Khaberni - The year 2026 witnesses a significant escalation towards handcrafts and traditional activities, a phenomenon known as "analog lifestyles," which is a direct reaction to the widespread use of artificial intelligence technologies in daily life.
According to experts, this shift reflects the desire of individuals to slow down the pace of digital life and find tangible ways to accomplish daily tasks and entertainment apart from AI-generated content.
Data from Michael’s, a company specializing in arts and crafts, shows a 136% increase in searches for "analog hobbies" over the past six months, and an 86% increase in sales of craft kits during 2025, with further increases between 30% and 40% expected this year.
Yarn and sewing kits, among the most popular traditional hobbies, recorded a 1,200% increase in search interest during 2025, prompting the company to allocate more space for these products.
The company also stated that many individuals use handicrafts as a means to improve mental health and rid themselves of negative digital behaviors, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, representing a significant cultural change in the current lifestyle.
The shift to an analog lifestyle is a selective choice that does not mean a complete abandonment of technology but involves adopting simple alternatives such as using iPod music players instead of digital streaming services, taking photographs with film instead of digital cameras, and using traditional alarms instead of smartphones.
Avriel Eps, an assistant professor at the University of California, Riverside and a researcher in artificial intelligence, noted that AI-generated content is exhausting for recipients due to its repetitiveness and lack of authenticity, driving individuals to seek activities that provide a sense of accomplishment and personal control.
He added on CNN that the shift to an analog lifestyle does not mean a complete internet boycott, but rather reducing its direct impact on people's lives, such as avoiding personal data tracking and adopting screen-free days.
This trend is seen as an expression of cultural fatigue from the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence and digital services, and reflects the desire of a whole generation to rediscover the joy of personal achievement and manual activities.
Experts confirm that this phenomenon is likely to continue to expand as awareness increases about the impact of digital content on mental health and cultural consumption behaviors.
