Going analogue – the shift towards more offline hobbies in 2026

January 6 2026

In an ironic twist, one of the biggest trends on TikTok right now is… spending less time on it.

It's inspired by the growing number of people who say they're swapping out their smartphones and social media for more hands-on activities and in-person experiences. They're posting about how they're trying to "unplug" from the digital world by taking up "analogue hobbies" – and encouraging others to do the same.

They're talking about all kinds of different hobbies and activities – from traditional "grandma hobbies" like knitting, crochet and embroidery to journalling and scrapbooking, playing board and games and puzzles, going out to concerts and joining local groups.

There's also talk of a shift towards physical media and retro technology – like reading paper books and magazines instead of eBooks or audiobooks, taking photos on digital cameras and printing them out, and going back to using DVD and CD players ... which are now available on TikTok Shop.

Why are people going analogue?

People are saying it's because of a sense of feeling drained by social media and spending all their time doomscrolling and being served ads.

As fashion historian Rosie Oko says in this TikTok, "What was once an escape from reality and a place to make friends and build a community has become a space that many of us are trying to escape."

Analogue bags and baskets

Influencer Siece Campbell has come up with the idea of analogue bags which she recommends for people looking to reduce their screen time.

You fill a bag, or a basket, with activities you can reach for when you're bored, like arts and crafts supplies, games and puzzles, journals and books – and anything else you can turn to instead of reaching for your phone.

People who've been inspired to make them are posting "what's in my bag" TikToks showing all the things they've put in theirs – and saying they'll be a useful way of helping them achieve a more offline lifestyle this year.

The irony of going offline

People do recognise the irony of using platforms like TikTok to talk about taking pride in not being "chronically online" and positioning an "offline" lifestyle as the new ideal. But most say it's not about quitting social media – it's about finding a more balanced approach that helps them connect with other people and do something more productive in their free time.

As this social media manager summarises, "Online life has become overwhelming, and we desperately want to figure out how to step away from the screens. But we're addicted, and we need help. So yes, in 2026, we will probably be doing more painting, knitting, journaling, dinner partying, and smelling actual roses. But my guess is we'll also be planning, mapping, and documenting it online."