Gen Zs realise mobile phones are addictive:Spend thousands on digital detox, find new ways to escape screen addiction

In today’s digital world, smartphones have become an integral part of people’s lives. From the moment they wake up in the morning until they go to sleep at night, their eyes remain glued to screens. But now, there is a growing urge to break free from ‘screen addiction’ (phone addiction).
Young people are now subscribing to apps such as Freedom, Opal and One Sec, which lock their phones for a set period of time to help them stay away from screens. The cost ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹16,000. This unique revolution to break free from screens is being led by the generation born in the digital era, Gen Z.
Pictures from today’s young people’s childhood were already on social media before they were old enough to understand it. They grew up under ‘digital surveillance’.
Gen Z wants to reclaim life beyond the screen
But now they are entering the world of work. They are realising that they cannot remain tied to this electronic chain 24 hours a day. They want to stay away from screens and live their lives in the real world.
Data shows that around 63% of Gen Z young people, troubled by constant notifications and scrolling, are deliberately distancing themselves from their phones and digital devices. This trend is being called the ‘quiet revolution’.
They feel that constant notifications, scrolling and online presence have affected their attention, peace of mind and real-life relationships. This thinking is leading to a new trend among young people-
‘Keypad’ or flip phone comeback
Young people are now giving up expensive, high-tech smartphones and using simple, old-fashioned ‘flip phones’ (dumb phones) so they can receive only essential calls or messages. No-phone rule when meeting friends: When they meet each other or attend parties, everyone keeps their phones aside.
Turning to digital locks
The use of apps and gadgets that lock users out of their phones is also growing rapidly. A new market and a new mindset: Interestingly, seeing this growing need among young people, a new industry has emerged in the market.
This industry sells ‘smartphone locks’, subscription services and ‘digital detox’ gadgets to help people break their phone addiction.
Digital detox apps market growing at 12-16% annually
Digital safe: This is known as a physical timed lockbox. Users put their smartphones inside and set a timer (2 or 4 hours). Once the timer starts, they cannot take the phone out before the time is up, even if they want to.
Detox apps: Several apps and paid subscriptions have now emerged that lock phones for a fixed period of time.
According to ‘Data Insight’, the digital detox apps market was worth around ₹3,600 crore in 2025. It is expected to reach around ₹7,900 crore in 2026 and around ₹14,700 crore by 2032. The market is growing at an annual rate of 12 to 16%.