Welcome to the Scrolling Backlash
The Atlantic explores the growing trend of 'digital minimalism' as people seek to disconnect from addictive smartphone habits. The podcast episode features a discussion on the psychological toll of constant scrolling and the desire to reclaim time from algorithmic platforms.
Why it matters
It highlights a significant cultural shift in how society interacts with technology, reflecting widespread concerns about mental health and digital addiction.
Why so many people are trying to be more offline
August 28, 2026, 1 PM ET Share Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 1:05:51 Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
A lot of people are getting tired of their phone—they’re sick of the algorithms and overwhelmed by what can feel like a loss of control. The Atlantic staff writer Julie Beck dug into why and how people are trying to renegotiate their relationships with technology. She and our colleagues just released a five-part podcast series called How to Touch Grass , and in this episode, Galaxy Brain host Charlie Warzel talks with Beck about why people are nostalgic for the pre-internet days, how our brains are changing, and the good that can come from getting lost.
The following is a transcript of the episode:
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in