I switched to a flip phone for a week, and it was just as bad as you'd think

Antonio Villas-Boas/Tech InsiderI used this flip phone for a week.As an experiment, I decided to go on a "dumb" week.

That means I turned off my smartphone, which I use to check/write emails, send/receive Gchats, look up directions and locations with Google Maps, check subway maps, check weather, get calendar reminders, use Shazam, stream music, browse the web for news or general boredom relief, or browse/post to social media.

I replaced it with a $15 "dumb" flip phone that would let me make/receive phone calls, send/receive texts, and take pictures. Really bad pictures.

I would also restrict any internet usage to my computers at home and at work.

Here's what I learned from the experience.