Young Europeans seeking moments away from technology are joining “offline clubs” to disconnect and enjoy quality time.
For many people, the mere thought of being without their phone can trigger anxiety, but for others, especially younger people, the effect can be the opposite.
In a recent survey by the British Standards Institution, 46% of teenagers interviewed said they would erase social media from the history books if they could, and 68% said they felt bad when spending too much time on social media.
Although considered the generation most vulnerable to smartphone and social media addiction, many young people are beginning to realize the negative impact social media has had on their lives and are looking for ways to reduce their online time.
Last year, The Offline Club was founded in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as a kind of refuge for those seeking to trade screen time for authentic face-to-face interactions and genuine human connections.
The project has been gaining followers from other countries such as Italy, Germany, and England, where branches of the club already exist. This shows a growing desire to prioritize real-world connections over the constant connection to digital devices that follow us 24/7.
With more than 530,000 followers on Instagram, The Offline Club aims to create screen-free public spaces and organize events with activities commonly done before smartphones, such as board games, reading, or just real conversations.
For those looking for a digital detox, the club also organizes retreats where participants disconnect not only from their phones but also from their computers to experience life without the internet.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
