tech
February 7, 2026
A 'quiet revolution': Why young people are swapping social media for lunch dates, vinyl records and brick phones
Gen Z and millennials deleting their social media platforms cite the increasing pressures of being online as well as the damage to their mental health.
TL;DR
- Young people are deleting social media apps, citing increased online pressures and negative mental health impacts.
- The trend of going 'chronically offline' is ironically going viral on social media, with many vowing to engage more with in-person activities.
- Surveys show a significant portion of consumers, especially Gen Z, have deleted social media apps in the past year.
- Social media use has declined globally since peaking in 2022, particularly among teens and young adults.
- The 'nastiness and divisiveness' online, along with aggressive monetization by tech giants, is pushing young people away.
- Being offline is seen as 'cooler,' as individuals seeking less validation are perceived as more authentic.
- The return to analog includes hobbies like knitting, visiting record stores, and even using flip phones.
- This shift is seen by some as a 'legitimate post-pandemic correction' and a way to regain control and mental well-being.
- While social media is still integrated into daily life, there's a growing movement to reset relationships with digital platforms.
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