BEING CHRONICALLY OFFLINE IS 2026’S BIGGEST LUXURY
The TL;DR: Living “offline” is now seen as a flex — as concerns around mental health and data security rise, Gen Z opts for more digital detoxes, shifting their attention to curated private spaces over consuming social media at every touchpoint. In the increasing shift toward privacy and selectivity, brands have an opportunity to get creative and experiment with private digital spaces to meet their communities where they are.
The new status symbol in 2026 is touching grass. In stark contrast to the rise of AI and the ubiquity of social media, users are pushing back against the pressure and many want to be (or at least appear) chronically offline. With 60% of Gen Z believing their generation spends too much time on screens, 53% report feeling bad about their own screen use. We see this in trends like Coach launching portable book keychains, the resurgence of dumb phones, and no-tech social spaces like the Luddite Club. Analog is cool again, and there may be no bigger flex today than saying, “Sorry, I don’t have Instagram”.
Choosing to be offline signals that someone is selective about their attention and is not swayed by FOMO or the pressure to broadcast every moment. However, privacy is ultimately a luxury that not everyone can afford. For new artists and starting professionals, social media and being plugged in are often essential for career growth and visibility. While some people can choose to stay offline, others must remain online simply to access opportunities.
68% of Gen Z feel more comfortable sharing content in private spaces such as group chats or private accounts rather than posting publicly. This shift makes it harder for brands to connect with audiences through traditional public channels, but it also creates an opportunity for more intimate forms of engagement. As users become more guarded with their data and seek greater privacy, they gravitate toward smaller, more controlled environments such as private groups, exclusive events, and Substack communities. They still want to stay connected, but in ways that feel less public and more personal. Brands can meet these folks where they are by creating or thoughtfully entering these more private-but-inclusive social spaces.
A snapshot of buzz-worthy communities and fandoms to guide your social engagement
🩰 DOES TIMOTHÉE HAVE MOTION?
What’s Going On: Marty Supreme star Timothée Chalamet is under fire ahead of Oscars weekend after a clip from his Variety interview with Matthew McConaughey caught him saying, “no one cares” about ballet and opera anymore. In his argument to keep movies and theater alive, he disrupted the entire community, receiving backlash from numerous ballet companies and other celebs.
😔 HEESEUNG HIS LAST SONG
What’s Going On: Enhypen shocked the Kpop community with an abrupt announcement that member Heeseung will be leaving the group to pursue solo activities. The announcement left fans shocked as many compared it to Zayn’s departure from One Direction 11 years ago to the day. Fans have reacted by flooding social media and even hiring protest trucks to go outside the Hybe office in Seoul.
🫶 TOUCH GRASS, NOT RINKS
What’s Going On: Hudson Williams and Francois Arnuad of Heated Rivalry posted an identical Instagram story Monday evening, calling out toxic fans. The joint statement comes after weeks of negative comments flooding each of the star’s social media and unhealthy “parasocial” behavior that carried over into live appearances. Hudson doubled down on his support for Arnaud, despite backlash from “fans” that only reinforced the need for the statement.
Four must-click links that crossed our feeds today.
A new report names YouTube as the world’s largest media company, outpacing Disney and Netflix.
Timothee Chalamet rebranded from humble and serious to braggadocious as part of his Marty Supreme awards campaign - could it have cost him the Oscar?
News of Donna Kelce’s home renovation resulted in a wave of memes, offering the internet with wholesome breaks from chaotic news cycles.
Live Nation and Ticketmaster have reached a settlement in the antitrust case with the Justice Department, avoiding a breakup between the two entities.
TV/Streaming: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is back for its 4th season on Hulu on March 12! Tune into Hollywood’s biggest night - The 98th Academy Awards airs live on ABC/Hulu on March 15.
Movies: Reminders of Him starring Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers, and audio-driven horror film Undertone are both out Friday, March 13.
Music:James Blake’s seventh studio album Trying Times is out on Friday, March 13.
