Digital Detox: Millennials Rebel Against Screens

A growing movement among millennials and Generation Z is actively rebelling against the omnipresent digital screen, two decades after the smartphone's premiere. This "attention activism" sees individuals organizing phone-free gatherings, with one notable event in Brooklyn involving reading and conversation instead of screen time. Organizers describe the current products as "insidious and extractive," fueling a desire for revolution against what they term "human fracking."

While Big Tech firms have introduced features to limit device usage, activists argue these measures are insufficient. Companies like Light Phone, which produces basic "dumb phones" without advanced features, support the movement. Inspirations for this activism range from concerts where audiences are engrossed in filming to historical events where internet access was restricted.

Historians and authors are contributing to this backlash, advocating for a liberation of attention from time-consuming applications. Groups like the Offline Club in the Netherlands organize themed events focused on self-reflection and creative activities. Several dozen such groups exist across the United States and Canada, with the movement also appearing in Spain, Italy, France, and England.

Institutions like Oberlin College's co-op have experimented with technology-free periods, leading to increased face-to-face interaction and relief from constant digital demands. Participants report a sense of connection and mental space, rediscovering activities like arts and crafts, live music, and board games.