Lifestyle expert Christian Dare is promoting a shift toward screen-free, analog activities for people across North America this summer [1].
This movement arrives as a response to rising concerns over digital dependency. By prioritizing offline engagement, proponents aim to reduce screen-time addiction and foster deeper connections between family, and friends [1, 2, 3].
The trend has intensified this year, with 2026 being described as the "year of analog" [2]. This push for a disconnected lifestyle is particularly urgent given current statistics on device usage in the U.S. More than half of Americans said they feel addicted to their phones [3].
Children and teenagers are among the most affected groups. On average, kids and teens spend up to seven hours a day on entertainment screen time, a figure that does not include time spent on schoolwork [3]. The "analog summer" movement suggests replacing these digital hours with hands-on hobbies, and outdoor exploration [1, 2].
Christian Dare provided tips and ideas to help individuals transition away from their devices [1]. These recommendations focus on embracing tactile experiences, and real-time interactions to break the cycle of constant connectivity [1, 3].
Across the United States, the movement encourages a return to traditional leisure activities [2, 3]. The goal is to transform screen time into "real time" by engaging in activities that require physical presence and mental focus without the interruption of notifications [3].
“2026 is being called the "year of analog"”
The rise of the 'analog summer' reflects a growing societal backlash against the ubiquity of smartphones and the resulting mental health toll. By framing 2026 as a pivotal year for disconnecting, the movement highlights a shift from viewing screen-time reduction as a personal choice to treating it as a necessary public health intervention for families.
