Will we be "chronically offline" in 2026?

Offline activities and hobbies are picking up major speed right now online and the word that's becoming synonymous with this non digital renaissance is analog. Now some people are predicting a mass exodus from our phones but I'm more sceptical and tech companies are savvy. So I see them adapting to this behavioural shift in new ways and challenging the anti social media that meta and whatever this is appear to be embracing. My sense is the next wave of social media-esque apps to emerge and thrive will zero in on your 5 to 9 and aim to facilitate in person connection. The late stage signals are all there like TikToks about chaining your phone to the wall or printing out your Instagram feed. CatGPT's recent no phone party in LA, the concept of the analog bag popularised by influencer Siece Campbell, cosy colouring talk and even the surge and things like Louise Carmen notebooks that are almost $200 USD. New apps are emerging like Rodeo from former Hinge COO that claims to wrangle your non-work calendar or Albo that helps you actually do the things you save online. To me these clearly fall into that 5 to 9 category that apps like Particle which says life isn't about being connected, it's about being in the same room, have already tapped into. I'm gonna leave you off with a quote that bent my mind into a pretzel in the best way. 15 years ago, the internet was an escape from the real world. Now, the real world is an escape from the internet. Encapsulates this current feeling perfectly that online life has become overwhelming and we desperately wanna figure out how to step away from the screens. But we're addicted and we need help. So yes, in 2026, we will probably be doing more painting and knitting and journaling and dinner partying and smelling actual roses. But my guess is we'll also be planning and mapping and documenting it online.