In a world increasingly dominated by smartphones and constant connectivity, one journalist has embarked on a bold experiment to unplug and reconnect with a more analogue lifestyle. Emma Russell, a reporter for The Update Desk, recently spent a month ditching her iPhone in favour of a Nokia, Walkman, film camera and physical maps, with surprising results.
The initial transition was not without its challenges. Russell found herself struggling to navigate the city without the aid of digital maps, unable to quickly respond to messages from friends and family, and lacking the constant stream of information at her fingertips. “You’re going to look like such a performative hipster,” her flatmate Ben remarked as she set up her new devices.
However, as the experiment progressed, Russell began to notice a shift in her mindset and behaviour. She found herself more present and engaged with her surroundings, taking the time to observe the changing leaves on the trees and engage in deeper conversations with friends. The absence of constant digital distractions allowed her to focus on the task at hand, whether it was reading a physical book or enjoying a live music performance uninterrupted by the urge to capture footage for social media.
“My mental health was very poor,” says Rosanna Irwin, who runs a digital detox retreat in Ireland. “I was spending a lot of time online and I did an accidental digital detox on this island and came back invigorated from the experience.” Irwin recommends a minimum of three days in nature to truly reap the benefits of unplugging.
For Russell, the experience was not without its frustrations. Coordinating with friends and managing her finances proved more challenging without the convenience of her smartphone. However, she found solace in the simplicity of her analogue lifestyle, enjoying the tactile experience of reading physical newspapers and the serendipity of chance encounters.
As the experiment drew to a close, Russell reflected on the lessons she had learned. “I’m determined to delete my main distractions: Depop, Hinge and Instagram,” she says. “Scouring charity shops for clothes is much more satisfying; dating with no distractions is so much easier; and I can live without reels about botched Botox and AI animals.”
The journey has left Russell with a renewed appreciation for the benefits of disconnecting and the importance of finding a balance between digital and analogue living. “For all the frustrations of the month, I’m sad the experiment is over,” she concludes. “I was happier and calmer – relieved of the endless scrolling, waiting for texts back, and the need to communicate with people all the time.”
