The Morning Brief The Return to Analog
Feb 10, 2026
David Sax, author and journalist who documents the revival of non-digital culture, talks about why Millennials and Gen Z crave tactile experiences. He explores how social media ironically amplifies analog hobbies. He considers AI and screen fatigue as drivers of the trend. He describes practical ways people reclaim physical books, records, and hands-on creativity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tactile Hobbies As A Real Countertrend
- Millennials and Gen Z are embracing tactile hobbies like vinyl, knitting and Polaroids as a counterbalance to screen life.
- David Sax argues this reflects deeper hunger for physical experiences, not just social-media aesthetics.
Social Media Fuels The Analog Revival
- Social media amplifies analog trends even as it fuels them, creating a feedback loop of online celebration and offline practice.
- David Sax calls this interplay ironic but believes it signals a deeper cultural shift.
Pandemic Revealed Limits Of Digital Life
- As digital tech deepens, human needs for touch, smell and face-to-face connection become more visible.
- Sax says the pandemic highlighted these limits and increased demand for analog alternatives.
