Social media users are turning to a new trend that promotes healthier habits by replacing digital distractions with engaging offline activities. Dubbed the “analog bag,” this movement encourages individuals to fill a tote bag with non-digital items, fostering creativity and reducing screen time. The trend gained traction thanks to TikTok creator Sierra Campbell, who showcased her own analog bag containing a crossword book, a portable watercolor set, a Polaroid camera, a planner, and knitting supplies.
Campbell’s original video inspired many others to share their versions, featuring items such as magazines, decks of cards, paints, needlepoint, and puzzle books. She explained, “I made a bag of non-digital activities to occupy my hands instead of the phone,” noting that this practice has significantly reduced her screen time. The shift has filled her life with “creative and communal pursuits that don’t include doom-scrolling.”
Understanding the Habit Formation Behind the Trend
The concept behind the analog bag is grounded in research on habit formation. According to Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics, “Your brain is a creature of habit.” He elaborated that neurons that fire together wire together, meaning that each repetition of a behavior strengthens the neural pathways associated with it.
Dr. Amen pointed out that habits often form as automatic responses to specific cues, such as boredom or stress, which usually provide some form of reward. When individuals lack alternative behaviors, they tend to revert to established routines without realizing it. Research indicates that replacing an old habit with a new one linked to the same cue is often more effective than attempting to suppress the behavior entirely.
For example, when trying to cut out coffee, it is beneficial to have another beverage option readily available rather than quitting cold turkey. Campbell echoed this sentiment, stating, “By substituting a different routine that still provides stimulation and engagement, people can gradually weaken the original habit and build a new automatic response.”
Practical Applications of the Analog Bag
Dr. Amen emphasizes that simply stopping a behavior can be challenging. He advocates for replacing detrimental habits with beneficial ones, saying, “That’s how lasting change happens, one step at a time.” Having alternatives within easy reach increases the likelihood of adopting these new habits.
Campbell shared her experiences using her analog bag in social settings. For instance, while at a coffee shop with friends, she might engage others with a crossword puzzle during moments of silence. Instead of snapping numerous photos with her phone, she opts for an instant camera, which encourages more intentional photography. In outdoor environments, she brings along a small watercolor set to tap into her creative side.
“This trend has brought so much joy,” Campbell stated, “seeing how it resonates with so many.” As more individuals share their analog bag experiences online, the movement appears to be gaining momentum, offering a refreshing approach to achieving healthier lifestyles in a digital age.
The analog bag trend highlights a growing desire among younger generations to reconnect with tangible, creative activities. As people increasingly recognize the benefits of reducing screen time, the movement may offer a blueprint for healthier habits that promote well-being and creativity.
