Digital Detox Nights Are Taking Over Europe
It’s no secret that spending too much time online can be detrimental to our mental health, or that it can lead to a phone addiction. But knowing that, doesn’t make it any easier to put our phones down.
For a few years now it has felt as though the options were to either have an app limit our screen time or to sign up for a pricey digital detox weekend in the countryside. There was no in-between. Until now.
Over the last year or so, all over Europe, people have been talking about the Offline Club. It’s a group from the Netherlands that organizes digital detox nights. The concept is simple : you pay an entry fee, you lock your phone away and you enjoy an evening with like-minded individuals in a cafe.
Some people bring books, board games, writing materials, while others prefer to chat with their neighbours. Participants have been reported that it feeds their creativity and that detoxing helps them feel more connected with themselves or humanity.
They’ve been so successful that there are now Offline Club events all over Europe. What started in Amsterdam with three friends has now had over 5000 participants in cities like Paris, Barcelona, Milan and Aarhus.
Other organizations have also started planning similar events. In London, Pilot Magazine recently created a ‘No Screens Pls’ night, complete with board games, zine making, books and chess. Another edition of this night is being planned in Los Angeles soon.
Digital detoxing has never been easier, all that’s left to do is hand over your phone.
