pack, and in 4-foot or 8-foot lengths. These light strips can be connected to one another via a cord or adapter, can be hardwired to your electrical system, or plugged into a wall outlet, and can be installed flush with the ceiling or from a hanging mount. Also, keep in mind that these are rated at 6000K, which is a bright white light.