I have a long-running argument (mostly with my wife, but there are others involved) about the need to take mobile phones wherever we go. I usually just say that the world was better before mobile phones and nobody ever really suffered from not being able to contact somebody at all times.
I wouldn't dream of taking a phone along with me for any form of recreation. Please leave a message.
I get it, luddite, but mine has made life way easier in many practical ways.
I check the radar right before a run (will it just rain? will it thunder and the skies open? will it be clearing and i'll get too warm dressed this way? should i walk to pick up the kids?) Not needed, of course, but convenient for sure. I have also used the radar to real time avoid severe storms in the summer (possible tornado activity) to navigate safely home, around the most severe cells.
I was rear ended and was able to call insurance, etc. on the spot and get all the proper advice and protocols followed.
Had a tire blowout on a busy highway with a loaded car and kids, 130 miles from home. Used location finder to figure out the nearest tire shop open on a sunday afternoon, oh, and get roadside assistance.
Able to call from a (paused) run to let family know i'm late and don't worry.
compass app----haven't needed it yet, but on trails, there it is.
gps tracking to find my way back even without compass app.
flashlight in case my headlamp goes out, or the roads are incredibly dark in the country at night (and usually i can run in that darkness with no light, but there was a very foggy night run where I couldn't see but a foot or few in front of me).
None of those activities are about being 'plugged in' to socializing or anything. They are practical, useful ways of making life easier. Modern technology is great if you use it in a way that makes life easier not more annoying.