A growing movement known as “appstinence”—a play on “abstinence”—is gaining traction among millennials and Gen Zers who are searching for a life with less screen time.
Younger demographics have grown up in a fully digital world, but an increasing number are embracing the appeal of “dumb” phones—devices limited to calls and texts—and participating in digital detox events.
People who detox from their devices often say that they hope to limit social-media usage. Many also want to talk to friends and family more often in-person or on a phone call, rather than in a text message.
Why It Matters
A study from Pew Research in 2024 found that nearly half of American teens are online “almost constantly,” largely using algorithm-based sites like YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat.
Meanwhile, many digital detoxers report that reducing screen time makes them more productive. Cutting back on screentime can dramatically improve attention spans as well and it can encourage people getting offline to prioritize real-world relationships.
What To Know
“Appstinence” is not about discarding all technology, but about curating its use more intentionally.
Devices like the Light Phone, which intentionally lacks access to email or social media, are designed to serve this purpose. Though pricier than some smartphones, its appeal lies in its simplicity and the promise of reduced distractions.
Users who don’t want to give up their smartphones have options as well. Third-party tools or built-in settings can “brick” specific functions, turning off access to social media, email or browser apps for set periods.
Features like Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing, meanwhile, allow users to impose app limits, schedule downtime or monitor screen activity.
Redditors on the r/Futurology forum discussed digital detoxing and where the practice could go.
One user told Newsweek in a message that they learned to live without their phone during their time in the military, where they loved the daily eight or nine hours they were without a phone.
“Most of being disconnected for me has been through two themes: finding joy in time-bound opportunities to ditch the phone and removing apps from my phone,” the user said.
“I’d say I’ve been periodically disconnected from my phone for nearly my whole adult life.”
However, they found it “scary” to remove the Facebook app, where they spent hours scrolling during the first administration of President Donald Trump.
When they did, however, the impact was “immediate,” the user said.
‘Boost to my mental health’
“My phone usage as a whole dropped by a further like, 40%, and my Facebook usage went from posting several times a day, to posting once or twice a year overnight because I had to go all the way to my [personal computer], or open the browser and navigate there,” they continued.
“The extra step was enough to give me hours back of my day and a significant boost to my mental health. I think Reddit has now filled that gap, but I’m considering doing the same for Reddit.”
Other commentators on the platform agree that social media is a problem.
“I don’t think phones are even the problem. It’s social media,” another wrote, adding, “When people are addicted to their ‘phones,’ 99% of the time what they’re actually addicted to is TikTok, Instagram, online rage bait, etc…
“All social media platforms deliberately designed to be as addictive as possible.”
Concerns for Children
Many contributors are concerned for youths growing up in this environment.
“I’m having to tell my own kids that ‘when the time comes,’ not to use their phone as much as I do,” an individual commented.
“It’s like an alcoholic or a 10-pack smoker father-figure having to tell their kids, ‘Do as I say, not as I do—or you’ll turn out like this.'”
Meanwhile, some users spotted some potential downsides to the movement: “It’s wholly ironic how smart people are increasingly using dumber technology, thus making their thoughts and opinions less prevalent and having fewer children.”
Newsweek reached out to users requesting further comment on disconnecting from their phones on May 22.
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