Limited Technology

In some Amish communities, the use of modern technology like cell phones is permitted, but often with significant limitations to align with their values. Typically, these devices are altered to remove internet access, games, and other functionalities deemed disruptive to the Amish way of life, which emphasizes community, simplicity, and face-to-face interaction.

The modified cell phones are usually allowed primarily for business purposes, enabling the Amish to remain competitive and connected in sectors like construction, farming, or handmade crafts. This restricted use of technology serves as a compromise between the necessity of adapting to a modern economy and the importance of preserving the community’s cultural and religious tenets. It reflects the Amish’s pragmatic approach to modernity, one that seeks to integrate only those aspects of the outside world that can coexist with their core values.