The trend of using “analog bags,” which contain offline activities to reduce screen time, is gaining traction among Gen Z users, as highlighted by influencer and Camp Social founder Liv Schreiber. This movement, popularized by TikTok creator Sierra Campbell, encourages individuals to swap their mobile devices for engaging, non-digital hobbies.
Campbell’s original post showcased her own analog bag filled with a variety of items including a crossword book, a portable watercolor set, and a Polaroid camera. This initiative has inspired many to create their own bags, featuring diverse items such as magazines, knitting supplies, and puzzle books. “I made a bag of non-digital activities to occupy my hands instead of the phone,” Campbell stated during an interview with Fox News Digital. She noted that this shift has significantly reduced her screen time and fostered “creative and communal pursuits that don’t include doom-scrolling.”
Scientific Backing for Habit Change
The concept of the analog bag aligns with research on habit formation. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist based in California and founder of Amen Clinics, emphasizes that the brain is fundamentally habitual. “Your brain is a creature of habit,” he explained. “Neurons that fire together wire together, meaning that every time you repeat a behavior, whether it’s good or bad, you strengthen the neural pathways that make it easier to do it again.”
Studies indicate that habits often form as automatic reactions to specific triggers like boredom or stress, which typically deliver some form of reward. When alternatives are unavailable, people tend to revert to familiar routines. Dr. Amen argues that replacing an old habit with a new one that responds to the same cues can be more effective than attempting to suppress the behavior entirely.
For example, instead of quitting coffee cold turkey, a person might substitute it with herbal tea. “Simply stopping a behavior is very challenging,” Dr. Amen noted. “Replacing one habit with something that is better for your brain is much easier. That’s how lasting change happens, one step at a time.”
Practical Applications of the Analog Movement
Campbell shared her experiences using her analog bag in social settings. At a coffee shop, she might engage friends with a crossword puzzle when conversations slow down. Instead of taking numerous photos with her phone, she prefers using an instant camera, which limits her shots and encourages more intentional moments. “It’s brought so much joy,” she reflected on the analog bag trend, “seeing how it resonates with so many.”
Dr. Amen supports the idea that having alternatives readily available increases the likelihood of their use. “Your brain does much better with small, simple actions than big, vague intentions,” he advised. Instead of declaring, “I’ll stop scrolling today,” he suggests selecting manageable habits that can easily be integrated into daily routines, such as knitting or reading during idle moments.
With the rise of the analog bag movement, many are discovering the benefits of engaging in tactile, creative activities that contribute to their well-being. As individuals continue to explore this trend, the emphasis on disconnecting from the digital world in favor of more meaningful interactions and hobbies appears to be a promising approach to cultivating healthier habits.
