With the current rise of AI usage and technology-driven works, the prevalence of digital overload in users has increased, with symptoms such as lower concentration levels, increased stress and overstimulation, and lack of original ideas. As a result, there are fast building communities of people seeking the slower way out. Labelled as “analog lifestyles”, it is a conscious effort to slow down and live life consciously, and to enjoy every moment of the process and life. Analog hobbies are non-digital activities that involve hands-on-engagement, creativity and concentration, such as crocheting or knitting, learning a new instrument, gardening, photography and so many more.
Analog hobbies first picked up in the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic period. These hobbies were coined ‘grandma hobbies’ due to them often being associated with the older demographic. Nevertheless, analog hobbies have taken a new form as increasing numbers of the younger generation pick up these skills. Even though everyone has a cell phone that can be used to set alarms, listen to music, take pictures, read books, take note and many more, there has been a rising movement of decentralising smartphones and ‘splitting’ your phone into dedicated devices. Instead of just using a smartphone, people have chosen to use alarm clocks, iPods, digital cameras, physical novels and notepads instead. This is popularised by the trend of ‘romanticising life’, and something about doing things offline seems so much more genuine and grounded.
According to a recent survey done, more than 63% of millennials and Gen-z reported practicing one of the analog hobbies. Searches for “yarn kits” on the internet have increased by 1200% in 2025 and the number is only steadily climbing from there. Michaels, a popular craft store based in the US, has seen an increase of 136% in the past 6 months for ‘analog hobby’ searches, with Michael’s chief of merchandising calling this a “really big cultural shift”. This just comes to show that in a world which is constantly shifting, people are seeking stability by reclaiming their lives one action at a time.
These types of hobbies and lifestyle changes help with many different aspects in someone’s life. Firstly, they strengthen the mind and create a sense of mindfulness that combats the feeling of intense fatigue from scrolling, allows for creative thoughts to circulate in the mind, and avoids being overtaxed by constant mindless stimulation. In addition, hobbies like photography, pottery or fibre crafts enhance sensory experience as you are using more than one of your 5 senses actively. Furthermore, picking up a new hobby leads to the inevitable development of new skills and a unique skillset, which would directly lead to personal growth.
This intentional shift to a slower pace and being more ‘present’ in our day-to-day lives is a direct revolt to the advancement in automation and AI. As technology continues to optimise and accelerate, analog lifestyles reclaim something deeply human: The value of time, process and presence. It reflects a growing awareness that the convenient way is not always the best way. The quote “imagine when we die and see our life flash in front of our eyes, and all we see are our phones” captures it perfectly, that in chasing efficiency we may be losing out on rich authentic experiences. Going analog is a conscious decision many are making to ensure that when we look back on our lives, it is filled with intentional, lived in decisions and not just automatic routine.
Written by: Caelyn Tan and Grace Lim
Edited By: Sarah
