Mental Floss

Frontier Communications Wants to Pay You $1000 to Swap Your Smartphone for a Flip Phone for a Week

Michele Debczak|
iStock/pixeldigits
iStock/pixeldigits | iStock/pixeldigits

Before mobile phones were tools for browsing the internet, making video calls, and transforming your face into emojis, they were primarily used for calling and texting. As WTHR reports, the internet and phone service provider Frontier Communications wants to send one person back to the dark ages by replacing their smartphone with a flip phone for a whole week—and if they successfully complete the challenge, they'll walk away with $1000.

The company is launching the "Flip Phone Challenge" to see how well a self-proclaimed smartphone addict can cope without their device. For a full seven days, they'll learn how to navigate life without the internet at their fingertips. They will have access to a basic flip phone for simpler communications, but when it comes to consuming media, taking notes, and looking up directions on the go, they'll need to get creative. To ease the transition, Frontier Communications will provide them with a "Boredom Buster Swag Bag." It comes with tools that were essential in the pre-smartphone era, like a physical map, a pocket phonebook, a notepad and pen, and CDs.

Frontier Communications will select just one person out of its applicant pool to take the challenge. The ideal candidate is in touch with the latest technology, is an avid social media user, and is willing to vlog about their experience. They must be 18 years or older and a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.

In addition to living their life with a flip phone for a week, the chosen candidate will be asked to record their progress, noting any changes in their productivity, sleep quality, and how long it takes them to correspond with someone. If they can do that while resisting the temptation of smartphone life, they'll receive $1000 from the company.

To apply for the challenge, complete the form here and explain in 200 words or less why you'd be the right person for the job. Including a video component is encouraged, but not required.

Home/TECHNOLOGY