Earlier this month, a TikTok video of Philadelphia high school students went viral for exposing their delayed reading and comprehension skills. The TikTok account holder was then threatened with suspension and denied graduation by school officials. Days earlier, the School District of Philadelphia agreed to shut down 17 schools in the area starting in 2027 due to a lack of funding. As the major metropolitan school district continues to close schools, this creates even more barriers to furthering education for students who already travel an hour and a half to school every morning. The TikTok series also proved how important education is, and discussions about how communities could bridge the education gap while children are at home for the summer became a hot topic. Many adults online agreed that the increase in screen time, along with the glorification of online streamers and the demeaning of television shows, has contributed to youth’s unwillingness to stimulate their minds outside of school, especially amid the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
With the use of AI increasing, many people fear that the essence of human interaction, skills, and thought-provoking ideas will soon dwindle. Since the change in the United States administration in early 2025, people have reverted to physical books as media online continues to be manipulated through censorship and alterations. For those who have read the books 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, the recent mirrored events have been difficult to ignore. Before 2024, I had a handful of textbooks and mandatory reads for college. Last summer, I decided to buy books to reduce my screen time and improve my literacy and vocabulary skills. On a deeper level, I bought the books in case of an unexpected catastrophe, like power grids cutting off, or if certain books were no longer “accessible” to citizens, extreme, I know.
After buying books, I soon began researching which other books to add to my little home library, and I stumbled across Analog Tok, the analog community on TikTok. The phrase “going analog” often correlates with digital detoxification, switching out smart devices for simpler technologies like an iPod or a Kindle, and hobbies like reading and crafting. Like me, TikTok users of various ages and backgrounds have found themselves overwhelmed by ever-evolving technology and declining literacy levels in the United States. Giving full, undivided attention to these simple activities could help improve memory, cognitive thinking, and attention spans.
A decrease in attention spans is associated with extensive time spent consuming digital entertainment. With the world in the palm of our hands, it is easy to scroll from one topic to the next without fully grasping what was learned five scrolls prior. As someone who is chronically online, I have caught myself learning almost every topic under the sun in three hours on TikTok, but I can only recall about 15% of what I watched earlier in the day. Indicators like these have pushed me even more to go analog with the goals of:
enhancing my thought process,
learning new topics,
and enhancing my memory as I get older.
So, how does one actually “go analog?”
Make your social media feed your reality:
Going analog does not mean going 1842- you can still find your online niches in the real world and make it your reality without the constant use of AI or the internet.
Music:
Before streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, millennials and some zillennials vividly remember downloading music, legally and... illegally, on the family computer, hoping a virus didn’t take over. While it was a hassle to find ways to download your music to your iPod, MP3 player, or Zune, the device itself was simple enough that you could still focus while listening to music without any distractions. Today, with music apps included on our phones, it is easy for us to get sidetracked by social media or text messages, regardless of whether we’re on Do Not Disturb. If you want to go a more sophisticated route, record players are resurging again, enhancing the ambiance of your home. Not only do you get the feeling of being in a loft in New York City, but selecting records creates an adventure in itself. Going to a record store in your area, crate digging, or even buying vinyl records with Zoetopos, illusion of motion, makes the listening experience even cooler to share with those around you.
Read:
As mentioned earlier, between this year and last year, my home library has grown tremendously. Sadly, some books are not free, especially if you buy them from major retailers. While scanning through BookTok, I was reintroduced to ThriftBooks, and I have started using World of Books. Both websites are fantastic for those who want to expand their libraries at an affordable price and are not afraid of previously loved books. They also have reward systems and sales that could help bring you closer to your next book at no cost. Of course, don’t forget your local thrift stores as well.
Another way to find affordable books is through estate sales. I must admit that I lucked out earlier this year, as the owner of the home was a bibliophile. I cannot give too much advice on this, but I would say to check online beforehand so that you aren’t wasting your time traveling to another city. Lastly, your local library is always a great go-to. Having a library card not only gives you unlimited access to books, but it will also encourage your city and state officials to continue funding this third space that is essential to your constituents. From time to time, libraries also host sales to get rid of some books and raise money. Just ask!
Cook:
In the early 2000s, I remember my mom having a box of recipe cards mixed in with some she had printed from work. Nowadays, a recipe can be found and saved on TikTok, just for it to be made once. There are also apps for recipes, but like collecting records, writing them down creates an experience that allows you to wind down and plan what you would like to make. It also serves as a whimsical gift or a lifesaver for when the internet goes out. You can also watch YouTube videos of world-renowned chefs like Anthony Bourdain and Julia Child and save them for later in your categorized recipe box. But as always, you can buy cookbooks to give you an idea of what to make at home, since eating out costs almost double for a smaller amount of food.
Hobbies:
You can never go wrong with picking up a hobby. Having a redundant schedule of going to work and then coming home could be quite a snooze, but if you have something at home waiting for you, life could be even better. I picked up crocheting a couple of years ago, but I had put a pause on it as my schedule intensified. I definitely would like to get back into the groove of it. There are also hobbies like tufting, welding, construction, language learning, photography, and baking. The best part about having a hands-on hobby is that it can be lucrative and can create passive income.
Community Building Events:
Without a doubt, the system of the United States is changing regardless of your beliefs and political affiliation. It is safe to say that the increase in community programs being defunded leaves some families in the dark. By volunteering in your community and showing your support, you can help families through these tough times. Food banks, domestic violence shelters, and community gardens are some of the popular volunteering opportunities. Volunteering also allows you to meet and connect with people and learn what is going on locally and nationally. Staying in the know will also help in case you experience difficult times.
Movies:
Remember Redbox? Or when Netflix used to mail you DVDs? Well, now is the perfect time to get back into the spirit of DVDs. Sadly, Redbox and Blockbuster are no longer a thing, but DVDs and VHS tapes can still be found everywhere, including at thrift stores. Of course, there are also the movies. Although going to the movies can be costly, there are always specials, and don’t quote me on this, but you can get special deals through the theater’s website or Groupon. Grab a seat, eat your snacks, and give two hours of your undivided attention.
Now that we have the wheels turning, what are some things you would like to adopt for the rest of the year or even for eternity? Don’t forget to share your plans and ideas below.
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