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[hunter]

12. I have a flip phone. It makes me happy because it's like a Star Trek communicator.

It's good for calls and texts. It's not attached to any email accounts, I never see any advertising on it.

When I need more minutes I buy a refill card somewhere.

I have been trained to carry it with me when I go out because when my wife tries to call me and hears it ringing on my desk or in the kitchen or in one of my coat pockets there's hell to pay when I get home.

If my phone was my only connection to the digital world I might be in trouble. But I've got an unlimited DSL connection at home, a Chromebook on my kitchen table, and all sorts of computers in my mad scientist lair. I deliberately isolate myself from many aspects of the modern world, but it's voluntary.

Digital isolation: The vulnerable people left behind

"Digital isolation is when people find themselves in a position where they can't access the internet or digital media and devices as much as other people", explains Bibi Reisdorf, an assistant professor in communication studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

"In theory, everyone can access the internet, maybe at a library, community centre or at a friend's house, but there are different levels of access."

Digital isolation is "surprisingly prevalent", according to Dr Reisdorf, with western countries seeing a rise in "mobile dependence". That doesn't mean people who are addicted to their mobile phones, it's when your mobile is your only access to the internet.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-50812576