Is the rise of analog hobbies a sign of tech fatigue?
Shreedhar Rathi | Mar 13, 2025, 18:08 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
Analog hobbies like knitting, painting, and journaling are enjoying a revival as individuals seek to unplug from technology. These hands-on activities are appealing to various age groups, offering a sense of accomplishment and mindfulness. Craft stores and subscription services have seen an increase in sales, while celebrities and influencers help popularize the trend.
In an era dominated by digital entertainment and constant screen time, a surprising trend is emerging: the revival of analog hobbies. Activities once considered nostalgic, such as knitting, painting, and journaling, are making a strong comeback, appealing to those seeking a break from technology and a deeper connection to creativity.
Americans are rediscovering the joys of working with their hands and engaging in tactile experiences. Knitting, for instance, has evolved from a pastime associated with previous generations to a trendy activity embraced by people of all ages. Online knitting communities and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a role in popularizing the craft, showcasing intricate patterns and inspiring new enthusiasts to pick up needles and yarn.
Similarly, painting has seen a resurgence, with more people turning to watercolors, acrylics, and oils as a means of self-expression and relaxation. Paint-and-sip events, where participants create artwork while enjoying a glass of wine, have become social gathering staples, offering a unique blend of creativity and camaraderie. Beyond organized events, at-home painting kits have surged in popularity, making artistic expression more accessible than ever.
Journaling, another analog activity experiencing renewed interest, has evolved beyond simple diary entries. Bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, and art journaling have captivated those looking to organize their thoughts, practice mindfulness, or unleash their artistic side. Unlike digital note-taking apps, handwritten journaling allows for a more intimate and personal experience, fostering a deeper connection between individuals and their reflections.
The renewed interest in these hobbies is fueled in part by a collective yearning for balance. The digital age has brought unprecedented convenience, but it has also led to increased stress, information overload, and screen fatigue. Engaging in hands-on activities provides a sense of accomplishment, reduces stress, and promotes mindfulness in ways that scrolling through a smartphone cannot replicate.
Retailers and brands have taken notice of this growing trend. Craft stores report increased sales in yarn, paints, and journals, while subscription services offering curated art supplies and DIY projects continue to gain traction. Celebrities and influencers have also embraced analog hobbies, sharing their knitting projects, journal pages, and painting sessions with millions of followers, further fueling the movement.
As Americans continue to seek meaningful ways to unplug, analog hobbies offer a timeless escape from the digital grind. Whether picking up knitting needles, a paintbrush, or a journal, these activities provide an opportunity to slow down, create with intention, and reconnect with a simpler, more tactile way of living.
Americans are rediscovering the joys of working with their hands and engaging in tactile experiences. Knitting, for instance, has evolved from a pastime associated with previous generations to a trendy activity embraced by people of all ages. Online knitting communities and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a role in popularizing the craft, showcasing intricate patterns and inspiring new enthusiasts to pick up needles and yarn.
Similarly, painting has seen a resurgence, with more people turning to watercolors, acrylics, and oils as a means of self-expression and relaxation. Paint-and-sip events, where participants create artwork while enjoying a glass of wine, have become social gathering staples, offering a unique blend of creativity and camaraderie. Beyond organized events, at-home painting kits have surged in popularity, making artistic expression more accessible than ever.
Journaling, another analog activity experiencing renewed interest, has evolved beyond simple diary entries. Bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, and art journaling have captivated those looking to organize their thoughts, practice mindfulness, or unleash their artistic side. Unlike digital note-taking apps, handwritten journaling allows for a more intimate and personal experience, fostering a deeper connection between individuals and their reflections.
The renewed interest in these hobbies is fueled in part by a collective yearning for balance. The digital age has brought unprecedented convenience, but it has also led to increased stress, information overload, and screen fatigue. Engaging in hands-on activities provides a sense of accomplishment, reduces stress, and promotes mindfulness in ways that scrolling through a smartphone cannot replicate.
Retailers and brands have taken notice of this growing trend. Craft stores report increased sales in yarn, paints, and journals, while subscription services offering curated art supplies and DIY projects continue to gain traction. Celebrities and influencers have also embraced analog hobbies, sharing their knitting projects, journal pages, and painting sessions with millions of followers, further fueling the movement.
As Americans continue to seek meaningful ways to unplug, analog hobbies offer a timeless escape from the digital grind. Whether picking up knitting needles, a paintbrush, or a journal, these activities provide an opportunity to slow down, create with intention, and reconnect with a simpler, more tactile way of living.