2026 is the year that people are trying to reduce their technology usage and make a shift towards analogue living.
What is analogue living?
Analogue living isn’t just about reducing your phone time. It’s far more widespread and encourages people to reflect on their dependence upon screens and technology in general, returning to physical media and social activities.
What’s causing the U turn from technology?
The fast-racing dominance of AI is undoubtedly the factor that has pushed people over the edge. The addictive and manipulating success of social media algorithms, as well as tracking and aggressive advertising is wearing thin.
A recent study by The Financial Times found that the use of social media peaked in 2022. The daily use of social media has reduced by 10% since this peak to 2 hours 20 minutes. With Ofcom reporting that 48% of young adults say they spend too much time on social media platforms, and 68% actively putting in place methods to reduce their usage, this mass acknowledgment of ‘too much’ screen time makes it believable that the social media use is a trend going in only one direction.
People are noticing that when the scroll more, they feel worse. The more we use our screens the more we’re distracted by multiple apps and multiple stimuli. We’re left feeling frazzled, overwhelmed and unproductive – the reason why the simplicity of analogues ‘one thing at a time’ is so appealing.
What does analogue living involve?
Analogue living may look different for everyone, but here are some ideas….
Returning to the lost joy of tactile publishing through paperback books and newspapers.
Digitally detoxing with hobbies and activities such as crafts, journaling, board games, puzzles, film cameras and vinyl records.
Mental health support activities such as getting outside without your phone, journaling and meditation.
Reducing alone time with our screens and becoming more social through community projects, sports clubs, walking clubs, book clubs and volunteering.
Are you feeling the need to digitally-detox your brain?
If you have your own business, consider outsourcing your ringing phone and admin to us. We’re a friendly and professional virtual receptionist company that can take away your distractions – helping you reclaim a better and healthier work-life balance.
To learn more about the ways we can free you from your digital screens and the ringing phone, visit our website here, or give a member of our team a call today for an informal chat on 01273 741400.