Analog Resurgence Amid Digital Domination: The Revitalization of Analog Technology in Today's Digital Era
In the era where screens take over nearly every part of everyday life, Gen Z are stepping back to savor the charm of traditional pastimes. With an average screen time of 7 hours and 29 minutes per day - exceeding the global average by nearly an hour, these youngsters are longing for activities that don't demand a digital interface.
The inclination isn't all about reminiscence; it's about yearning for experiences that provide tactile delight and a reprieve from the relentless pace of digital consumption. Boards games and game nights have turned out to be popular social gatherings for friends, offering an escape from digital interruptions. The allure of film photography is resurfacing as well, as GenZers appreciate the anticipation and flaws that come with developing physical photos. traveling with a Polaroid camera is now a trend among more than 25% of UAE travelers, highlighting the growing appeal of traditional experiences.
The appeal of these traditional activities lies in their ability to offer an immersive experience that digital platforms often fail to deliver. These hobbies offer a respite from the constant distractions, allowing individuals to dive deep into the moment. As the digital arena expands, it seems that for many in Gen Z, the road to tranquility and fulfillment may lie in revisiting the past.
Tired of being Online?
With an average screen time of over 7 hours a day, the digital world seeps into every part of daily life for people in UAE – and for Gen Z, it can go up to more. The constant barrage of social media and the pressure to be perpetually online tug at GenZers more than anyone else in the Middle East, as per a recent regional youth survey. Many are eager to unplug, even if they aren't sure how to achieve it.
It's not about shunning technology; it's about craving tranquility, serenity, and authenticity – qualities often missing from digital platforms.
The Resurgence of Traditional Pastimes: What's Making a Comeback?
As digital fatigue sets in, an unassuming transformation takes place in homes, cafes, and vacation bags across the UAE. Traditional pastimes, once deemed obsolete, are slowly reemerging as meaningful alternatives to constant screen time.
Board Games
Cafes like Unwind and Dice Cafe in Dubai are becoming meeting spots where folks gather for hours to play tabletop games. From strategy games such as Catan and Wingspan to light-hearted games like Uno, bonding happens face-to-face, something that group chats can't quite capture.
Film Photography
The pleasure of capturing moments with a film camera is inexplicably attractive. Whether it's a disposable Fujifilm camera, a vintage Canon AE-1, or a trendy Polaroid, youngsters are falling for the allure of patience. Photo developing workshops are quietly popping up around the UAE, even in creative hubs like Alserkal Avenue. It's not about the specialist skill; it's about the appeal of a slower pace.
Vinyl & Cassettes
At stores like The Flip Side in Dubai, vinyl records are coming back into record collections of young listeners clamoring for more than just background noise. Cassettes, with all their unique noises and glitches, are gaining traction too. It's not about superior sound quality; it's about wanting a slower experience – one without the option to shuffle or constantly scroll.
Journaling & Letter Writing
Penning down thoughts might seem outdated, but it's making a silent return. From bullet journaling and habit trackers to letters exchanged between friends, Gen Z is embracing a form of expression that doesn't depend on screens. In bookstores and gift shops around the UAE, notebooks are flying off the shelves, filled with color pens, stickers, and all the little things that make writing feel special again. It's not about neatness; it's about taking a brief respite to give the mind some quiet.
DIY Crafts & Art
Crocheting, painting, and scrapbooking – these hobbies are reemerging in bedrooms and living rooms across the UAE. Pinterest and TikTok provide inspiration, but the real magic unfolds when hands get covers in glue or paint instead of swiping through videos. As people turn to simple crafts to unwind after a long day, flipping screens is gradually becoming less appealing.
All these hobbies share a common thread: they ask people to slow down. They don't prioritize outcomes over processes, like digital apps often do. And in today's fast-paced world, that slowdown feels like a quiet revolution.
Why Gen Z is spearheading the Analog Wave
Given that Gen Z grew up surrounded by smartphones and social media, it might come as a surprise that this generation leads the analog revival. Yet, this is precisely why they're turning away - if only for a while. In a society where almost 98% of youth have access to smartphones, and Instagram and TikTok dominate daily habits in the UAE, it's intriguing to see young folks gravitate towards analogue experiences. A recent study by Al Ghurair Foundation and YouGov found that more than half of young UAE residents are actively seeking more meaningful, offline experiences to manage their mental health and reduce screen fatigue.
Analogue pastimes offer what Gen Z desires most: authentic connections and moments that feel genuine. These activities provide a space devoid of the pressure to perform – a realm lacking likes, reposts, and filters. And in a world where life often transpires through a screen, the appeal of a slower, more grounded lifestyle can't be ignored.
- Eager to escape digital interruptions, board games and game nights have become popular social gatherings for friends among Gen Z, offering an immersion into the moment free from screens.
- The allure of film photography is resurfacing, with Gen Z appreciating the anticipation and flaws that come with developing physical photos, making traveling with a Polaroid camera a trend among more than 25% of UAE travelers.
- In the era of unending digital consumption, traditional pastimes are slowly reemerging as meaningful alternatives to constant screen time, such as tabletop games in cafes like Unwind and Dice Cafe in Dubai.
- Vinyl records are making a comeback in record collections of young listeners, with stores like The Flip Side in Dubai seeing an increase in demand for analog records and cassettes that provide a slower and more engaging listening experience.
- Penning down thoughts through journaling and letter writing is making a silent return, as Gen Z embraces a form of self-expression that doesn't depend on screens and enables them toconnect with their inner selves in a quieter space.
- In homes and living rooms across the UAE, DIY crafts and art are reemerging, providing an outlet for people to unwind after a long day and find joy in the processes rather than the end results.
- Pined for qualities like authenticity, serenity, and tranquility often missing from digital platforms, Generation Z is spearheading the analog wave by seeking out offline, meaningful experiences that foster genuine connections.
- As more than half of young UAE residents aim to manage their mental health and reduce screen fatigue, analog hobbies offer a welcome relief from the constant barrage of social media and the pressure to be perpetually online.
- From fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink to home-and-garden, pets, relationships, education-and-self-development, shopping, travel, cars, and more, traditional experiences incorporate personal growth and fulfillment into everyday life--reminding people of the value in stepping away from screens every now and then.
