In today’s digital age, many of us are haunted by unfinished hobbies and missed opportunities, all while spending hours glued to our screens. From unread books to abandoned climbing equipment, it’s easy to let time slip away scrolling, swiping, and streaming. With UK adults spending an average of five hours a day looking at screens, it’s no surprise that a new movement is encouraging people to embrace a day offline.
Swap Screen Time for Real Time
A growing number of people are committing to what’s being dubbed a “digital detox day”—a full 24 hours without any devices. The Offline Club, an initiative that encourages people to swap screen time for real-world experiences, has organized its first mass digital detox event. More than 1,000 participants have signed up to reclaim their downtime on Sunday, with the club’s mission to create real connections in a world dominated by screens.
Participants will gather virtually the night before the detox for a Zoom call offering practical advice on how to survive the day without the internet. The goal? To spend those hours engaging with life beyond the screen, whether it’s reading, hiking, or simply enjoying time with friends and family.
A New Way to Unplug
One participant, Philip, a 33-year-old branding director from Rotterdam, spends up to 14 hours a day in front of screens between his job and leisure time. Fed up with the constant stream of social media and “doomscrolling,” he’s excited to take part in the digital detox. “I want to feel more present in my life, not constantly watching what others are doing online,” he shared. For Philip, the challenge is also about reconnecting with face-to-face interactions and nature, without the crutch of navigation apps or social media notifications.
A Collective Movement for Change
For Fernanda Grace, a 38-year-old community manager from Barcelona, the digital detox is not just a personal endeavor but a collective movement. She envisions the detox becoming as widespread as Earth Hour, where people globally switch off their lights for 60 minutes to give back to the planet. “It’s easier to commit when you know others are doing it with you,” Grace explained.
Since learning about the Offline Club, she has started making small changes, such as leaving her phone in her purse during dinners with friends and switching to an old-fashioned alarm clock. “An email first thing in the morning can set a stressful tone for the entire day. I’m trying to break free from that,” she added.
Offline Club: From Amsterdam to the World
The Offline Club first held an in-person “digital detox hangout” in Amsterdam earlier this year, locking away phones and encouraging participants to engage with each other and read. Its success has led to expansion into major cities like Paris, Dubai, and London. Sunday’s event marks the first large-scale digital detox, aiming to get as many people offline as possible.
Ilya Kneppelhout, co-founder of the Offline Club, says the initiative is about more than just turning off devices—it’s about helping people reconnect with themselves and those around them. “People are often shocked at how much more relaxed and connected they feel after just a few hours offline,” he shared.
A Retreat to Rediscover Life
For those seeking a deeper break from the digital world, the Offline Club also offers weekend getaways in the Dutch countryside. With phones locked away upon arrival, attendees can fully immerse themselves in nature, creativity, and reflection. A two-day retreat costs €425 (£356), but Kneppelhout says the mental clarity gained from these retreats is priceless. “People finally slow down, reflect on their lives, and often make big decisions afterward,” he said, adding that several participants have even quit their jobs after these retreats.
The Future of Digital Detoxing
Kneppelhout believes this movement is just the beginning. He envisions a future where phone-free spaces in cities and phone-free holidays become the norm, offering people a regular escape from the constant demands of the digital world.
As the Offline Club continues to expand across new cities, the founders are optimistic that people will embrace these moments of real connection. Kneppelhout concluded, “Taking control of your downtime is more important than ever.”
