What's happened
A new trend of 'analogue bags' filled with offline activities is gaining popularity among millennials and Gen Z as a way to reduce screen time. The trend, inspired by a desire to disconnect, involves carrying items like books, puzzles, and journals, and has been amplified by social media. It reflects a broader backlash against digital overload.
What's behind the headline?
The rise of analogue bags signals a significant cultural shift towards reclaiming time from screens. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the mental health impacts of constant connectivity, as evidenced by Ofcom data showing adults check their phones every 12 minutes. The trend's popularity on social media, despite its offline nature, highlights a paradox: digital platforms are now used to promote offline activities. This movement will likely accelerate as more people seek balance, and it could influence broader lifestyle choices, encouraging a sustained reduction in screen dependence. The trend also underscores a desire for tangible, sensory experiences that digital media cannot replicate, potentially fostering more meaningful offline interactions.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that analogue bags are part of a wider backlash against doomscrolling and digital fatigue, with users sharing their contents online and describing them as 'stop scrolling' tools. David Sax, author of The Revenge of Analog, supports the trend, emphasizing the need for alternatives to digital voids. Conversely, the trend's social media popularity raises questions about whether it is a genuine shift or a fleeting fad, as some critics suggest that the movement may be co-opted by consumerism or superficial lifestyle branding. The Guardian highlights that this movement is part of a broader cultural re-evaluation of offline activities, including vinyl records and in-person hobbies, which are experiencing a resurgence amid digital saturation.
How we got here
The trend emerged as a response to increasing concerns over screen addiction and digital fatigue. It was popularized by Sierra Campbell on TikTok, who aimed to cut her screen time from seven to three hours daily by replacing her phone with offline activities stored in a dedicated bag. This movement aligns with a wider cultural shift towards valuing physical, analogue experiences over digital ones, including vinyl records and in-person hobbies.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are Analogue Bags and Why Are They Trending?
In a world dominated by screens and digital overload, a new trend is emerging that encourages people to disconnect and embrace offline activities. Analogue bags, filled with books, puzzles, journals, and other non-digital items, are gaining popularity among millennials and Gen Z. But what exactly are these bags, and why are so many choosing to carry them around? Below, we explore the rise of offline living, the appeal of analogue bags, and what this trend means for our digital habits.
More on these topics