Gen Z favors offline living over social media

Young people, particularly from Gen Z, are moving away from social media, making being offline a new trend. This shift has become evident through viral online discussions. The term "brain rot," which describes the negative effects of excessive social media use, was named Oxford University Press's Word of the Year for 2024. Many younger individuals are deleting their social media accounts, opting for older technology like flip phones, and taking up hobbies that don’t involve screens. Popular items such as film cameras and physical books are seeing a resurgence. Disconnection is now viewed as a privilege in today's constantly online world. Experts suggest this trend reflects a desire for better, more meaningful content. Francesco Bogliacino, an economist, points out that being offline signifies a shift towards intentional living and awareness of social media's drawbacks, such as mental health issues. Personal stories highlight this trend. Kate Cassidy Fletcher, a New Yorker, shared her experience of leaving most social media platforms. After working in advertising and becoming aware of social media's effects, she decided to step back. She found clarity and a renewed sense of self after disconnecting, noting a positive response from friends. Others, like Alex Edwards, joined the movement for mental relief. He was overwhelmed by digital demands and realized his business didn't rely on social media as much as he thought. For him, quitting was about reclaiming time lost to constant scrolling. The desire for more authentic interactions is impacting dating as well. Zaahirah Adam launched a dating app focusing on real conversations, stating that people are tired of shallow online interactions. The trend isn't about rejecting technology entirely, but finding more meaningful ways to connect. Social media remains a crucial part of daily life, but its popularity may be shifting. Young people are reconsidering their online presence, with many praising the benefits of disconnecting. While social media is unlikely to disappear, being offline is increasingly seen as a status symbol.