Business Leaders Embrace 'Analog' Living in the AI Era

Executives like Mark Cuban, Mary Barra, and Sam Altman argue for intentionally unplugging from technology to preserve human connection.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly ubiquitous, top business leaders are advocating for the importance of preserving human connection and intentionally unplugging from technology. Billionaire Mark Cuban, GM CEO Mary Barra, and OpenAI's Sam Altman have all spoken about the need to step away from constant digital engagement, whether it's Cuban encouraging people to "get off their asses" and have fun, Barra handwriting responses to customer letters, or Altman retreating to his ranch on weekends. This back-to-basics mindset reflects a growing belief that the most valuable skills for the next generation may be the ones technology can't replicate.

Why it matters

The push for more 'analog' living among tech leaders comes as AI and digital technology have become nearly inescapable in daily life. While the technology has fueled business growth, some executives argue that preserving human connection and intentionally unplugging is crucial to avoiding the negative effects of constant connectivity, such as declining attention spans and cognitive overload. This shift echoes an earlier reckoning over the impacts of social media, as leaders grapple with how to harness the benefits of technology while maintaining their humanity.

The details

Executives like Cuban, Barra, and Altman have all taken steps to intentionally disconnect from technology, whether it's Cuban encouraging people to "get off their asses" and have fun, Barra handwriting responses to customer letters, or Altman retreating to his ranch on weekends. This back-to-basics mindset reflects a growing belief that the most valuable skills for the next generation may be the ones technology can't replicate. Nine out of 10 executives said that human skills are more important than ever for career growth, according to a 2024 LinkedIn survey.

  • In 2019, Alibaba founder Jack Ma publicly supported the demanding '996' work culture—clocking in from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.
  • Last year, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said he works every single day of the year, answering thousands of emails and constantly thinking about the future of his company.
  • In 2024, Twitter cofounder Jack Dorsey said "We are being programmed" by algorithm-driven platforms that shape behavior.

The players

Mark Cuban

A billionaire and former Shark Tank star who has long positioned himself at the forefront of tech trends, but has also been clear that there's little point in working hard if there's no room to live fully outside of it.

Mary Barra

The CEO of General Motors who personally responds to letters she receives from customers, rather than having AI handle her communications.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI and an architect behind ChatGPT, who makes a point of stepping away from technology altogether by retreating to his Napa, California, ranch on many weekends.

Jensen Huang

The CEO of Nvidia who works every single day of the year, answering thousands of emails and constantly thinking about the future of his company.

Jack Ma

The founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba who has publicly supported the demanding '996' work culture—clocking in from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.

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What they’re saying

“It's time we all got off our asses, left the house, and had fun.”

— Mark Cuban (Inc.)

“In an AI world, what you do is far more important than what you prompt.”

— Mark Cuban (Inc.)

“I get [letters] from customers … when their odometer turns over to 200, 300, 400. I also get letters from consumers who are unhappy about something, and I respond to every single letter I receive. To me, this is such a special business.”

— Mary Barra, CEO, General Motors (New York Times DealBook Summit)

“I end up living in a weirdly isolated world. I fight that every inch … I think the more you let the world build a bubble around you, the more insane you go.”

— Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI (Fortune)

“We are being programmed. We are being programmed based on what we say we're interested in, and we're told through these discovery mechanisms what is interesting—and as we engage and interact with this content, the algorithm continues to build more and more of this bias.”

— Jack Dorsey, Co-founder, Twitter (2024)

The takeaway

As AI becomes more powerful, leading executives are recognizing the need to intentionally preserve human connection and avoid the negative effects of constant digital engagement. This shift reflects a growing belief that the most valuable skills for the next generation may be the ones technology can't replicate, and that progress doesn't require total immersion in technology. The push for more 'analog' living suggests that even in a digital-first world, there is an appetite for slowing down and staying human.