Members of Gen Z and Millennials are attending phone-free experiences 567% more often across the globe, signaling a major shift in how people want to gather.
In a world shaped by algorithms and constant visibility, Eventbrite data shows that the generations having grown up with limited to no social media and smartphone use, and which then lead the charge to its ubiquitous adoption, is now leading the world back—away from constant connectivity.
GNN has reported before on the rise of offline events, including the Offline Club, which is exploding across Europe, and phone-free US event organizer Kanso in the US.
Phone-free events grew 567% globally between 2024 and 2025, with attendance rising 121% and expanding from 5 to 12 countries, according to Eventbrite, which monitors event listings for terms like “phone-free” “analog” or “offline.”
These events now span the full calendar year, signaling a shift from temporary reset to sustained behavior. The momentum is most pronounced in the US and UK, though each market reflects a distinct pattern of growth.
The United Kingdom has emerged as the global leader for phone-free socializing, with events growing by 1,200% and attendance increasing by 1,441%.
Of course the previous amount will have been very small, and like a biotech startup whose new medical product’s approval sees an explosion in the stock price, the overall number of phone-free events will still be low in comparison to others.
ANALOG IDEAS: Engineer Revives the Pay Phone for Vermont Community to Make Free Calls in Their Cellular Dead Zone
On the other hand, there is a strong focus in the UK on countering loneliness and social isolation, and messaging regarding it can be found throughout English society.
In the United States, the offline or analog movement is defined by expansive participation. While event volume grew by 388%, attendance jumped by 913%.
The growth is already accelerating. In just the first three months of 2026, phone-free experiences have reached over a third of last year’s global event volume, signaling that this is no longer a fringe behavior, but a mainstream way of gathering.
SHARE The Great News On These Good Gatherings With Your Friends…