Analog Experiences Surge in Popularity in 2026

Consumers seek respite from constant digital stimulation, embracing old-school activities

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A growing number of technology consumers are pivoting to digital minimalism, seeking analog experiences like reading physical books, handwriting letters, and playing board games. The data shows a rise in 'dumbphone' sales, a boost in arts and crafts retail, and projections that individuals born in 2025 will spend over 181,000 hours, or 21 years of their life, looking at screens. Experts cite screen fatigue, a desire for agency and presence, and the harmful effects of excessive screen time as driving factors behind this trend.

Why it matters

The shift towards analog experiences reflects a broader societal desire to disconnect from constant digital stimulation and reclaim a sense of presence and control. This trend has implications for consumer behavior, mental health, and the future of technology design and usage.

The details

Consumers are adopting various tactics to reduce their reliance on digital devices, such as placing phones in another room while cooking, purchasing mechanical watches that require winding, and using notebooks instead of digital note-taking apps. The goal is to create intentional boundaries and rituals that allow them to be more present and engaged in the physical world. Even in the workplace, professionals are setting strict boundaries on their digital availability, batching email and communication to regain focus and productivity.

  • In 2025, sales of 'dumbphones' without internet, apps, or email capabilities rose by 25%.
  • In the last six months, arts and crafts retailer Michaels has seen a 136% boost in sales.

The players

Alexandra Cromer

A licensed therapist with Thriveworks, a psychiatry services provider, who has observed the trend of 'screen fatigue' and the desire for a more 'analog' or 'off the grid' lifestyle.

Bob Hutchins

The CEO of Human Voice Media, a technology services consultancy in Nashville, Tennessee, who believes the analog experience provides a sense of agency and presence that is lacking in excessive digital consumption.

Melissa Fulgieri

An adjunct professor at Long Island University who sees the analog revolution as a response to the feeling that something is wrong with the way we connect in the digital age.

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What they’re saying

“I'm hearing and seeing more about screen fatigue within my practice and within popular culture. People are devaluing 'screen time' and technologizing their lives for a more 'analog' or 'off the grid' lifestyle.”

— Alexandra Cromer, Licensed Therapist (Thriveworks)

“We crave resistance. We long for the scent of aged paper, the feel of scratching a pen across a page, or the heft of a vinyl record. It anchors us.”

— Bob Hutchins, CEO (Human Voice Media)

“People communicate how they feel with their wallets and how they spend their time. The reality is, we're choosing to spend our time with other humans because we're craving it.”

— Melissa Fulgieri, Adjunct Professor (Long Island University)

What’s next

As the analog revolution continues, experts predict that more companies and workplaces will need to adapt to accommodate the growing demand for digital minimalism and intentional technology usage.

The takeaway

The rise of analog experiences reflects a broader societal shift towards reclaiming agency, presence, and human connection in the face of overwhelming digital stimulation. This trend has the potential to reshape consumer behavior, mental health, and the future of technology design and usage.