‘Craving something real’: why people are going analogue and cutting digital use
From books and craft projects to even old iPods, influencers and others are adopting ‘analogue lifestyles’ to boost their well-being
At the dawn of 2026, social media influencers proclaimed it the year of the “analogue lifestyle”, a call to reduce digital connectivity as smart tech and screen time dominate a person’s attention span.
Selly Tan, an influencer from California, says people are “craving something real again” and vowed to print her photos, read more books and magazines, and take up hobbies that do not need Wi-fi.
Sanchi Oswal, an influencer from Germany, said in a post that she felt going analogue would reduce her “exposure and reliance on digital stimuli” and, in particular, on her phone.
For generations that grew up in an entirely digital world, dependence on technology is a familiar habit that some are trying to break.
“From noon to 5pm, I’m looking at screens all day, and then I’m going home, and I’m just looking at my phone, scrolling on social media,” says Lillie Beacope, a senior at the University of Southern California (USC) enrolled in a class on entertainment, marketing and culture.