Carl Pei, CEO and co-founder of London-based tech company Nothing, has called out the modern smartphone industry for drifting away from its core purpose. In a recent public statement that has sparked conversations across the tech world, Pei emphasized that smartphones were originally created as tools to enhance human creativity and productivity—not devices for endless, mindless scrolling.
Carl Pei, who first gained global recognition as a co-founder of OnePlus before launching Nothing in 2020, is known for shaking up the smartphone space with a focus on minimalist design, transparency, and user-first values. Now, through Nothing’s growing presence in the global market and new product releases like the Nothing Phone (3) and CMF by Nothing accessories, Pei is using his influence to address a much deeper issue.
Pei criticizes app and OS designers for building dopamine-driven user loops into smartphones, keeping people locked in repetitive behaviors such as infinite scrolling, frequent refreshing, and algorithm-charged browsing. He adds, “Instead of helping people reach their potential, many smartphones now act as vehicles for passive consumption and impulsive distraction.”
While smartphones have undeniably revolutionized communication, work, and access to knowledge, there’s increasing discourse around their downside:
Mental Health Impact: Excessive screen time and social media use have been linked to anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression—especially among younger audiences.
Creativity Drain: Constant dopamine hits from viral content may reduce our capacity for deep thinking, reflection, and original creation.
Attention Economy: The race by major platforms to capitalize on attention spans has made it harder than ever to use smartphones without being pulled into cycles of unnecessary consumption.
Pei’s criticism resonates with growing global conversations around digital detox, screen time management, and ethical tech. Companies like Apple and Google have introduced digital wellbeing tools, but critics argue they are still surface-level fixes for a much deeper structural issue.
As a generation raised on smartphones begins to reflect on the cost of constant connectivity, leaders like Carl Pei are beginning to ask the right questions. His challenge to the tech industry comes at a time when conversations around tech ethics, productivity, and focus are more critical than ever.
