Why Are People 'Going Analog' in 2026? Ways to Put Down the Devices Meredith WilshereFebruary 1, 2026 at 12:30 AM 0 Stock photo of a woman journaling. Getty As the clock struck midnight and ushered in 2026, people around the globe made resolutions to spend less time on their phones and more time fostering connections offline, from joining new clubs to taking up hobbies that mean less screen time and more face time.
- - Why Are People 'Going Analog' in 2026? Ways to Put Down the Devices
Meredith WilshereFebruary 1, 2026 at 12:30 AM
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Stock photo of a woman journaling.
Getty
As the clock struck midnight and ushered in 2026, people around the globe made resolutions to spend less time on their phones and more time fostering connections offline, from joining new clubs to taking up hobbies that mean less screen time and more face time.
The idea of "going analog" and intentionally reducing one's reliance on digital devices forces people to slow down, learn a new trade, pick up a new skill or rediscover their creativity.
The lifestyle shift started trending online in the new year, with TikTok users detailing some of the ways they planned on "going analog," such as @notshaughnessy, who got a landline phone and gave up streaming.
Another user, @siececampbell, recommended that people track their screen time and create an "analog bag" of things you can reach for instead of your phone, such as a magazine, sketch book, journal and more. The #analog on TikTok now has over 245,000 posts.
Read on to learn about the different habits and hobbies people are picking up to help them "go analog."
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"Junk journaling" or scrapbooking
Stock photo of a woman writing.
Getty
One of the best ways to get offline is to go back to basics, literally, which is where "junk journaling" and scrapbooking come in.
Savvy crafters and scrapbookers have been using everyday items that would typically end up in the garbage — such as receipts, fabric scraps, packaging and more — as materials in their junk journals.
One of the key themes of "going analog" is finding something to do with your hands so that you're not constantly reaching for your phone — and sifting through materials like magazines and paper, cutting and pasting, and writing down your thoughts for the day is a great way to do that.
Junk journaling is an easy yet creative way to document memories and moments and keep them in a physical book, all while keeping you offline.
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Learning a new craft
Stock image of a person making pottery.
Getty
Picking up fiber arts — whether it is crochet, needlepoint, knitting or sewing — is another great way to stay busy.
Creators have been leaning into hashtags like #WIPWensdays, where they share their works in progress and get inspired by other people's projects.
In addition to fiber arts — work created primarily from natural or synthetic fibers, such as yarn, thread, and fabric — painting, drawing and pottery also help spur creativity and take time and dedication, the perfect outlet while trying to whittle down screen time.
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Finding different ways to communicate
Stock image of a woman writing.
Getty
It can be hard to lock our phones away when they have become our main source of communication — from phone calls to texting and social media.
If the goal is to spend less time on the phone but still be connected, it's great to rethink what that looks like.
Rather than posting a vacation on social media or texting loved ones during the trip, sending letters and postcards can be a meaningful way to let people know you are thinking of them while away.
Other people have been installing landlines rather than relying on mobile phones, a way to ensure they're reachable without constantly keeping their mobile phone in reach while at home.
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Setting screen time limits
Stock photo of a phone.
Matt Cardy/Getty
A good place to start when limiting screen time is setting parameters on social media apps to curb unnecessary scrolling.
Some devices can help with that, like the Brick, a tool which locks access to specific apps — such as social media, games, and other distractions — until you physically return to the Brick and "un‑Brick" it.
Most phones also have settings nowadays to limit scrolling, giving users the ability to determine exactly how much time they are okay with spending from app to app.
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Focusing on physical media
Stock image of a woman reading.
Getty
The definition of "going analog" varies from person to person. For some, it's a step back from digital media and electronics altogether, and for others, it's about rethinking how one consumes media.
Instead of reaching for their phone for a music streaming service, people are putting on vinyls or CDs, which they feel requires more intentionality.
Rather than scrolling through Netflix or one of the many movie streaming platforms, people are choosing to pop in a physical DVD. However, no matter the format, it's important to avoid "second screening" — the practice of scrolling on a secondary device while watching primary content, such as a TV show or movie.
Rather than purchasing physical media, you can rent DVDs and even vinyls from some local libraries, which can help people be more conscious of their use and only take out what they want to use.
While at the library, it also wouldn't hurt to check out a few physical books. Instead of an hour of infinite scrolling a night, try an hour of reading — or even just 10 pages.
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Learning to cook
Stock photo of a woman cooking
Getty Stock Images
There is no better way to go analog than to have your hands in some dough.
It's the perfect time to break out the recipe books and make things from scratch, whether it's sourdough bread, fresh butter or just a nice home-cooked dinner. After the dish is done, try eating in a screen-free environment, or even better, alongside people you love.
Cooking and baking are relaxing ways to unwind, try something new and inevitably reap the benefits of the — sweet or savory — break from the digital world.
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Source: Entertainment
Published: January 31, 2026 at 09:36PM on Source: MORNING MAG
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