It is not mandatory to own a smartphone. But it might as well be in
some contexts. For certain levels of functionality within society. Not
even for optimisation in only high-end jobs. But as a daily essential
(again, another word up for clarification) for most.

Due to the fact that smartphones now exist- and most people have
them- most jobs will require that kind of ‘connectivity.’ It’s just how
it goes. Each ‘revolutionary invention’ becomes the new norm. And
we all revolve around it. And often have to work harder, rather than
have our time freed up, like the promises said. Unless we manage it
all carefully…

Sure, you have to be plugged into the matrix if you want to be good at
the matrix. If you want to excel at it. Or in it. To compete on its terms,
you’re going to need every advantage it is prepared to sell you! But in
the end, regardless of all that, it usually turns out that ‘you have to’
be plugged in to it, even if you just want to survive, to get by…