Gen Z Quits Smartphones, Founds Anti-Tech Movement

Gabriela Nguyen, a 24-year-old Silicon Valley native, has founded Appstinence, a non-profit organization aimed at combating technology addiction. After years of deep immersion in digital platforms, Nguyen chose to disconnect entirely from social media and smartphones, founding Appstinence two years ago with a small team from Harvard's School of Education.

The organization developed the '5D Method'—Decrease, Deactivate, Delete, Downgrade, and Depart—to help individuals disengage from addictive technologies. Appstinence's work aligns with the efforts of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who advocates for stricter norms around smartphone and social media use for young people. Appstinence offers services like private coaching, extending its reach globally to locations such as Kenya and Australia, demonstrating that tech overuse is a universal issue.

Appstinence is not limited to Gen Z; it serves clients of all ages who feel trapped by their digital dependencies. Many clients express a feeling of desperation and emotional turmoil, finding their social and professional lives deeply intertwined with technology. Nguyen emphasizes the need for a more radical approach than 'digital detoxes,' advocating for deep self-commitment to avoid returning to addictive platforms.

Furthermore, Appstinence is addressing concerns surrounding Artificial Intelligence, particularly AI companions and tools used for emotional support, advising against their use, especially for children. Nguyen herself now uses a minimalist phone and reports indifference towards platforms like TikTok, attributing this to building a robust life in the physical world.