Source: Fortune.com
Summary
Young people are turning to analog hobbies and activities as a means of escaping technology and reconnecting with childlike creativity and exploration. Gen-Z and millennials are embracing hobbies like knitting, gardening, needlepoint, and birdwatching, which have been dubbed “grandma hobbies” online. These activities have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Many hobbyists are using social media to share their experiences and connect with others who share their interests.
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Emma MacTaggart, 26, founded a needlepoint business, What’s the Stitch, and sells needlepoint canvases, accessories, and digital designs. She puts a young spin on a historically buttoned-up craft. Jaime Kurtz, a professor of psychology, says these activities can help reduce anxiety and stress. Clara Sherman, co-founder of So Bam Fun, says playing mahjong with friends allows her to reach a “zen state”. Isaiah Scott, a birdwatcher, uses the app eBird to log and track his observations.
These analog hobbies are not just a fad, but a more intentional embrace of the analog world.
Author: Evan Null
