In a world dominated by AI, there's a growing movement towards embracing the analog lifestyle. It's a bold statement, but one that resonates with many in 2026. With AI assistants and chatbots becoming increasingly prevalent, some are seeking a different path, a way to slow down and reconnect with tangible experiences.
This phenomenon, often referred to as the 'analog lifestyle', is more than just a digital detox. It's a conscious decision to find alternative ways to complete daily tasks and seek entertainment, especially as AI platforms take on more of our cognitive load.
While it's challenging to quantify the exact scale of this movement, certain offline hobbies are experiencing a surge in popularity. Take, for instance, the arts and crafts company Michael's, which has seen a remarkable 136% increase in searches for 'analog hobbies' on its website over the past six months. Guided craft kit sales soared by 86% in 2025, and the company anticipates a further increase of 30% to 40% this year.
The popularity of 'grandma hobbies' like knitting is also on the rise, with searches for yarn kits increasing by a staggering 1,200% in 2025. Michael's Chief Merchandising Officer, Stacey Shively, attributes this trend to people seeking a mental health break from doomscrolling, especially post-Covid-19.
But why the sudden interest in analog? Shaughnessy Barker, a 25-year-old from Penticton, British Columbia, offers some insight. Barker, an 'AI hater to her core', grew up listening to the radio and vinyl records and has an extensive collection of cassettes, DVDs, VHS, and records. She hosts tech-free craft and wine nights, writes notes, and sets limits on her computer time.
Barker's transition to an analog lifestyle wasn't difficult, but she acknowledges the challenges of going completely offline in today's world. Even for her, certain aspects of her life, like promoting her vintage shop and 'snail mail club', require an online presence.
Analogers, like Barker, are tired of the endless doomscrolling and the repetitive, unoriginal content generated by AI. Avriel Epps, an AI researcher and assistant professor at the University of California Riverside, describes AI-generated content as 'quite fatiguing'.
It's important to note that going analog doesn't mean completely swearing off technology. Some people simply incorporate analog elements into their lives, like using an iPod instead of Spotify's AI-powered shuffle or taking film photos instead of snapping a million digital ones. Even small changes, like buying a physical alarm clock, can bring a sense of liberation.
Epps explains, 'Going analog is not about cutting myself off from the internet, but rather, it's about cutting the internet off from my personal information.' She recently ditched the Google suite and practices screen-free Sundays.
So, what's it like to live analog for a couple of days? I decided to find out. Logging off for two days might sound easy, but for someone like me, it meant saying goodbye to my three iPhones, MacBook, desktop monitors, Kindle, and Alexa.
On my first day offline, I woke up naturally with the sun, feeling like a lifestyle influencer. I journaled, read 'Wuthering Heights', and got ready in half the time. I relied on crafting and reading to pass the time, but my biggest challenge was feeling like I was putting on a performance.
I was writing about my experience for a digital media publication and interacting with people I found on social media. I chose the easiest replacements for digital life, knowing that writing grocery lists was simpler than never FaceTiming my family again.
Despite these challenges, I noticed a difference. On my tech-free walk to the office, I observed many others without screens. Usually, I would avoid tourists gawking at skyscrapers, but this time, I followed their gaze and truly appreciated the beauty of the Empire State Building.
During my two-day challenge, I attended a weekly knitting circle at a Brooklyn library. Women of all ages, screen-free, were sharing stitch tips and color ideas. Tanya Nguyen, a regular knitter at the event, explained, 'Knitting gives you something to do with your hands so you're not on your phone.'
My analog day freed up time to read, send a postcard to my 8-year-old cousin, and even learn to knit a scarf. I felt a sense of accomplishment beyond my work and the bright blue screen.
For many of my generation, it took a TikTok trend to inspire us to try the analog lifestyle. But the benefits are real, and the movement is gaining momentum. So, are you ready to give it a try? What do you think about this analog revolution? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
