In a surprising twist, social media influencers are leading the charge towards a more analog lifestyle in 2026. What this really means is a deliberate rejection of the constant digital connectivity that has defined the past decade.

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, top influencers from California to the UK are now publicly declaring 2026 the "Year of Analog" - and encouraging their millions of followers to join them.

The Rise of the 'Analog Lifestyle'

Selly Tan, an influencer from California, said people are "craving something real again," and vowed to print her photos, read more books and magazines, and take up hobbies that don't need Wi-Fi. Rosie Okatcha, an influencer from the U.K., proclaimed the year would be "The Age of Analog" with consumers swapping music streaming for iPods and vinyl records, and choosing crafting over doomscrolling.

The bigger picture here is that this trend speaks to a growing sense of digital burnout, especially among younger generations who have never known a world without constant connectivity. As researchers at Western University point out, the average young adult now spends over 6 hours per day on screens - a staggering statistic that has fueled a desire to disconnect.

Reclaiming Analog Experiences

For influencers, the shift to an analog lifestyle is about more than just reducing screen time. As Vancouver Magazine reports, it's about rediscovering the joy of hands-on, tactile experiences - from pottery and painting to swing dancing and hosting craft nights. The goal is to reclaim a sense of presence and mindfulness that's been lost in the digital shuffle.

And it seems this sentiment is resonating. As Dazed Digital observes, TikTok is flooded with videos extolling the virtues of "going analog," with tips and inspiration for swapping smartphones for vintage cameras, vinyl records, and good old-fashioned pen and paper. The analog lifestyle, it appears, is poised to be the defining cultural shift of 2026.