Young People Reject Social Media, Embrace Offline Living as New Status Symbol

LONDON, United Kingdom — A growing movement among younger generations is reshaping the narrative surrounding social media, as digital minimalism gains traction. Oxford University Press has identified “brain rot” as its 2024 Word of the Year, reflecting the cognitive decline associated with excessive online consumption. This linguistic shift signifies a cultural pivot as millennials and Gen Z increasingly value disconnection over digital interaction.

More young people are opting to delete their social media accounts, gravitating towards analog hobbies, and even using simpler mobile devices known as “dumbphones.” Such moves illustrate a desire to reclaim time and mental clarity in a society that often feels overwhelmingly connected.

Francesco Bogliacino, an associate professor of economics at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, stated, “Being disconnected from social media is becoming a status symbol. We are more aware of the harmful effects of social media like mental health issues, polarization, and misinformation.”

Case in point is Kate Cassidy Fletcher, a New York City advertising tech professional who publicly documented her decision to delete nearly all social media accounts in November 2024. Her video, viewed over 80,000 times, resonated with many.

“It felt innocent and fun,” she recalled of her early experiences online. But as she became aware of the negative impacts of endless scrolling, particularly during her tenure with TikTok, she reached a breaking point. “Once I deleted one platform, I realized how much better it made me feel. It was a domino effect to delete the others,” Fletcher explained.

Initially, she struggled with the absence of social media, stating, “I compulsively checked my phone, only to realize there was nothing to check.” However, the ongoing adjustment period led to unexpected clarity. “I feel like the truest version of myself not being influenced by trends,” Fletcher stated, indicating the growth in popularity of offline lives.

Similar sentiments are echoed by 25-year-old Alex Edwards, who also left platforms like Instagram and TikTok behind in 2020. “I felt like I could not escape the chronically online society we had become. It felt claustrophobic,” Edwards said. His decision brought him immediate relief, and he has not looked back since.

Edwards added, “Social media went from being a fun thing to something I was using constantly. The happiest and most successful people I know actively avoid it.” He viewed quitting as a path to reclaiming lost time and authentic experiences.

The drift towards offline interaction also intersects with dating culture. Zaahirah Adam, founder of the dating app Hati, recognizes this trend. “Dating apps have not changed in over a decade and have left us disconnected from what people want,” she remarked. Her app encourages direct voice calls over endless texting, underscoring a shift towards genuine human interaction.

In online discussions, younger creators have expressed a longing for the tangible, with posts analyzing the cognitive overload of endless scrolling while also highlighting how being offline is perceived as a newfound luxury. Tiziana Bucec, a 19-year-old creator from Berlin, stated, “I don’t think it’s healthy to constantly consume so much information. Making the active choice to be offline is definitely becoming more of a luxury, and I think that trend will only continue.”

Despite this movement, social media remains a fundamental aspect of modern life for many. Fletcher admitted, “Would I ever rejoin social media? Maybe for business purposes,” indicating a complex relationship with the platforms.

While younger generations are gravitating towards less engagement online, the reality remains that the digital world is not going anywhere. For many, finding balance will be essential as they learn to navigate both their online and offline lives.