What if the generation that grew up online is also the one most interested in stepping back from it?

Nearly half of young adults say they would rather live in the past than the present, according to a recent NBC News Decision Desk Poll. The finding highlights how Gen Z is experiencing and responding to digital life as it continues to shape communication, education and daily routines.

The poll found that 47% of adults aged 18 to 29 would choose to live in an earlier time period if given the option. The most commonly selected decades were the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s before smartphones, social media and constant connectivity became part of everyday life.

This raises questions about why some young people feel drawn to earlier eras.

Why some Gen Z want to “go back”

For many young people, being online has become a constant part of daily life rather than a choice made at specific times.

Frequent notifications, messages and apps can contribute to feelings of digital overload. Many young adults report pressure to remain available for school, work and social communication. Social media can also contribute to comparison between users and exposure to curated or selective content.

Over time, these conditions are associated with feelings of fatigue related to constant connectivity.

Some researchers consider whether responses like these reflect nostalgia for earlier periods or responses to current digital demands.

The rise of digital detox culture

In response to these experiences, some young people have reduced or adjusted their use of digital platforms.

Examples include:

  • Use of basic or limited-feature mobile phones
  • Screen time reduction efforts
  • Deleting or limiting social media applications
  • Increased participation in offline activities such as reading, sports and hobbies
  • Engagement with digital wellness content and programs

These behaviours do not indicate that technology is being rejected but rather that some individuals are adjusting how they use it.

Why the past feels more appealing

The decades most often referenced, the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, are frequently associated with lower levels of digital connectivity.

Common associations include:

  • Less reliance on screens for communication
  • More in-person interaction
  • Greater separation between public and private life
  • Fewer online records of daily activity
  • Simpler forms of media and entertainment

Popular culture has also influenced how these decades are viewed. Television shows such as Friends, media representations like Stranger Things and renewed interest in Y2K fashion have contributed to visibility of these eras among younger audiences.

Many individuals in Gen Z did not directly experience these time periods meaning perceptions are often shaped by media and cultural references.

The mental health connection

Digital technology use is also linked to discussions about youth mental health. The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) notes that social media use can be associated with effects on self-esteem and emotional well-being among adolescents and young adults particularly in relation to online comparison and exposure to curated content.

The CPS also identifies potential risks connected to digital environments including:

  • Cyberbullying and online harassment
  • Sleep disruption associated with late-night screen use
  • Pressure related to online image and identity
  • Stress associated with constant connectivity

At the same time the CPS states that digital platforms can also provide benefits including communication, creativity and access to information. The impact varies depending on how digital tools are used.

What older generations think

The poll results also relate to differences in how generations experience technology.

Millennials experienced the transition from largely offline environments to digital communication while Gen X and Boomers spent most of their lives without smartphones or social media.

Older generations often note both advantages and disadvantages of digital technology including improved communication and convenience as well as changes in privacy and communication styles.

Responses to the poll suggest differences in how strongly generations feel about pre-digital versus digital environments.

What technology provides

While concerns about digital life exist technology continues to play a central role in daily life.

Common benefits include:

  • Instant communication
  • Access to information and learning resources
  • Remote education and work opportunities
  • Online support networks and communities
  • Platforms for creative expression

For most young people technology remains integrated into education work and social interaction.

Is this only about technology?

Some perspectives suggest that responses in the poll may also reflect broader social and economic conditions.

These may include:

  • Rising cost of living
  • Housing affordability challenges
  • Student debt and financial pressure
  • Political uncertainty
  • Growth of artificial intelligence in education and employment
  • Expectations around personal identity and online presence

In this context responses may reflect a combination of digital experiences and broader uncertainty.

The “always-on” generation

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with smartphones during adolescence meaning continuous digital access has been present throughout much of their development. Social media and online platforms also play a role in how identity is formed and maintained with many individuals experiencing parts of daily life through digital documentation.

This has contributed to increased visibility of personal life in online spaces.

Finding balance in a connected world

Despite concerns about digital life most young people are not moving away from technology entirely. Many are instead adjusting their use of digital tools through limits, breaks or changes in usage patterns.

The poll reflects ongoing discussion about how young people relate to digital environments rather than a rejection of them. As digital technology continues to develop attention remains on how individuals balance connectivity with daily life.

Resources

Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) – Digital media use, screen time, and youth mental health guidance in Canada https://cps.ca

Statistics Canada – Data on internet use, screen time, and digital habits among Canadians https://www.statcan.gc.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada – Information on youth mental health and well-being in Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html

Government of Canada: Digital Safety and Cybersecurity – Resources on online safety, privacy, and cyberbullying prevention https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/consumer-affairs/digital-privacy-security.html

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