Digital fatigue attacks new generation:Some go back to feature phones while few choose to stay away from social media

There was a time when there was a race among people, especially the younger generation, to adopt digital tools and social media. But now the picture is changing. Digital fatigue is increasing among people due to digital tools, excessive screen time and being online. According to various surveys conducted in several countries including India and America, the new generation is adopting ‘digital minimalism’ to avoid constant notifications, social media and digital fatigue. Some people are buying vinyl records, CDs and record players. Some people are using flip phones or keypad feature phones, which are considered old things from the 2000s. Many Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities take digital detox from time to time. Some celebrities have even quit their social media accounts. Governments of several countries have made rules to limit screen time for students. Such initiatives are also happening in India. Karnataka has proposed limiting entertainment-related screen time to one hour per day for students. Meanwhile, the Sunday Unplug to Reconnect campaign has been launched in Chandigarh. Distance from digital devices during important moments effective in connecting families – 91% According to children, when phones are kept away, family conversations become easier. – 87% Children feel more comfortable talking openly while keeping phones away during dinner – 81% Parents say their relationship with children feels stronger without phones. – 47% Parents and 30% children are adopting basic phones. – 54% Parents and 49% children are trying to reduce screen time. – 51% Parents and 41% children block social media for a few hours. – 49% parents and 50% children are turning off non-essential notifications. – 59% parents and 47% children said they have gained more control over digital behavior. Vivo-CMR Switch Off Study 2025 – According to the latest data from the Switch Off study conducted annually by Vivo India and CMR, people are starting to distance themselves from digital devices. Geetaj Channana, Corporate Communication Officer at Vivo India, says, ‘The findings of the Switch Off study show that families are choosing digital disconnect during important moments.’ Rise of Phone-Free Tourism Off-grid travel is rapidly gaining popularity in the travel industry. According to Polaris Market Research, the global market for digital detox holidays is worth more than 6 lakh crore rupees. This could grow at 24.5% annually to reach approximately 44 lakh crore by 2034. In a survey by travel e-SIM app Saily, one-fourth of adults now prefer traveling without phones or internet. Companies Seeing New Business Opportunities Digital detox is emerging as a new lifestyle and major business opportunity. Companies like Dumb.co, Dumbphones India, and Kickback are building businesses based on this demand. They are selling old CD players and feature phones. These phones have facilities like calls, messages, WhatsApp, UPI, and maps, but no social media. Industry Groups Also Organizing Digital Detox Retreats Chandni Agarwal, founder of Bengaluru-based firm Transforming Travels, which provides detox travel, says, ‘We receive requests from corporate groups to organize digital detox retreats for their teams. In these, people distance themselves from their mobile phones, laptops, and social media. Most participants in the retreats are in the 30 to 60 age group. About 70-80% of them are women. 90% of clients prefer to organize retreats in areas like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Spiti Valley.’