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Call it going analog, friction maxxing, or digital detoxing.
Whatever the term, it's trending. More people are searching the internet for ways to replace screen time with tools and activities that may not be as quick and convenient, but can lead to more satisfaction through intentionality.
As an early ’80s baby, I have fond memories of life before the smartphone. While I won’t trade mine for a “dumb phone” just yet, I can vouch for some analog ways that make me feel better and save me a little money.
1. Read physical books and magazines
My attention span feels shorter these days, and I have a hunch it’s because I spend so much time online.
In fact, the majority of U.S. adults ages 18-29 (63%) say they use the internet almost constantly, according to data from Pew Research Center. I’m an age bracket up, but … same.
It hit me while waiting for my daughter at gymnastics class a few weeks back. I peeked up from my phone, scanned the room and noticed every single adult was also glued to theirs.
I’m embarrassed to admit I was searching for new sneakers I didn’t need. I probably got to the Nike site from a social media ad.
I thought to myself, “we should all have a book,” and it prompted me to pack an “analog bag” for next time. In it, I keep a real book (currently reading “The Late Show" by Michael Connelly), a couple Car and Driver magazines and a notebook.
2. Write notes and ideas on paper
My notebook is made by Moleskine (it’s sleek), and I try to grab it instead of my phone to jot down article ideas and general thoughts on life. I also make my to-do lists with a pen and pad each morning to delay the need to open my laptop.
My dad takes it to the next level. He handwrites email responses. He goes from paper to a Word Doc to Gmail to get it right. I’m not that old school, but it’s a good reminder that we don’t have to do everything at warp speed.
3. Listen to music on wax
I use Spotify more than any other app on my phone, but all the content it packs in overwhelms me. I’ve lost the connection with the artists I love. Meanwhile, a 12-inch vinyl record holds just around 20 minutes of audio per side.
The ritual of placing a record on a turntable, dropping the needle and listening to the whole thing through stereo speakers really can make music more special.
It’s less convenient than digital streaming, but music lovers are embracing the extra effort. U.S. vinyl sales increased for the 19th straight year in 2025 to 47.9 million units, according to entertainment data and insights company, Luminate.
Collecting albums can be an affordable hobby, too, when you scour the bargain bins for used records at your local shop.
There is some upfront cost for a record player and speakers, if you want those. You can buy used to save money. After that, maybe a free music streaming service will suffice.
4. Learn a handmade hobby, like crochet or needlepoint
My colleague Erin El Issa, a senior writer at NerdWallet, crochets. I know because I’ve seen her chipping away at a scarf during video calls.
“As someone who’s always trying to put down her phone, crochet gives me something to do with my hands that also allows me to engage with others,” she says. And when on Zoom, “I find I listen better and contribute more when my hands are occupied.”
Needlepoint, a type of hand embroidery, is another classic hobby that’s coming back. There’s a TikTok trend afoot, with users making videos to show their WIP (works in progress). The tag #needlepoint has 126K posts in early February.
5. Try the guitar or another instrument
My analog hobby is playing guitar. It’s been a challenging, yet mindful, way to detach from the internet. I keep an electric guitar and small amp right near my record player and practice by playing along with my favorite albums.
I ditched YouTube for lessons at a local music store a couple years back and made great progress. That did cost money, and I’m no virtuoso, but I still really enjoy it.
6. Break up with your phone
Adding more tangible experiences to your life — like reading a whole book or listening to an album on vinyl — will help you disconnect, but your phone will still be there.
The nuclear option is to get rid of it, with some people interested in trading down to a “dumb phone” that only allows for calling and messaging.
But you’d probably have to keep a backup smartphone for those times when you want to quickly check your credit card balance, pay for parking, or scan a QR code to get back into Netflix.
Eventually, the unnecessary friction will get ya. I need my smartphone to get by, but I’m finding ways to keep it in the “friend zone.”
- I minimized my home screen to just the basic apps: phone, messages, mail, internet and maps. I really am opening Facebook less.
- I keep my phone down during downtime, only allowing a podcast to play in my ears. This helps me avoid mindless scrolling and one-tap purchases.
- I made a pact with my family to put devices away at the dinner table, and my kids are actually telling me about their day.
- I quit theDoorDash app and went back to getting takeout myself. It's a way I save money and get to say hi to restaurant staff.
And I’m just getting started. There’s a lot more I can do to disconnect.
Here’s to finding more ways to go offline in 2026.
🎙️Hear the Nerds discuss friction maxxing on "Smart Money"
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