As technology increasingly distracts, polarizes, and automates, many individuals are turning to analog activities as a refuge within the overwhelming digital landscape. This trend spans across generational lines, drawing together both the elderly and middle-aged individuals who experienced life before the internet, as well as digital natives born into a highly connected world.
People are stepping away from their devices to engage in creative and personal pastimes such as painting, knitting, coloring, and playing board games. Others are reviving the tradition of mailing handwritten birthday cards and messages. While the automobile industry continues to trend towards self-driving technology, some enthusiasts still prefer manual transmission cars, and a notable resurgence of interest in vinyl records has emerged, reviving an analog format that many believed was on the brink of extinction two decades ago.
These analog pursuits offer a comforting escape amidst tumultuous times, especially for Baby Boomers and Generation X individuals born between 1946 and 1980. Martin Bispels, 57, a former QVC executive, now runs Retroactv, a business specializing in rock music memorabilia from the 1960s and 1970s. He notes that “the past gives comfort” and allows individuals to shape their memories in a way that feels reassuring.
Interestingly, these analog delights are also appealing to Millennials and Generation Z, those born from 1981 to 2012. Despite being raised in an era saturated with instant information and digital entertainment, many young people are increasingly yearning for more tactile and intentional activities that stand apart from disposable digital experiences. According to Pamela Paul, author of “100 Things We’ve Lost To The Internet,” younger generations express a longing for tangible experiences, a realization that propels them to seek out the in-person, low-tech interactions that older generations often took for granted.
The ongoing tradition of sending physical cards exemplifies this trend. The act of card exchanging, steeped in history, faces threats from the rise of texting and social media. Megan Evans, who founded the Facebook group “Random Acts of Cardness,” emphasizes the meaningfulness of sending a physical card, as it conveys a deliberate gesture of care that digital messages cannot replicate. Her group now has over 15,000 members, illustrating a growing movement to preserve this practice. Another active participant, Billy-Jo Dieter, sends at least 100 cards each month, hoping to make someone smile every day through her heartfelt, handwritten messages.
Similarly, the preference for manual transmission vehicles reflects a desire for engagement in the present moment. Cars with stick shifts are dwindling in popularity—only around 1% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in recent years feature manual transmissions, a steep decline from 35% in 1980. However, Prabh and Divjeev Sohi, brothers studying at San Jose State University, are among the few who embrace this driving skill. Their childhood interest in stick shifts grew from both video games and experiences with family members. They appreciate that driving a manual car requires focus and engagement, encouraging them to be present while on the road.
In the music realm, vinyl records, which seemed to fade away in the late 20th century, are witnessing a resurgent popularity. After hitting a low in 2006 with only 900,000 units sold, vinyl records have since returned, with approximately 43 million units sold in recent years. This revival is not solely driven by Baby Boomers; younger audiences are increasingly discovering the depth of sound that vinyl offers. Carson Bispels, 24, appreciates the ritual of listening to an entire album on vinyl, feeling a direct connection to the artist. With a growing collection of over 100 vinyl records—many gifted by his father—Carson highlights the unique experience of physical record hunting in contrast to today’s instant music streaming services.
In conclusion, this shift towards embracing analog activities showcases a collective desire for meaningful human connection and tangible experiences amidst the constant barrage of digital distractions. As individuals across generations engage in creative and personal pastimes, they affirm the enduring value of sincerity and intention in their interactions and hobbies.
