Gen Z grew up with a phone in every pocket. Now they're the ones heading for the exit.
A 2026 report from Quad and The Harris Poll found that the more time people spend on screens, the more they crave the real thing. Gen Z feels this most. Nearly half say scrolling social media leaves them drained, and 74% wish it were easier to disconnect.
So they're doing something about it. About 28% seek out phone-free experiences on purpose, and 25% buy analog alternatives to their digital gadgets. Both numbers beat the national average.
Collecting is a big part of the shift. Sneakers, toys, vinyl, trading cards: these objects give people something to hold. Nearly 80% of Gen Z say collecting makes them feel more connected to the world around them. Most of the appeal isn't about flipping items for profit. It's nostalgia, self-expression, and the pure pleasure of owning something you can touch.
Brands are paying attention. The report found that design alone can pull people into a store, with 76% of Gen Z and millennial shoppers saying a space's look is reason enough to visit. Three out of four of them also want places to sit, work, or hang out with friends. The shop isn't just where you buy things anymore. It's where you stay.
The takeaway is simple: in a world built for screens, the real thing is becoming the luxury. The brands and places that win the next wave of customers will be the ones that give people a reason to put their phones down.