Kids ditch phones to live in the real world

Young people are cutting their social media use and finding fresh ways to spend time. A 23‑year‑old account manager deleted all his phone apps and reported feeling happier, less stressed, and more present. He says the endless stream of ads, influencer promos, and comparison posts makes people feel pressured to be “perfect. ” His friends followed suit. They swapped smartphones for flip phones, stopped scrolling, and picked up vinyl records, knitting, or going to record shops. The change is so wide that TikTok videos of people promising to quit social media are now trending on the same platforms. Surveys back up this shift. In 2025, almost a quarter of British users cut at least one app, and Gen Zers were closer to a third. A global study found that adults 16+ spent about two hours and twenty minutes per day on social media by the end of 2024, down from a peak in 2022. Teens and people in their twenties lost the most time online. Experts say that political posts, brand ads, and constant sales pitches turn social media into a “pressure platform. ” Young users feel their mental health suffers because they can’t keep up with the flood of information. Some say this overload makes them feel empty and “value‑tagged” by likes and follows.Being offline also gives people a new kind of cool. Those who stay away from the internet feel less need for approval and can focus on real‑life interactions. A social media manager noted that the platform lost its allure when politicians and companies started using it, so casual users pulled back. When people want to meet new friends or partners, they’re turning to in‑person events like speed dating and networking rather than digital chats. A university lecturer explained that social media forces people to create a curated identity, which is exhausting and not the same as real life. Not everyone thinks this trend means a permanent move away from digital media. Some analysts suggest the drop is temporary, as people now spend less time at home and more time outdoors. Still, many are choosing analog hobbies—writing letters, eating lunch with a friend, buying newspapers or vinyl—to reset how they relate to technology. The movement toward “offline” lifestyles shows that young adults want more balance, safety, and control in their lives. They’re proving that stepping away from screens can bring more meaning to everyday moments.