LIFE HACKS
Manna, an advocate for sustainable fashion, unplugs every weekend, using the hashtag #offline48 to let followers know. “I’m able to be more present with my loved ones, I sleep better, I have more time to be creative, to be in nature, and to be with my community,” she said. For most people, though, the harm from screen time isn’t necessarily mental health—it’s missed opportunities. “What didn’t you do because you were scrolling?” asked Anna Cox, a professor of human-computer interaction at University College London. “Did you miss a conversation with your partner, or stay up later than planned and put off doing the washing up?” But there are practical solutions, Cox noted, such as turning off notifications or switching a phone’s interface to black and white. “We need to educate ourselves—and particularly young people—on how to take control of our devices,” she concluded. EC
Paris, Barcelona, and Dubai. The first Offline Club was launched in Amsterdam by Ilya Kneppelhout and two friends. “The loneliness epidemic and the mental health epidemics are on the rise. So people really seek connection—genuine connection with others away from screens,” Kneppelhout explained. He believes many people feel trapped in social media and phone use: “We’re using it even though we don’t want to… and even though we know it doesn’t make us feel better.” Kneppelhout was inspired by events like Reading Rhythms in New York and the Silent Book Club, where people gather simply to read together. For those craving a deeper reset, detox retreats lasting several days are now offered in various countries. Even influencers—usually ever-present online—are joining the trend. French content creator Lena Mahfouf told her millions of followers she was taking a month-long break in November. Venetia La
and scroll,” he said, adding that he struggles with FOMO—or “Fear of Missing Out.” Shafier, 35, attended with a friend. The two sat and sewed together while chatting. “I hate using my phone so much. I’m angry at myself,” she said, noting that if she were at home, her phone would be right beside her. Still, the moment the event ended, she instinctively turned her phone back on and scanned her screen. Ironically, most attendees discovered the Offline Club through social media, often via Instagram posts. But organiser Ben Hounsell, 23, clarified that the point isn’t to demonise technology. “A lot of people are realising that just getting away from your phone for a few hours can be super beneficial in a number of ways,” he said. Since launching in late October, more than 2,000 people have joined Offline Club events. “It’s really just growing super rapidly in London. Every event seems to sell out instantly,” Hounsell added. The club has since expanded with branches in
ctx/alm/jkb/lcm/yad/fg — from Agence France-Presse
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