Teens Living The Low-Tech ‘90s Life!
By Nidhi Gupta, MD
1. How common is this, and what does it look like? Which kids seem to be drawn to the low-tech ’90s life?
Not as common as many parents wish it were, but the movement is definitely growing. I often see two groups of teens drawn to a lower-tech lifestyle: those who have had a negative online experience, and those who have developed insight that their anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or overwhelm are connected to smartphones and social media.
There’s also another interesting group: kids whose parents intentionally kept childhood lower-tech. These teens have actually experienced life both ways. They’ve seen the difference between being constantly connected and being fully present. Many of them genuinely prefer the calmer version!
2. Why do you think teens these days are drawn to this?
Teens are reacting to exhaustion. They are overwhelmed by constant comparison, pressure to look perfect online, endless notifications, doom-scrolling, and the feeling that they can never fully unplug. Many describe feeling mentally “full” all the time.
At a recent digital wellness workshop I led for college students, I heard the same themes repeatedly:
“I cannot focus.”
“I lose hours scrolling.”
“I cannot sleep.”
“I just want a break.”
They are searching for ‘relief’.
3. What are the pluses to this phenomenon?
The benefits are enormous!!
When teens are not constantly tethered to devices, we often see better focus, improved sleep, stronger relationships, more creativity, and better emotional regulation. They are more likely to engage in real-world hobbies, conversations, music, sports, and face-to-face friendships.
Research continues to show that heavy smartphone and social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and reduced attention span in adolescents.
Sometimes what looks “low-tech” is actually high-quality living.
4. Are there any concerns? What should parents do if their kids are embracing a low-tech life?
Parents should absolutely support this choice, and ideally model it themselves!
We now have growing evidence that delaying smartphones until at least age 16 is associated with better mental health outcomes. Kids do not need social media to have a meaningful adolescence.
There are plenty of practical alternatives for staying connected, including flip phones, landlines, and in-person plans. Families are also rediscovering things like board game nights, book clubs, art nights, and neighborhood hangouts.
At the end of the day, this movement is really about restoring childhood. And honestly, many teens seem relieved when someone finally gives them permission to step away.