Why young people are ditching social media

A growing number of young people are intentionally disconnecting from the constant connectivity of social media, a trend ironically gaining traction on those very platforms. This shift, dubbed “chronically offline,” represents a reevaluation of digital life and a renewed focus on real-world experiences, driven by concerns over mental health, relentless advertising, and a feeling of pressure to present a curated self.

The Rise of “Chronically Offline”

Account manager Matt Richards, 23, experienced this firsthand when he deleted all social media apps from his phone last year. Having grown up with smartphones since age 11, Richards found that platforms once enjoyable had become dominated by what he described as “artificial-intelligence slop,” constant advertising, and the pressure of comparing his life to others. He noted a change in priorities, stating, “I think people back then used to take a break from the real world by going on their phone, but now people are taking a break from their phone to spend time in the real world.”

This sentiment is widespread. A LinkedIn post seeking perspectives on going offline garnered nearly 100 responses from Gen Z and millennials, with many describing social media detoxes and feelings of digital burnout. Participants reported turning to analog hobbies like knitting, purchasing vinyl records, and prioritizing in-person connections.

Why Now?

The decline in social media engagement is supported by data. Analysis by the Financial Times and GWI, encompassing over 250,000 adults across more than 50 countries, revealed that time spent on social platforms peaked in 2022. By the end of 2024, average daily usage had dropped almost 10%, with the most significant decrease observed among younger demographics.

Jason Dorsey, President of the centre for Generational Kinetics, attributes this shift to the increasing “nastiness and divisiveness” online, even from public figures. He suggests that young people are actively seeking greater control over their lives and a sense of balance and security, leading some to entirely abandon social media while others simply limit their usage.

The Pressure to Be “On”

Young people cite the pressures of online life and the negative impact on their mental health as key drivers for disconnecting. Nearly a quarter of those who deleted social media in the Deloitte survey reported doing so because of these factors. Richards described social media as a “pressure platform,” where he felt constantly bombarded with advertising and a sense of inadequacy.

Entrepreneur Lucy Stace, 36, echoed these concerns, noting that the constant influx of information diminishes mental capacity and hinders self-reflection.

Offline as a Status Symbol

Interestingly, as more young people disconnect, being offline is becoming increasingly “cool.” Richards observed that individuals unreachable on social media are now seen as more intriguing, embodying a sense of self-validation independent of likes and followers. Social media manager Julianna Salguero, 31, noted that the platforms lost their appeal when politicians and brands began heavily utilizing them.

This shift coincides with a renewed interest in in-person interactions. The digital generation is seeking connection through events like speed dating and professional networking, driven by feelings of loneliness and isolation. University of Sheffield lecturer Ysabel Gerrard suggests that going offline is a way for young people to reclaim control of their lives, escaping the exhausting process of constantly crafting and editing an online persona.

A Return to Analog

The desire for a less digital existence is manifesting in a resurgence of analog hobbies and media. Social media manager Julianna Salguero expressed a longing for a pre-digital era, outlining activities like writing letters and listening to vinyl records in a Substack post that received 5,000 likes. More young people are investing in vinyl records and even flip phones, relics of the early 2000s.

What Might Happen Next?

While some analysts believe the decline in social media use is a temporary “post-pandemic correction,” as people resume pre-pandemic activities, the underlying trend toward digital wellbeing could persist. Tech companies may attempt to address these concerns by offering features that promote mindful usage or prioritize genuine connection. However, if platforms continue to prioritize monetization over user wellbeing, the movement toward a more balanced digital life could gain further momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “chronically offline”?

“Chronically offline” refers to the trend of young people intentionally disconnecting from social media and prioritizing real-world experiences.

What are the main reasons young people are going offline?

Young people are citing pressures of being online, damage to their mental health, constant advertising, and a desire for more authentic connections as reasons for reducing their social media use.

Is this trend likely to continue?

While some believe it’s a temporary shift, the underlying desire for balance and control over one’s life suggests that the trend of seeking a less digital existence could continue.

As social media evolves, how do you see the relationship between online and offline life changing for future generations?