I had initially mentioned the custom keyboard app I was using. I have since edited the post to remove that, since I’m genuinely interested in people’s answers and don’t want them to think this is an ad.

For the same reasons they always have.

The year has little to do with it. The only things we’ve really undeniably progressed in over the past century are scientific knowledge and the level of technology. Existential philosophy hasn’t exactly made breakthroughs recently, to my knowledge.

Each person still needs to find their own answer to the fundamental questions of “why am I here” and “wtf is death and how do I deal with it”.

Our mechanical, scientific understanding of reality provides fairly depressing answers to these questions. Religion? Sunshine and roses.

Also, on a more practical factor: childhood indoctrination and cultural inertia. Most people are raised in religion and they find it “good enough”, so religion continues.

What a cool question, actually.

In my current situation? Probably a coffee date with someone new.

In a hypothetical “blank slate” scenario? Some easy way to play music. An mp3 player or something among those lines.

Alternatively - I could absolutely purchase a used dumb phone for that amount of money, as well as free calls within network for a year (in my country).