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A day in the life of a non-smartphone user

Sporadic Sparkly

I'm aware there are many discussions on these forums related to technology such as smartphones, so I thought I'd add another one to the collection.

Earlier today I had used my desktop computer to sign into my Patient Access account to submit a repeat medication request. Whilst I do own an infrequently-used mobile phone, it is not a smartphone. Therefore, anything I do that is internet-related is done via my desktop computer, which suits me just fine.

Having entered my sign-in details for my Patient Access account, there's then a dreaded Captcha screen, which in my opinion is not really tailored to people living in the UK. In my case, I am lucky if I can manage to pass the Captcha screen exam first time, and without uttering a few choice words in the process.

Of course, before I can progress to ordering my medication, I am then required to enter a 6-digit code, sent via SMS to my infrequently-used PAYG mobile phone. Because it is used so infrequently, past experience has taught me to check beforehand that the battery doesn't need charging. It only adds to my frustration if the battery runs out of juice in-between receiving an SMS and reading it.

Because we now live in an era where it seems to be assumed that EVERYONE owns a smartphone, I am then asked if I would like to activate two-factor authentication by downloading a 3rd-party app. As I don't own a smartphone to download the app onto, the only other option available is to select, "Remind me next time". It would just be great if there was another option provided that enabled me to bypass the reminder after signing in.

  • Progress should be voluntary. Therein lies the issue; mandatory progress.

    With so many hacking attempts, plus spam emails/calls from God-knows-whom, it's harder to maintain autonomy.

    Though I do use Smartphones, one concern I have is the shoehorning of App use, for products, as opposed to using them on a browser. It's a Machiavellian attempt to avoid AdBlockers. Using Spotify on a browser is so much better than the App; no ads promoting all the BS of the day.