There’s a dialog that’s been effervescent beneath for just a few years now relating to “analog” coming again as a cultural and way of life pattern for 2026, and I’m seeing it throughout social media, in magazines, and even my dad and mom have requested me about it. This isn’t only a meme or area of interest thought anymore. This goes past the present pattern that implies that 2026 is the brand new 2016; a number of influential pattern studies and consultants (and even my dad) are signaling it as a significant shift.
This isn’t an anti-tech motion, and it’s not anti-AI, however after years of screens, apps, dashboards, notifications, and “yet another platform you actually want you to make use of,” there’s a rising cultural shift again towards issues which might be tactile, gradual, imperfect, and actual. I see this as a return to human connection, one thing that I’ve been longing for some time now, and that’s the rationale why I selected ‘Analog’ as my #OneWord2026. Analog is the phrase that can sit on my shoulder and remind me to behave in a method that takes me nearer in the direction of turning into the particular person, and dwelling the life, that I need for the 12 months forward.
I’ve felt this fashion for some time now, maybe because the coronavirus pandemic. I’ve embraced know-how, I’ve let algorithms select my subsequent playlist, I’ve hustled to maximise time, and productiveness hacked to fill each working minute, and fallen deeper and deeper into an countless scroll of meaningless content material and affiliate hyperlinks. I really feel like I’m at all times onhowever not often current. I don’t want my Apple watch to inform me it’s time to maneuver. If I tune into my physique, I’ll discover that it’s been telling me the identical factor.
The quote that I not too long ago learn, that tipped me over the sting, was this: “I felt like i didn’t have 20 minutes for a stroll right this moment, however I watched about 20 influencers do their exercise routines”. I consider this quote comes from @TheKindredSpaceand it sums up precisely how I felt on the finish of final 12 months. I complain that I’m too busy to exercise/learn/meditate however then I lose time, passively scrolling on-line, watching influencers do all of the issues that I crave.
And so to 2026 and a transfer in the direction of an more and more analog existence. I desire a slower, extra intentional life rejecting passive use of know-how, and avoiding the temptation to click on on hyperlinks that take me in a path away from my meant supply of focus. Sure, I’ll nonetheless use Face Time to contact associates, and sure I’ll nonetheless use my cellphone to hearken to my pal Dom Servini’s radio exhibits on Mixcloudhowever I’d fairly uncover new music from listening to it on a radio present, or through a advice from a pal, than having promoted playlists, with AI generated songs and paid-for promotions, despatched my method through an algorithm.
And so, in preparation for my analog journey via the approaching months, I’ve put collectively an inventory of things, that maybe may discover their method into my ‘analog bag’. This can be a small bag which comprises objects to maintain a busy thoughts satiated. Some folks may embrace a craft, watercolors, a journal and puzzles, however at any given time my bag may comprise the next:
Whereas I at all times have plenty of books, and audiobooks, on the go at anybody time, these two smaller paperbacks will stay in my analog e-book till accomplished. Meditation for Mortals ($14) is particularly meant to be learn briefly bursts – one quick chapter/meditation per day, and the award-winning Anticipated Targets is written by the host of one in all my favourite podcasts.
I want music round me always, and whereas some are suggesting that Sony Walkmans are returning, and cassettes and CD’s are making a come again, I will likely be carrying my previous iPod round with me, rediscovering the music that I final up to date on the machine at the very least 5 years in the past. Once I return house, my ever-growing vinyl assortment is ready for me, reminding me of the rituals associated to an intentional listening expertise.
I plan on leaning into an analog strategy in school too. I intend to search out co-workers across the constructing to debate their newest e-mail to me, as an alternative of merely hitting reply. I’ll let college students brainstorm on paper earlier than coming into their ideas into our on-line LMS on their iPads, and I’ll present extra suggestions verbally, and through postcards (a follow I’ve uncared for not too long ago). College students can anticipate extra ‘stroll and talks’ and gallery walks….and I can mannequin being current by deliberately placing my very own cellphone away when it’s not wanted.
None of that is groundbreaking. It’s intentional, it’s wanted, and that’s the purpose.
In the event you loved this weblog put up you may additionally get pleasure from the next:
I discussed Dom Servini above, take a look at his visitor put up for #microblogmonth Multicultural Appreciation By Music.
In the event you love music as a lot as I do, you’ll recognize Spinning Information, Sparking Minds from Shannon Beatty
Your Watch Instructed You to Learn Thisfrom Peloton’s Adrian Williams reminds us that typically know-how can take away our skill to suppose for ourselves, and my weblog put up Transferring for a More healthy Thoughts reinforces the facility of harnessing motion for psychological well being causes.
It’s going to come as no shock that David Sax’s 2022 e-book The Future is Analog is my present Ebook of the Month choice.
