Gen Z Digital Detox: Why Young Poles Are Ditching Smartphones

7 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Gen Z digital detox grows as young people choose simple phones. Learn why this matters for expats in Poland.

The trend of a Gen Z digital detox has moved from anecdote to measurable behaviour. Consequently, young people across Europe and the US now buy simple phones or limit apps on purpose.

Table of Contents

Why Gen Z digital detox is happening

Research shows that many under-30s seek less screen time. Moreover, a 2025 YouGov poll found 47 percent of young adults actively reduce screen hours. In addition, British Standards Institution research reported that almost half of 16-21 year olds would prefer to grow up without constant internet. Therefore, the choice to step back represents more than nostalgia. Young people respond to burnout, anxiety, and poor sleep linked to social apps.

Sales, initiatives and science behind the shift

Sales data confirm the trend. Consequently, dumbphone purchases rose to millions in the US and global markets grew to billions of dollars. Moreover, grassroots projects support the change. The Offline Club and #HalfTheStory now run programs worldwide. Scientists also found benefits. For example, short periods without mobile internet improved mood and focus in controlled studies. In addition, researchers tied heavy social media time to rising depression rates among young adults.

What this means in Poland

Poland shows signs of the same shift. NASK reports Polish teens still spend about five hours online daily. However, that number fell slightly since 2022. GUS data show nearly all households had internet in 2025, and most adults used it daily. Therefore, expect Polish youth to mirror international patterns. Importantly, we did not find a Polish study directly measuring swaps to basic phones. Nevertheless, cultural and technological parallels make the trend likely here too.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland and want to try less screen time, you can buy a simple phone and keep a prepaid SIM. In Poland you often register long-term stays with a PESEL number (national ID), and you use the NFZ (National Health Fund) for public healthcare; ZUS manages social insurance like pensions and benefits. Therefore, keep digital copies of your PESEL and NFZ documents, as many offices require online proofs. However, you can still use banks and government services with limited online access; bring physical ID when needed. Finally, consider a low-cost prepaid plan to stay reachable while reducing apps.

Practical tips and next steps

Try simple experiments before you switch phones. For instance, stop phone use for one hour after waking. Moreover, set notification windows and group alerts. Therefore, you reduce cortisol and improve focus. In addition, read paper books before bed to sleep better. If you move to Poland, note that some bureaucratic tasks still require online steps. However, many offices accept in-person visits with ID.

Source: Read original article

📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.