Pulling the Plug and Reconnecting: Finding Real Human Connections

Spaces where individuals can disconnect from technology to foster real human connections are increasingly emerging. The Offline Club, founded in Amsterdam, serves as a small reminder of what life was like before mobile phones.
Many of us are familiar with Sisyphus—the king in Greek mythology condemned to push a massive boulder up a hill for eternity in the underworld. Today’s "kings" are technology owners, and we have all eagerly contributed to their climb. Now, we are looking for ways to descend from that peak. Sometimes, this is called digital detox; other times, it’s about limiting screen time. Offline Club, which originated in Amsterdam and has expanded to cities like London, Barcelona, Paris, and Dubai, represents the trendiest form of this shift. The inspiration? Spending time offline.
In 2022, Offline Club’s co-founders Ilya Kneppelhout, Valentijn Klok, and Jordy van Bennekom began organizing “het leest” (reading) weekends, where participants remained completely offline for two full days. The next step was to bring this concept into city life. Now embraced in numerous metropolitan areas, the club is not the only pioneer in this movement. Organizations like Power Haus offer one-day digital detox retreats, while Off the Radar organizes phone-free music events, encouraging attendees to "disconnect to reconnect."
Monique Golay (28), the city leader of The Offline Club in Barcelona, describes their events as primarily attracting 25–35-year-olds, where attendees leave their phones at the entrance and enter for an average ticket price of 10 euros.
"At an Offline Club event, you step into a space free from screens and distractions. Activities range from deep conversations to creative workshops and shared silence, but the core principle remains the same: Be fully present. Each event is structured in two parts. The first focuses on self-reflection, allowing participants to share a period of silence, concentration, or relaxation. The second involves connecting with others through board games or conversations."
To explore our growing need to be offline, we spoke with Monique Golay, city leader of The Offline Club in Barcelona; G. Demet Lüküslü, Chair of the Sociology Department at Yeditepe University; and clinical psychologist Melike Şimşek, who specializes in addiction..
 

Monique Golay: Change Has Begun, and The Offline Club is Accelerating It
"I first discovered The Offline Club through a viral Instagram Reel on my way to work. The idea resonated with me immediately, so I reached out directly to introduce myself and propose expanding the movement to Barcelona. Given the city's fast-paced, digitally connected culture, I knew people needed a space where they could disconnect to connect more meaningfully with themselves and others. I experienced the benefits of unplugging when I spent weekends in the countryside visiting my family. That motivated me to bring this experience into the city. My goal is to create spaces where people can experience the benefits of disconnecting and ultimately develop a healthier relationship with technology."
"Younger generations have never known a world without the internet. While technology offers countless benefits, it also brings fatigue, anxiety, and distraction. The need for digital detox isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about regaining control. Many people are realizing that being 'always on' doesn’t necessarily make them more productive or fulfilled. These initiatives help them rediscover balance and encourage'slow dopamine' experiences."
"I launched The Offline Club in Barcelona on September 29, 2024, and the response has been incredible. Witnessing the ambiance of phone-free spaces and how it impacts people’s energy has been fascinating. The most surprising part? How quickly people adapt. After the initial discomfort of being without their phones, they feel relaxed and energized. Many are shocked when they recognize their instinct to reach for their phone—and once they move past it, they discover how liberating it is to be fully present. They also realize how much deeper conversations become without digital interruptions. Our attendees come from all walks of life—entrepreneurs, artists, students, parents—all sharing a common goal: disconnecting to reconnect."
"As more people demand better boundaries with technology, companies will need to respond—whether through screen time management features or entirely new ways of engaging with technology. Change has already begun, and movements like this are helping to accelerate it."
 

Demet Lüküslü: Virtual Communication Alone Doesn’t Make Us Happy
"Offline clubs can be seen as technology detox spaces—places where people voluntarily leave behind the smartphones and tablets they carry every day and remove themselves from constant accessibility. This serves as a form of digital detox. However, it also allows people to engage in activities like looking up from their screens, having conversations with those around them, or simply reading a book alone."
*"The reason behind this need is directly linked to how much space communication technologies occupy in our lives. In the **21st century—especially after the COVID-19 pandemic—this trend has only accelerated. With the pandemic, even industries that were hesitant to digitalize had to rapidly adopt digital solutions. Individuals also experienced the same shift—whether in grocery shopping, remote work, or online meetings and social interactions."
"Yet, despite adapting to a digital world, we have also realized that virtual communication alone does not make us happy. We sometimes miss our previous ways of life—or at least experience moments when we feel that the digital world is not enough. For those who remember a time before digital saturation, offline clubs hold a sense of nostalgia. For younger generations who have grown up with constant connectivity, they offer an entirely new kind of experience.".