Why are people going analog?

Many people feel overwhelmed by the near-constant demand to respond to texts and the addictive nature of social media. When the world has access to us 24/7, it can take a toll on our minds and bodies. This is partially because we are expected to be “on” and available all the time, which can result in mental and emotional burnout. Spending time on social media can encourage comparison and even take away from our real-life experiences. Some studies show that chronic phone use is associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression. (Khan et al., 2021)

Going analog has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Several companies have released modern flip phones, and many people have gravitated toward physical planners or other mediums to record their thoughts and schedules. Vinyl records and books you can smell provide people with a sense of nostalgia and an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world. These trends are not simply a means of reconnecting with the past, but also an opportunity to experience the present moment more fully. With so much going on in the world, doomscrolling has become a habit that many would like to break. People are searching for ways to quiet the noise in their minds and reconnect with what is right in front of them.

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The mental health impact of constant connectivity

Continuous notifications streaming to our phones can keep the nervous system in a state often referred to as “fight or flight” mode. Essentially, we are always on edge waiting for the next notification, and when it arrives, we are immediately called to react, process information, or interact with someone digitally. Downtime has become something many people struggle to find, and even during moments of inactivity, they are rarely without their phones.

The social aspect is also important to consider. Having access to everyone's best moments in an instant can be challenging, as it creates opportunities for our brains to compare our reality to theirs. This can affect self-esteem and contribute to feelings of mental fatigue, anxiety and/or sadness. 

Digital media can create attention and concentration difficulties as well. When our brains are consistently interrupted with new information, short-form videos, and other digital distractions, we can easily become overwhelmed. This can lead to increased irritability, difficulty focusing, and mental fatigue that makes completing tasks more challenging. Over time, constantly shifting our attention from one task to the next can make it difficult to remain present in our daily lives. 

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How analog activities can support mental health

1. Slowing down and being present

Writing in a journal, reading physical books, using a film camera or Polaroid, and engaging in other analog activities can help us slow down from the fast-paced digital world. This can be a meaningful way to practice mindfulness. Slowing down and leaning into the present moment can benefit mental well-being because it allows us to engage in an active form of mental rest. This can  reduce overstimulation and overwhelm leading to an increased capacity for emotional regulation. Giving our brains time to regroup can help keep us grounded and present. 

2. Fostering creativity and self-expression

While creativity can certainly exist online, connecting with physical artistic mediums can also be beneficial. Activities like coloring, painting, writing, drawing, crocheting or sculpting can offer our minds a place to explore creativity and self-expression. If you are struggling to tap into your creativity, consider taking a class or watch a youtube tutorial to help guide you. 

3. Improving focus and mental clarity

Analog activities often require our full attention and encourage us to focus on one thing rather than multi-tasking. This can support improved concentration and provide a way for our brains to take a break from constant stimulation. Having a clear mind can help us be more intentional and thoughtful in our day to day lives. 

Going analog doesn’t have to mean rejecting technology completely

Technology helps us stay in touch with loved ones from afar, simplify everyday tasks, learn new skills and it even increases access to mental healthcare. It may be helpful to build routines and boundaries around screen time rather than cutting it out altogether. 

• Turning off devices an hour before bedtime 
• Setting structured time to check your social media (i.e. one hour from 4pm-5pm)
• Using the “do not disturb” feature on your phone
• Scheduling one (or more) full “offline” hour a day
• Deleting social media apps from your phone’s homescreen

Using these strategies can be a helpful way to improve our relationship with technology. If we are feeling like it is difficult to break scrolling habits and are worried about social media addiction, it may make sense to seek additional support through mental health services.

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Conclusion

Going analog can look differently for everyone. For some people, completely cutting out devices might feel necessary while for others it can be enough to simply cut back on screen time. Even brief pauses throughout the day (i.e. leaving phones in another room during meals or taking tech free walks) can be beneficial for your overall well-being. 

Maybe the appeal of 1999 isn’t really about flip phones,  radios with antennas or typewriters. Instead, it might be a longing for a slower pace, genuine connection, belly laughs and good old fashioned peace and quiet. Phones and other devices are an important part of our lives that serve many helpful purposes. However, it may be helpful to give yourself a break from time to time. Take a moment to experience your life, rather than rushing through it or viewing it through a screen. Visit a museum, drink your coffee while looking out the window, touch grass or call a friend instead of texting them. Over time, these small choices can add up, contributing to improved mental and emotional well-being. 

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Sources 

• Going analog: Breaking up with your Digital Habits.
• Amirthalingam, J., & Khera, A. (2024, October 27). Understanding social media addiction: A deep dive. Cureus.
• The art of Digital detox and Analog Living: A psychiatrist’s guide.
• Khan , A., Mcleod, G., Hidajat, T., & Edwards, E. (2021, October 20). Excessive smartphone use is associated with depression ... National Library of Medicine.
• Novak, S. (2026, March 5). Is going analog good for children and teens’ mental health and well-being? Journal of medical Internet research.
• Why analog hobbies are the new self-care trend