As we enter 2026, a growing number of social media influencers are making a surprising declaration: they're ditching the digital world in favor of an "analog lifestyle." What this really means is a conscious effort to reduce screen time, reconnect with physical experiences, and find fulfillment in more tangible pursuits.
Leading the charge are influencers like Selly Tan from California, who says people are "craving something real again," and Rosie Okatcha from the UK, who is proclaiming 2026 the "Age of Analog." The bigger picture here is a growing backlash against the pervasive digital dependence that has come to dominate modern life.
Escaping the Screen Trap
For a generation that grew up in an entirely digital world, the constant pull of technology has become a familiar - yet often draining - part of daily life. As Lillie Beacope, a student at USC, puts it: "I just feel like there's not a chance for us within our day-to-day lives, to really get a break from technology."
The analog lifestyle trend aims to change that by encouraging people to unplug and engage in more hands-on, low-tech activities. This could mean anything from printing photos instead of storing them digitally, to reading physical books and magazines, to taking up hobbies like pottery, painting, or even old-school film photography.
The Rise of Analog Hobbies
The shift away from constant connectivity is being driven by a growing sense of "digital fatigue," as CNN Business reports. Craft stores like Michaels have seen a surge in popularity for analog hobbies, with searches for "analog hobbies" on their site increasing by 136% in the past six months. Sales of guided craft kits also jumped 86% in 2025, and the trend is expected to continue rising.
As Dazed Digital notes, this analog resurgence is about more than just nostalgia - it's a response to the growing discomfort with the "algorithmic economy" that dominates so much of our digital lives. People want to reclaim their attention and find fulfillment in experiences not dictated by screens and feeds.
The shift to an analog lifestyle may seem radical, but for many, it's becoming a necessary survival instinct in an increasingly digital world. As we enter 2026, it's clear that the quest for "something real" is only just beginning.