Tired of being chronically online, people on social media are saying they are going back to a more “analog” way of life. Here’s how you can too.<\/p>\n
PHOENIX \u2014 Are you taking a step back from being constantly plugged in this year? You’re not alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
RELATED: Do you want to read more books in 2026? Here’s how to make your literary resolution stick.<\/a><\/p>\n While the irony is not lost on us that the “analog living” trend originated on social media, it’s evident that people are drawn to the idea.<\/p>\n In essence, the trend highlights people who are deciding to intentionally unplug from technology in 2026, turning their attention back to hobbies, workplace habits and ways of living that are more in line with a less technological age.\u00a0<\/p>\n And if your New Year’s resolution was to read more in 2026, analog living may just be the thing to keep you accountable to your page goals.<\/p>\n
Analog living is usually attributed to Gen Z, and promotes living life offline through reading physical books, picking up hobbies that don’t involve doomscrolling, and overall limiting consumption of screen-related media.\u00a0<\/p>\n Analog living is also pushing back against AI technology and addictive social media algorithms, according to a Forbes article on the impacts of analog living on the fashion industry.<\/a><\/p>\n Analog living is different than a digital detox: A digital detox is meant for short periods of time, whereas living analog is described as a “sustained effort to incorporate slower-paced, more tangible ways to complete daily tasks and engage in entertainment,” an article in Psychology Today explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n A few examples of how people are integrating analog living into their daily lives are:<\/p>\n Using a point-and-shoot camera instead of your smartphoneGetting an alarm clock rather than your iPhone waking you upWriting letters rather than sending text messages\u00a0Wearing a watch to tell timeJournaling with pen and paper as opposed to writing in your notes appTrying hobbies without screens, like knitting, crochet, or scrapbooking\u00a0 <\/p>\n
In an article for CNN<\/a>, journalist Ramishah Maruf pointed out the irony of a trend focused on disconnecting from social media that is being heavily posted about on social media platforms.<\/p>\n “My biggest issue was the feeling that I was putting on a performance,” Maruf wrote.<\/a> “I was writing about [living analog] for a digital media publication and speaking to people I found on social media.”\u00a0<\/p>\n In an article for Psychology Today,<\/a> psychotherapist and author Phil Lane writes about the “constant exposure to content,” saying in part:<\/p>\n “Throughout the day, we are alerted, reminded, and alarmed by news updates, breaking stories, and other disruptors of our daily lives. Sometimes, we do it to ourselves: surely you, like I, have opened Instagram<\/a> or another app only to lose yourself in the mire of content, not all soothing or calming.”<\/p>\n The article titled ‘Analog Hobbies: A New Self-Care Trend’<\/a> talks about how searches for “analog hobbies” on the arts and crafts store Michael’s website have increased by over 136% in the last six months, but the trend of slower, more intentional hobbies without screens likely picked up steam even earlier: during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0<\/p>\n But, as many people will tell you, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms also took off during lockdown and the height of the pandemic, with users sharing their new analog hobbies or finding new ones to try.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Reading physical books may be the most analog living hobby of all\u2014after all, what’s more analog than flipping physical pages?<\/p>\n But analog living can also be a tool to help you read more:<\/p>\n Use a timer rather than your phone to track how many minutes you’re readingCreate bullet journal pages or paper and pen versions of your favorite digital page trackers, like Fable or GoodreadsRead instead of scrolling: During activities in which you would usually scroll, such as standing in line for your coffee or waiting on a restaurant reservation, grab a book and readFind out where the closest Little Free Library is to you, and either find your next read or donate a book.<\/a>Visit your local library. You may even find other analog hobbies to pursue, as well! <\/p>\n If your analog living hobby is reading, there are also benefits to focusing on one task at a time, rather than multitasking.<\/p>\n “If, for instance, you are crocheting a scarf, you really need to pay attention<\/a> to the task at hand, focusing on the work, repeating the movements as required,” Lane wrote.<\/a> “Distraction or mindlessness could lead to an error. And this is, in essence, what this slowing-down approach can do for us. We not only revolt against the constant stream of external stimulus, but our nervous systems also soothe, slow down, and find a healthy equilibrium.”<\/p>\n
While the jury is still out on whether or not analog living is here to stay, there is something to be said for finding and participating in a wide variety of hobbies\u2014digital and analog.\u00a0<\/p>\n Plus, is there really a downside to learning new things or having an excuse to read more books?<\/p>\n
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\nWhat is “analog living”? <\/p>\n
\nThe ‘Analog Living’ trend irony <\/p>\n
\nAnalog living and reading <\/p>\n
\nThe verdict on analog living: Trend or Timeless? <\/p>\n
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