Kids ditch phones to live in the real world

A generation is cutting back on screens and finding new ways to connect with the world.

1️⃣ The Personal Decision

• A 23‑year‑old account manager deleted every phone app.
• Reported feeling happier, less stressed, and more present.
• He cites the endless stream of ads, influencer promos, and comparison posts as a pressure cooker for perfection.

2️⃣ Ripple Effect

• Friends swapped smartphones for flip phones.
• They stopped scrolling and embraced vinyl records, knitting, or visits to record shops.
• TikTok videos promising to quit social media now trend on the same platforms.

3️⃣ Numbers Speak

• Teens and people in their twenties lose the most time online.

4️⃣ Why It Matters

• Political posts, brand ads, constant sales pitches turn social media into a “pressure platform.”
• Mental health suffers when users can’t keep up with the flood of information.
• Overload creates a sense of emptiness and feeling value‑tagged by likes.

5️⃣ The New “Cool”

• Offline life offers a fresh kind of cool.
• Users feel less need for approval and can focus on real‑life interactions.
• Social media’s allure diminished when politicians and companies took over, prompting casual users to pull back.

6️⃣ Re‑connecting Offline

• Speed dating, networking events, and in‑person meetups replace digital chats.
• A university lecturer notes that social media forces a curated identity—exhausting and unlike real life.

7️⃣ Not a Permanent Trend?

• Some analysts believe the drop is temporary, driven by less home time and more outdoor activity.
• Nevertheless, many embrace analog hobbies: writing letters, lunching with a friend, buying newspapers or vinyl.

8️⃣ Bottom Line

• The shift toward offline lifestyles shows young adults crave balance, safety, and control.
• Stepping away from screens can bring more meaning to everyday moments.