Stickers around Brussels tell people to put down their mobile phones

The Radical Anti-Smartphone Front (RASF) hopes to make people aware of their excessive smartphone use through a sticker campaign in Brussels.

"Less Instagram, more real life" is one of the slogans on the stickers that have been popping up on the streets of Brussels over the past few days, along with "Dance, don’t scroll".

Artist and activist Benno Flügel is behind the campaign, which started in Berlin and has also spread to London and Paris.

“This is how I want to spark public debate about our smartphone use,” Flügel told Bruzz.

“People take photos of the slogans and then realise they are doing exactly what we are criticising.

"At that moment, they ask themselves, ‘Am I promoting this fun concept or am I destroying the idea?’ That way, people become aware of their instincts and impulses."

He said the quotes sparked lively conversations among people on the street, and their reactions are almost unanimously enthusiastic.

“Everyone recognises the negative developments surrounding the smartphone, from excessive use to unethical players like Meta - owner of Facebook and Instagram - among others,” said Flügel, who started the movement 10 years ago.

“We were right in the middle of the smartphone revolution back then. At the time, the common criticism was that we had to adapt to technological evolution. Today, everyone recognises the dangers.”

The RASF has about 50 members, but the awareness campaign is managed entirely by Flügel.

“It’s nice to put a smile on people’s faces and give them food for thought at the same time,” he added.

“Ultimately, everyone must find their own answer to how they want to use their smartphone.”