I check emails, I ePay, SMS/Discord messages, utility apps like hobby score tracking or taking notes, necessary company apps like airlines or resorts, etc.
I never use my phone for pleasure. If I look up a YouTube video, it's for a purpose and it ends at that purpose. If something takes me to a social media site, I read the post and end there.
I keep pleasure on my computer. When I step away from my computer, I'm disconnected from all the carcinogenics of the modern online life.
My phone is ideally for
- Call
- Text messaging / WhatsApp / Discord of few groups, etc
- Alarm clock
- Taking pictures or videos. (Likely family oriented)
- Booking tickets - document, shows, travel (the main reason I have email setup on my phone)
- Travelling - Geolocation / map (gmaps, etc)
- Exception: Internet if working on laptop with no internet (ie in cafe) (This could also be youtube videos or similar)
If smart phones were banned tomorrow then my life would not change that much. The above is mostly for better convenience of what is other methods and requiring a some paper or printer, etc.
I do wonder what the percentage is today that rely on their smartphone (even if not serving a decent purpose other than "social") and struggle with daily life if a ban started tomorrow.... waking up to no smart phone. I think it will be pretty high even for people in their 40s. Its rather sad.