The author, not pictured, loved being in college without a smartphone.LeoPatrizi/Getty ImagesWhen I first went to college, it was possible not to have a smartphone.Since we couldn't easily stay connected and plan hangouts, we were more spontaneous. We also felt more connected and rarely uploaded photos in real time.When I took a college tour in the early 2000s, I walked carefully around campus, making note of pivotal places.