London Glorfield barely remembers a time without smartphones. At just 23, he grew up in a world dominated by screens. “I felt overwhelmed by technology,” he says. Like many of his friends, he often deleted social media apps to regain control over his time.
Spending hours on his phone, connecting with fans and friends left him feeling “very unhappy.” This common struggle inspired him to launch Kickback, a brand that taps into retro tech for Gen Z. Kickback sells products like record players, cameras, and cassette players, allowing young people to disconnect from their devices.
Glorfield explains, “We’ve found success with products that help people unplug. It’s a feeling my generation hasn’t really experienced.” The trend of embracing older technology is spreading among young adults.
According to the Global Wellness Summit, this desire to use analog devices is set to be a major trend in 2025. Beth McGroarty, the research director, suggests that this isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a natural craving for tactile experiences. “Humans are hardwired for touch,” she explains. Young people today, inundated with digital distractions, yearn to escape what McGroarty calls a “constant onslaught of passive information.”
Warnings about screen time haunt Gen Z, who reportedly spend on average over seven hours a day in front of screens. This immense reliance on technology creates a longing for a simpler, more engaging experience. Glorfield’s startup has thrived, generating over $500,000 in revenue since its inception, largely due to this growing demand for single-use, satisfying tech.
Taking a camera for a walk allows a break from notifications, emails, and social media temptations. It provides a chance to focus on the moment, something many young people seem to value more as they seek balance in their tech-heavy lives.
Adam Fuerst, co-founder of Retrospekt, states that while new technology offers convenience, it can feel sterile. His business, selling items like Polaroid cameras and typewriters, brings in about $8 million annually, mostly from customers ages 13 to 39. “The more convenient things get, the more valuable experiences become,” Fuerst explains. When we lose touch with our physical world, we miss important connections.
Fuerst isn’t alone in his perspective. Experts argue that our constant digital interactions can detract from our humanity. As we move further from physical interactions, the importance of tactile objects grows. “These items hold more meaning as we drift away from them,” Fuerst adds.
In conclusion, as young people navigate the tech-driven landscape, many are searching for connections beyond the screen. Whether it’s picking up a record or snapping a photo with a vintage camera, these experiences are becoming essential to their well-being. Embracing retro technology is not just a trend; it’s a reaction to a world that often feels overwhelming.
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