Why TikTok Is obsessed with ‘analogue bags’- and what it says about our screen addiction

It’s the wholesome social media trend that’s gaining traction every day.

Analogue bags are TikTok’s latest obsession, with people packing tote bags full of non-digital activities in an effort to stop mindlessly doomscrolling through their phone or spend less time online.

The trend has racked up thousands of social media video views, but why are we feeling the need to embrace these kinds of activities in the first place?

Firstly, what’s in an analogue bag?

Any non-digital item or activity that you can do instead of looking at your phone, iPad or laptop.

This includes:

• Film cameras, disposable cameras and Polaroid cameras.
• Colouring books, notebooks, scrapbooks, vision boards, painting kits and sketchbooks.
• Playing cards, tarot cards, crosswords, and puzzle books.
• Magazines, books, journals and photo albums.

What are the benefits of going analogue?

“The cognitive and emotional benefits [of analogue bags] are quite extensive,” says Amberley Meredith, a registered psychologist and author of Self Improvement Burnout, part of the Adaptable Sustainable Psychology(opens in a new tab) collection(opens in a new tab).

“A number of things happen when you engage with your phone over a prolonged period,” she adds. “Your world can become smaller. You end up with a narrower band of perception that may limit you to particular viewpoints or stances, because with a screen it’s largely a one-way exchange.

“You’re not actively expressing your ideas or thoughts – you’re primarily absorbing and being influenced.

“When we take a break from this and engage in other analogue activities, there is more opportunity for learning and interaction to occur.”

The dangers of too much screen time

• A 2022 study(opens in a new tab) found that excessive screen time can cause sleep issues. It found that looking at screens at night, in particular, can impact the body’s natural circadian rhythm, creating difficulty sleeping.
• Another study(opens in a new tab) found a “strong and often bidirectional relationship” between social media use and depression and anxiety.

“Our systems are not designed to be repeatedly pushed in and out of activation. They benefit from extended periods in a more regulated, ‘rest and digest’ state rather than a constant low-level ‘fight or flight’ response,” says Meredith.

“Much of what we engage with on our phones tends to activate the system rather than settle it, and over time this can contribute to a sustained sense of pressure that impacts both physical and mental health.

One of the appeals of analogue bags is that they offer an opportunity to curb screen-time habits without committing to an all-encompassing digital detox.

“There is a sense of ownership and satisfaction that comes from analogue activities that can’t be replicated by the short-lived reward of digital engagement,” says Meredith.

Five tips for reducing your screen time and embracing the analogue bag:

1. Start small. Meredith says we operate largely on subconscious patterns, so it’s very normal to repeat behaviours without actively choosing them or even being aware of them. Try taking a book on your morning bus journey rather than scrolling on your phone, or listen to a podcast, write a letter or journal to take a break from the algorithms.

2. Don’t judge yourself. It’s important to have the right mindset, says Meredith, so that when you reach for your phone you can gently redirect yourself instead of being critical.

3. Better together. For many, phones are a central part of social connection, so meeting up and agreeing with your friends to stay off them while you walk or have a coffee can help. Working on vision boards and scrapbooks together is another way to keep off the phone.

4. Keep your analogue bag handy. “This is where it has real value, it provides an immediate alternative,” says Meredith. Having a choice creates a pause, and that pause allows for reflection: what would be more helpful in this moment?

5. Avoid strict time restrictions with your phone. Meredith says setting a time limit can create unrealistic expectations, additional pressure, and a sense of failure if it’s not met. Just experiment with trying different ways to fill your time when you’d usually reach for your phone.

If social media is affecting your mental health, support is available. There are steps you can take to feel more in control. Visit our mental health support page to learn more.^