Digital detox trends rise as users seek offline experiences

A growing trend of “analog escape” is emerging as individuals seek to reduce screen time and reclaim real-world experiences. A Mastercard study involving 27,000 people across 28 countries indicates that 60 percent of respondents prioritize offline activities to balance their digital lives. Key interests include travel (79 percent), food-related activities (70 percent), and outdoor experiences (69 percent). Additionally, 64 percent of participants prefer human recommendations over algorithmic suggestions.

In the United States, Pew Research Center data shows that 53 percent of adults believe they spend too much time on mobile phones, a figure that rises to 70 percent among those aged 18 to 29. To combat digital distractions, some users are turning to physical solutions like “Brick,” a small NFC-enabled device that allows users to physically block specific apps on their smartphones. Unlike standard software limits, this device requires a physical interaction to bypass restrictions, providing a tangible barrier to mindless scrolling.