A growing number of Gen Z users are actively seeking ways to reduce their time on social media and digital devices, citing concerns over addiction and exploitation by major tech platforms. This trend has fueled the expansion of the digital detox industry, which is currently valued at nearly $1 billion and is projected to grow to almost $8 billion by 2035.
Nelissa Moukoudi, a 19-year-old university student in Canada, described a significant decline in her social life after joining platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Frustrated by her inability to control screen time, she turned to an app called Opal. The app requires users to solve math problems before reopening distracting applications, aiming to interrupt habitual usage. Opal, along with similar apps, is designed to help individuals manage their digital consumption, often through subscription models. However, many users, including Moukoudi, prefer free versions, expressing reluctance to pay for such services.
The impulse to reduce digital exposure reflects a broader dissatisfaction among younger generations, who feel they have been subjected to algorithms engineered to maximize engagement and dopamine-driven feedback loops. Kenneth Schlenker, a former Google product marketer and Opal co-founder, noted that Gen Z has been "optimized for dopamine by very smart systems," but this group is increasingly pushing back against these mechanisms and seeking to redefine their relationship with technology.
Some users are opting for more radical changes by adopting minimalist devices. Kendall Schrohe, 23, co-founder of the consulting firm Attention Studio, exchanged her smartphone for a Light Phone—an intentionally limited device focused on minimal functionality. Schrohe argued that “big tech platforms have been hurting people for years,” and that younger generations have been treated as “guinea pigs” for the monetization of addictive app features.
Others have taken a DIY approach. Duke University student Shreya Nallamothu, 19, developed a custom device called “Brick,” which uses near-field communication (NFC) tags to block select apps and reduce distractions. She emphasizes the importance of affordable technology solutions, warning that corporate interests often diverge from user well-being. Nallamothu’s earlier research contributed to Illinois legislation aimed at protecting children from exploitation on social media through parental accountability measures.
The movement away from passive social media consumption has given rise to event-centered platforms like Pie (People I Enjoy). This app promotes local events and encourages active engagement rather than endless scrolling. Since July, Pie’s user base increased by 150%, reaching 300,000 users by August. Co-founder Nadya Okamoto describes it as an “in-person, active social network,” contrasting it with traditional social media’s passive content consumption.
Despite the growing interest in digital detox, subscription fees remain a barrier for many users. Services like Opal charge nearly $100 annually, while devices like Brick and apps like Shift (which transforms smartphones into limited-feature phones) require varying upfront costs. Even so, some individuals prefer simpler strategies. Han Choi, 26, reported deleting all social media apps to focus on offline activities such as trivia nights and exercise, reflecting a broader rejection of systems perceived to profit from user dependence.
As awareness of the psychological and social impacts of technology rises, members of Gen Z are increasingly shaping new norms around device use, pushing back against platforms that have long dominated their digital lives.