With AI advancement, constant overstimulation, and tech addiction, it often feels like we are hurtling toward an overly tech-based world. We now have devices to track our sleep, smart home security, and cars that resemble KITT from Knight Rider. Many of us are longing for the days when technology didn’t seep into every single aspect of our lives.

This overwhelming connectivity explains why people are gravitating toward a lower-tech lifestyle. But what does this movement actually entail, and is this trend going to stick around or fade away like crimped hair and pegged jeans?

Don’t get me wrong—I adore technology. I’m not about to give up the comforts I’ve become accustomed to, like GPS navigation. How did we even find anything back in the ‘90s? We had paper maps, but I honestly can’t remember how I managed to navigate to a friend’s house. Yet, for all the great things technology helps us accomplish, there are definite downsides. Too often, technology uses us instead of us using it.

How People Are Unplugging: Dumbphones and E-Ink

To combat this, there is a massive uptick in the “dumbphone” transition. People are gravitating toward minimal devices like the Wisephone, or even buying classic Nokia bricks from the early 2000s. There are even home phone devices like Tin Can and Pinwheel that use VoIP (Voice over IP). These phones plug directly into your internet; they are super limited, don’t allow texting, and force you to actually talk to people from a fixed location.

We are also seeing a rise in specialized E-Ink devices. Notetaking tablets like the Kindle Scribe, Kindle Colorsoft, Remarkable, and Supernote have grown incredibly popular. While they can be expensive, they offer a distraction-free, analog-like experience that is much easier on the eyes than an iPad.

This shift is even hitting the toy aisle. It used to be that the more buttons, bells, and whistles a toy had, the better. Now, parents are stepping away from that, opting for old-school wooden blocks and screen-free toys that encourage imagination without the digital noise.

The Driving Forces: Mental Health and “Sensory Grounding”

Why is this happening? A lot of it comes down to mental health. Countless reports highlight the negative psychological impacts of technology and social media, especially on kids and teenagers. There are also physical concerns, like the effects of blue light on our vision. Furthermore, people are experiencing AI fatigue. We are getting tired of looking at photos and having to guess what is real and what is fake. People want a simpler time when a photo was just a definitive snapshot of reality.

Interestingly, being offline has shifted from being viewed as “outdated” to becoming a status symbol for mental wellness. Instead of bragging about having the latest and greatest gadget, people now boast about how little they use their phones or watch TV.

Ultimately, we are craving tactile experiences. In a world of pixels, we want texture. It’s a concept called sensory grounding. You’ve probably heard the phrase “go touch grass.” It resonates because people want to get outside and experience the physical world rather than staring at the smooth, passive glass of a smartphone screen. Algorithms feed us what they want us to see, whereas low-tech options force us to be active participants in our own entertainment.

Practical Ways to Find a Middle Ground

How do we achieve a healthier balance without fully living off the grid? The key is intentionality and embracing single-use devices.

Back in the day, we had a phone, a pager, an iPod, and a camera. Now, everything is consolidated into one device, making it incredibly easy to overuse. Separating your utilities can break that cycle:

Move entertainment to the TV: If you watch a lot of YouTube on your phone, commit to only watching it on your smart TV so you have to sit down intentionally to consume it.
Use a dedicated E-reader: Reading on a device without apps prevents you from constantly switching tabs and getting distracted.
Get an old-school alarm clock: Keep your phone in the kitchen overnight so it isn’t the first thing you grab when you wake up.

Another great strategy is practicing an analog morning and evening routine. For the first 30 minutes after you wake up and the last 30 minutes before bed, turn off all screens. Read a physical book or meditate to give your day a gentler wind-up and wind-down period.

Will the Trend Last?

Do I think these low-tech products will still be around in two to five years? Honestly, devices like the Tin Can home phone probably won’t last. There is a reason we got rid of landlines—they aren’t convenient. If a child goes to soccer practice, they can’t take a home phone with them.

While the nostalgia factor is fun and kitschy right now, it will likely wear off. It’s similar to MapQuest; I am never going to go back to printing out paper directions. The technology we have now is objectively better, which is why we abandoned the old ways.

However, the desire for digital boundaries isn’t going anywhere. While everything from our stoves to our water bottles is becoming part of the “Internet of Things,” the urge to disconnect will only grow. Sometimes, we just need to leave our phones at home, step outside, and touch some grass.

Over to You

Are you participating in the low-tech movement in any way?
What do you think the longevity of these “dumbphones” will be?
Do you embrace the internet of everything, or are you looking for an exit strategy?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! As always, I’m here to translate the tech so you can go live the life you want. Powering down until next time on Family Tech!

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