Young Americans Are Unplugging, And It’s Making Them Happier
Half of Americans are now intentionally reducing their screen time, a shift that is yielding significant dividends in mental well-being. Those who carve out screen-free windows report feeling more productive, present with loved ones, and aware of their surroundings. This growing movement highlights a stark irony: while the internet promises connection, 70% of the time spent online actually leaves people feeling lonely and disconnected.
Gen Z Leads the Retreat
Surprisingly, the generation raised on smartphones is leading the charge to unplug. According to survey data from Talker Research, commissioned by ThriftBooks, 63% of Gen Z intentionally disconnect—the highest percentage of any demographic. Millennials follow at 57%, with Gen X at 42% and Baby Boomers at 29%. As digital natives, Gen Z is the first to fully recognize the high cost of constant connectivity.
When screens dominate, the emotional toll is clear. Survey respondents reported feeling overwhelmed (25%), anxious (22%), irritable (18%), and generally dissatisfied with life (19%). For many, the device intended to provide relief has become the primary source of stress.
The Return to Tangible Living
The shift away from screens is not just about subtraction; it is about replacing digital noise with tangible, analog experiences. "People are more aware than ever of the value of offline time," says Barbara Hagen, VP of Sales and Marketing at ThriftBooks. That awareness is driving a major lifestyle pivot: 84% of Americans are incorporating "analog" choices into their routines.
In 2026, Americans are setting boundaries by reaching for physical objects that naturally limit distraction. The trend includes:
* **Writing:** 32% are using notebooks, and 23% have returned to writing paper letters.
* **Planning:** 28% use paper calendars, while 20% use paper planners.
* **Leisure:** Board games and puzzles (27%) and reading printed books (31%) are gaining ground.
* **Timekeeping:** To keep phones out of the bedroom, 27% are using physical alarm clocks, and 17% have switched back to wristwatches.
These are not merely nostalgic aesthetic choices; they are functional tools for mental health. A notebook offers no notifications; a board game cannot auto-play the next episode; a watch tells the time without delivering a flood of alerts. Physical objects force the pauses that screens inevitably eliminate.
Books vs. Scrolling
As Americans seek alternatives to scrolling, reading is making a major comeback. The contrast in how these activities make people feel is stark. Reading induces relaxation (46%), mental stimulation (32%), and a sense of being grounded (27%). Conversely, the infinite scroll often leads to digital fatigue.
Looking ahead, 70% of Americans plan to read more in 2026, with half of them specifically choosing physical books over digital versions. Content preferences are split: 29% of readers plan to consume equal parts fiction and nonfiction, while 24% will focus on nonfiction and 22% on fiction.
"Reading books, especially printed ones, is an excellent way to slow down, ground yourself, and really immerse yourself in an activity that gives back to you," Hagen explains. "Not only is it mentally stimulating, but it’s a great way to relax, calm down, and get a break from our busy lives."
The Embrace of Slow Living
This move toward analog activities is part of a broader cultural shift toward "slow living"—a mindful approach prioritizing quality over speed. Two-thirds of Americans plan to embrace this philosophy in 2026, led by Gen Z (71%) and Millennials (70%).
When people choose to disconnect, they prioritize face-to-face time with friends and family (51%), outdoor activities (41%), hands-on hobbies (31%), and reading (32%). This shift reflects a maturing perspective: 77% of people agree that as they have aged, they have realized how much the real world matters compared to the online one.
Ultimately, Americans are not abandoning technology; they are reclaiming control. The distinction being made in 2026 is clear: digital tools provide utility, but utility does not require omnipresence. A phone can be useful without being ever-present.