These NYC teens are rejecting cellphones and social media. Here's why.

[@oljimeagle]

It’s crazy much simply removing phones and earbuds from teens make them look like 90s kids.

[@mirageangelica5495]

Because they are removed from societal expectations and trending beauty norms 😊

[@vermiform]

Thats because thats the trend now. 90s look

[@cs2710]

That’s what’s in right now

[@blank.9301]

I actually miss iPods and alike

[@blank.9301]

@@vermiformUnfortunately i was born in 1999, fortunately i love 90’s music and could remember the easy going chilled early 2000’s up to no later than 2012. I don’t mind button phones for necessarily calls and iPods or cassette players to still enjoy music easily.

[@payasoinfeliz]

Social media is one of those things where you feel dependent, but if you take a break, you hardly miss it, and realize you never needed it. It's terrible.

[@MrJuulia01]

Or gets temptation to go social media, it depends on person

[@cryptoisforvirgins7326]

So true! I went without my phone for four months and at first I was so anxious but quickly I realized it was so freeing. It was the happiest time of my life

[@JohnBoyJoy]

For my experience, quitting social media like facebook , snapchat and twitter was extremely hard actually, but after about a week you realize how much better your life is and no longer get the urge to need to grab your phone and open the apps. It's kind of like quitting cigarettes

[@Cameron-yo2jj]

its such a relief not feeling like you have something to prove to everyone on a daily basis

[@kaylawaters2691]

​@@JohnBoyJoyQuitting facebook wasn't hard for me for several reasons. Only creepy men or lazy former coworkers that wanted me to work their shift contacted me on there. Wasn't actually friends with any of the several hundred people on my list either. I didn't care for and didn't understand my aquaintances' need to overshare and brag either.

[@Trini190]

We need groups like this for adults

[@RY97z]

222

[@evonne315]

Or just that we can be like this and that it doesn't have to be social at all.

[@manegto3105]

It's called bars hahah just joking 😅

[@216Numbskull]

@Trini190, There's a huge group of adults like this already, we're called "GenX." Just saying... ++Peace Funk & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friends++ 🤘😜🤘

[@Thunderstick-y8h]

Unfortunately I’d lose my job , it’s nice these kids are privileged enough to be able to do this.

[@lambertmarkov5328]

They are simply living life the way people should be.

[@livetomanifest2272]

True! But the pressure they have as young people is enormous and at that age impressionability is high so for them to do this deserves an applaud but yes this should be considered normal and unfortunately is not including all ages of adults

[@keifer7813]

By becoming vloggers. Lol

[@jonmolina948]

It’s not much different. I didn’t need a smartphone until 2020 because my work required it. But in the 90’s, I was into print media: newspapers, books, and magazines. Read a lot of encyclopedias and did school projects with them. Still got all my college math books. They’re still valuable, they give you the foundation that the internet bypasses. Kids now look up answers on Google and AI, not good at all.

[@bankrolldame]

I KNEW IT. I knew at some point new youth would reject social media….now, it’s “out”

[@halleykunen1088]

It makes me very happy! 😃

[@ShittyshitbyrdAsmr]

Yeah it is but why do u have social media ​@@halleykunen1088

[@Kuuvr]

I've felt this way for a while, it's crazy how much of my life I've already wasted because of my phone. I'm only 18.

[@OkieDokieSmokie]

I genuinely just want a discord server with my 7 friends in it.

[@kayxangelz]

No it isn't boomer😂

[@2pro351]

BREAKING NEWS: PEOPLE LIVING NORMALLY

[@barrettwittkamp6166]

Lmao 😢

[@ayasinx8797]

Actually no. This is now abnormal. The reality that we are now living in.

[@toneenorman2135]

Wonderful! About time…

[@teatime4264]

😂 💯!😂

[@jerbear97]

normally? think again buddy

[@kimwoodhouse7891]

There’s something called the Offline Club (Amsterdam) where people gather on a regular basis. Some people read, draw, write, knit, play chess. Looked awesome!

[@joeofmacabre07]

Wish there was something like that in Philippines

[@abbieC88]

I need something like that! ❤️

[@whitepony-f9w]

heaven?

[@kramnewton8683]

For someone that grew up in the 90’s this sounds like… normal life. I guess things have changed that much.

[@Muhammad-HarDick]

​@@joeofmacabre07 I'm from the Philippines. Let's do it

[@duckimpala]

as an older gen z, i really really wish i had this insight when i was their age. i'm really glad and proud of the younger ones taking action for themselves

[@JesseBurns-v6w]

Same with me. Glad teenagers today are pushing for this. I myself at 25 am too.

[@HalloJa-m7e]

Amen

[@saras6588]

We all need this, not just teens. Very inspiring!

[@ninjapirate123]

wait till after a week later they come back on their phones

[@illmeeillmee9373]

@@ninjapirate123 dont underestimate them. Just because you are a zombie glued to social media doesnt mean all ppl are. Kudos to these teens for doing what most people older than them can never do

[@ninjapirate123]

@@illmeeillmee9373 Sure np, let's wait and see if they really are rejecting technology once and for all or if they will come back to it in the future.

[@Sayid-al-Furat]

Nah. I'm interested in what is going on around the world, rather not be ignorant by swearing off tech.

[@rupertmurdoch4750]

This is a great way to stop Trump from brainwashing kids

[@markmushyguy]

"feels like my life escaped me." You guys don't understand the power of what she said. I'm 27 And I say this constantly

[@PrideRock92]

That’s just life my friend.

[@JustMe-vs1kj]

I dont, but im 28 and i couldve had more skills if there was no screentime in my life...

[@Sun-ng7gj]

33 and yeah same..

[@chiquita683]

None of them look cool

[@Aybrohatatata]

​@@chiquita683I can imagine neither do you if that's what you're worried about

[@lando1296]

It's sad that in our day and age a group of teens making a club of friends in-person is national news.

[@sapiescent]

In the car-centric USA of abandoned malls and bleak parking lots, with kids raised by the parents of the Stranger Danger PSA era which warned against all the predators lurking through the streets... is it really that surprising? Plenty of public libraries have been closing. More and more land becomes privately owned by someone who wants to keep them out. More and more kids raised in rented apartments where inviting a bunch of friends over might not be the best idea. Where can they safely hang out aside from school grounds - especially if, say, they stop going to the same school? When there's no practically feasible group activities to be done in person (often because engaging activities cost money), why would they not turn to the world of infinite possibilities online? Why constantly try to figure out a good time to meet up with a friend in person (and keep getting held up for one reason or another) if all you're gonna do is talk?

[@OriginalCouber]

Maybe the reason is to show others that they can do the same. So maybe it's not sad at all.

[@jonnygzz1631]

@@sapiescentpreach 🗣️🔊🔥🔥🔥 Literally I’m Canadian and you described Canada too 💀💀

[@diegokasady]

For real tho

[@bvabildtrup]

But it's really admirable that they did it, takes some guts to not only akknowledge you have a problem but actively going against it when it's the norm.

[@Vistaster]

who would've thought the nightmare rectangle full of man made horrors was affecting us negatively.

[@dylanakent]

Bring back public telephones.

[@Pyschomind-666]

For what??

[@MejganZia]

There are a few where i live. And, they work.

[@matttherrien9608]

They're hard to find in my city.

[@argentosebastian]

That is a little too much 😂😂

[@MejganZia]

@@argentosebastian 😂😂😂😂

[@elpapu2410]

They look like 00s kids. Brings back good memories.

[@PaulHAMCO]

Gen x you mean. Gen yz ^

[@77Creation]

Blackberries were out in the 00s. So, these kids have 90s aka Gen X energy.

[@XxLIVRAxX]

They look like late 90s kids. What a throwback

[@citytrees1752]

Has everyone forgotten that the world existed prior to 1990?

[@gsly6081]

@@77Creation No, they have flip phones. That's 00s.

[@morelifeking2973]

As an 80’s baby, this makes me proud. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@tooshady47446ttv]

Was thinking the same thing, born in 82

[@MsRollingstone11]

As a 60s baby, it makes me even prouder🫠

[@albertadams2095]

Same 🙌❤️… ‘82 baby here

[@firemiracle]

As an 90’s baby myself, I agree! 😄 I do like using social media but I also like to do other things like going out with my sister and mom and bond. the big problem is that it’s used 24/7 and many people prefer to be on their phones whenever they go out or hang out. And let’s not forget the freaking types of parents who prefer to use iPads as babysitters for their kids, even giving tablets and phones to toddlers! Like whatever happened to just play with their kids or buy them actual toys?? I miss the times when friends and families would go out together and just have fun and chat and bond.

[@BillySBC]

It makes you proud that your child will not be able to call for help if they need it?

[@randomknowledge4816]

As someone who is struggling with excessive screen time, it is so inspiring to see movement like this. I hope our generation will find a way to have a healthy balance with the technology usage.

[@91clarie]

Even the camera filter makes this now look like it was filmed in the late 90s. Astounding

[@JohnFekoloid]

I think it's the sensor in the camera. It's a different type than what is used in mobile phones, as it wasn't developed further, from the 90s.

[@thedave7760]

There is no filter this is a standard broadcast camera probably a Sony.

[@memesensei3330]

No, it's just seeing teens not staring at a rectangle in their hand. I highly recommend phone free days, I simply keep it turned off in a closet all day, those are my happiest days.

[@schmui]

When? Where? 1:32 is probably shot with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k(?) seen at 1:36 shot with a phone or action cam.

[@HanSolo__]

Mountainbikes and snowboarding.

[@josefadams647]

these kids GIVE ME HOPE for the future

[@Youneed3eyes]

No cap

[@fadetoblond]

Wait...just 4 kids give you hope? lmfao

[@Youneed3eyes]

@@fadetoblondgo somewhere else with that negative energy, he’s allowed to feel like that.

[@josefadams647]

@@Youneed3eyes thanks. People just like to troll - I’ve accepted it - it is the world today

[@KatMo7121]

@@josefadams647 Another example of why we ALL need to step back from social media!

[@backatya-bi8rx]

"I feel like my life escaped me". That's an incredibly heavy statement from anyone but especially someone that young. Good for them!

[@hannahcroy4157]

This resonated with me so strong. I was 16 escaping on my phone everyday and suddenly I'm 25. It's a different kind of feeling knowing we were like guinea pigs to the tech industry.

[@m.j.c.183]

@@hannahcroy4157 So TRUE

[@nas84payne]

You notice time goes really quick when you’re spending hours on your phone. It’s scary, man.

[@toiarii]

I think that's something exclusive to those who spent their school or college years during the pandemic period (2020-2022). It made me feel like I got three years older out of nowhere. No time before or since then has felt as sped up. Now it feels like it's back to normal, for me at least.

[@ENGLISHMURPHY]

Bit patronising

[@sheachai]

RESPECT. Please keep going ❤❤❤

[@tangocharlie9291]

My 21 yo son has a phone but has deleted all his socials, and only keeps it for calls, texts & music, which is perfectly reasonable. Good for those kids.

[@stevecole1321]

Any ideas on how to delete search. It's Chrome and the other search engines that is preventing me from getting this done

[@ellislegg3937]

@@stevecole1321​​⁠​⁠go to the setting in each of those apps

[@forgivemylaughter]

He uses it 😂

[@forgivemylaughter]

@@stevecole1321hahaha

[@lynnjames6629]

@@stevecole1321Google it. 👍

[@Mossy179]

This is the most encouraging story I've seen in years. They literally have expressions on their faces right out of the early to mid 90s. Relaxed, creative, and comfortable with just BEING. Their spirits look healthy and it shows.

[@dandylion2837]

But the phones in the video are so old, this whole film looks like a re-upload from the 90's !

[@lifegrowingtowardsthesun]

Analog media has been really popular lately and some people have been replacing their tech with vintage phones and cameras form the early 2000s. I've seen flip phones become really popular to help with phone addiction, maybe that is why they have older looking tech.

[@alexpetrov6079]

​@@dandylion2837 Good observation. However, somewhere between 0:57-0:59 there is a QR code. So, it is more likely that this is about modern times.

[@Ibn_Abdulaziz]

Larry Summers called Rajan "Luddite" before the 08 credit debt collapse. So don't listen to those who bully you. They are addicts. Narrated Abu Hurairah رضى الله عنه who said that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: يَأْتِي عَلَيْكُمْ زَمَانٌ يُخَيَّرُ فِيهِ الرَّجُلُ بَيْنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْفُجُورِ، فَمَنْ أَدْرَكَ ذَلِكَ الزَّمَانَ، فَلْيَخْتَرِ الْعَجْزَ عَلَى الْفُجُورِ "There will come a time when a man will be given the choice between being labelled incompetent and comitting immorality. Whoever lives until that time, let him choose the incompetence over the immorality." [Musnad Ahmad رحمه الله » Musnad Abu Hurairah رضى الله عنه » Hadith #7744 » Its isnad is Da'eef because of the unknown Shaykh narrating from Abu Hurairah رضى الله عنه, the rest of the narrators are Thiqaat]

[@galadrielwoods2332]

You’re the only other person in the comment section that I say who also noticed the 1990s about them. 🙂

[@carlosgibson1578]

This is the best thing I've seen in decades

[@BrooklynLilly]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@stevejames5580]

…If only it was articulated in a more rational way. lol.

[@stevejames5580]

@carlosgibson1578 and to add what I said earlier: If this is the best thing you’ve seen in decades, then maybe it’s time to get a effin clue. Tykes hanging out in the park and ditching their phones isn’t a movement, it’s a hobby. Real change comes from people working within the world to create balance, not just checking out from it for a few hours. Idealizing this as some huge achievement says more about people’s need for a feel-good narrative than it does about any actual progress.

[@panwu6602]

This have me hope.

[@HanSolo__]

Why do Americans do this to themselves?

[@rcbreakdown3066]

You kids are amazing, I fully support and encourage other young leaders to follow suit

[@nikaa4237]

Honestly this is the healthiest thing for kids. I just really value growing up without a cell phone and growing up in the 90s. It was awesome. I wish I could go back to those days.

[@theantiadult]

No it's not those days encouraged child abuse through isolation and infantinalization which boomers keep wanting to bring back.

[@patriciaa65]

I wish to go back and just observe myself enjoying everything in the 90s

[@30regrets]

@@patriciaa65 you could've recorded it with a camera

[@patriciaa65]

@@30regrets my mom has, now we have to convert all of it from VHS

[@IvantheEnigma1]

You can quit social media now and inspire others to do the same and you won’t have to wish.

[@2003master]

I got off social media when I was 20, and I finally got rid of my smartphone one year ago when I was 24. Feels amazing and will never pick one up again. I hope this movement grows. Flip phones FTW.

[@tdbhmusic]

I've never used a smartphone, and might be the only one I know in northeast usa who is in this situation; I have a flip phone, a home phone, and a computer, it's kind of perfect. I love walking away from the internet and going out into the world experiencing life fully in the moment

[@TrollynnWithTheHomies]

You say from the internet lol 😊

[@SonOfThineHandmaid]

​@@TrollynnWithTheHomies not sure if you knew this, but you don't need a smartphone to access the internet...

[@premkamandir]

@@TrollynnWithTheHomiesit s less than phone addict

[@tlingitqt]

Oh no someone is forming an opinion using the internet and not in the purest form of expectations... what ever will you do ?!?!?​@@TrollynnWithTheHomies

[@uber2youtube]

Love this kids. If you start asking questions like “why am I suddenly happy, free of anxiety and questioning everything?” You’re on the right track.

[@sapiescent]

Because when you're offline, you don't hear as much about the painstaking details of the constant horrors ongoing across the world. You aren't keeping up with the news. Truly, ignorance is bliss. Nothing about wars and their death tolls, no finding out which public figures are doing shady things behind closed doors, no debates about the climate crisis and what should be done about it, the modern day slavery used to make products that keep wealthier workers just happy enough not to rebel against their masters or terminate their existence. Blind to what chemicals have been in our water supplies and food chains and the lack of accountability for it. Don't hear about natural disasters outside your own community. Avoiding being constantly bombarded with pleas for help from fundraiser after fundraiser, aside from the homeless who line the streets... but then, you can't see all the ones that were scooped up and dumped into prison or taking refuge in forgotten corners.

[@BL8DM8N]

​@@sapiescent this is what they don't want to hear. keep speaking up though

[@fawnnahh7438]

@@BL8DM8N " i ditched social media" - man on youtube.

[@zenofthemoment]

These are my favorite Kids in America this morning. Good for y’all! Keep going! 🤘❤

[@deedeewinfrey3181]

I'm glad there weren't cell phones when I grew up.

[@meahdahlgren6537]

❤❤

[@ninjapirate123]

There were in my generation

[@joelmedina6837]

How was teenage life without iPhones??

[@cierahperrotti2132]

​@@joelmedina6837a whole lot better

[@VeroBates.]

Unfortunately the first iPhone was released 9 years after I was born (2007), Blackberrys and Nokias and any phone before 2007 were better (No INSTAGRAM, Facebook, Twitter,, TIKTOK, etc... in those 2000´s phones)

[@istvanfoy-roberts868]

At 62, I think things were much better before smartphones. I'm glad these kids took it upon themselves to live life better. I think they will be happier, more interesting and smarter.

[@charmingsoul]

It's weird, the first thing I thought was "they look like me and my friends back in the day" and I realized it's because there were no cellphones in anyone's hands. Kinda eerie to realize how normal that is now

[@galadrielwoods2332]

You are correct.

[@SculptExpress-gv8jp]

The problem is that you can’t do much logistically without them. I was looking for a bus counter in a a super well known tourist town to buy - well - a bus ticket. A could only do that online. No more people employed on bus counters! It’s us who are responsible for this horror because we accepted a robotisation of our societies and work .

[@istvanfoy-roberts868]

@@SculptExpress-gv8jp Yes, unfortunately, many current tasks can only be performed online, and I don't see things going back now. Maybe carrying a flip phone and doing the absolutely necessary online stuff at home on a computer would help limit screen-time and mitigate exposure.

[@iGame3D]

Yeah that's why your generation did drugs, smoked, drank, wrecked vehicles in record numbers ,were glued to TV and bought up all the music that was sold to you by corporations...you people are so short sighted and have bad memories.

[@lloroarcoiris]

Some of you don’t understand how this is a new. I’m a gen Z teenager and people my age sometimes don’t even talk to each other at parties. Young people don’t know, they can’t conceive another reality than to assume that everyone is chronically online, you need to know the trends and news or you don’t fit in. In this immediate world there is a lack of attention span and people are not present in the moment, everyone is on their phones. This is incredibly wholesome and hopeful

[@marshy11037]

anytime i go out with any of my friends, even at church, if i look down i will see each and every one of them on their phone. I just broke my phone addiction this year (I’m still on it a lot but i dont use it at all during school and social situations) and it’s really discouraging when anytime I try to talk to someone they’re not paying attention to me because they’re on there phone. It sucks and sometimes I wish we just stopped progressing at flip phones. I wish more ppl around me committed to a group like this!!

[@stitchgor3]

Peope our age DO want to go out. But theres nowhere to go and everyone is so rude nowadays

[@terranceorwhatever60]

I think the lack of talking to ppl that are supposed to be ur friends is the fact ppl don’t wanna be alone or made fun of so they make friends with ppl they don’t like for their public life. But the phone allows some privacy since u dont have to show your face and they are talking to ppl they actually get alone with. It’s mainstream culture that is at fault for this; the making fun of kids that enjoy alternative music, are into art, or videogames, etc

[@sekovittol3124]

@@stitchgor3 There is nowhere to go, because instead of going, they are buried in their cellphone. It's a catch 22, young people can't socialise because nobody is out socialising to socialise with.

[@ooooswain]

@@stitchgor3 I'm curious. Do teenagers these days pick a political side and divide themselves because of it? Is this part of the reason you're saying everyone is rude?

[@joshadanondanphotography]

I am proud of them.... More power to them...

[@keesa3036]

clean from social media for 43 days now. I feel like i lived under an evil spell for years, looking at my life falling apart and still kept numbing myself with more content. I now read books, work on my projects or stare in the ceiling when i am bored. Life is so much better this way

[@casdragon_5939]

you know KZbin is considered social media right lmao

[@bstudio1185]

😂​@@casdragon_5939

[@houndyxx]

youtube.. is social media

[@uzfnjzubtfjzbd]

KZbin shorts is the worst

[@QU141.]

Bro you gotta quit watching KZbin this IS social media lmaoooo

[@friendalways9140]

Yes! This is awesome! I'm 41 and I can remember the peace and sweetness of life before cell phones. I remember getting home and listening to voicemails of the calls we missed. Now I can't escape my phone. So I got a home phone and a little phone number book to put all my numbers in. I'm almost done writing them all in and then I'm saying goodbye to my smartphone. It's going to be a huge adjustment and hard but I'm excited!

[@VirgoKat]

I'm 51 and turned my mobile phone off 3 years ago and never Beeb happier! 💜🕯🙏

[@GG-vq6ro]

​@VirgoKat then how are you watching this? I'm 42 and on my phone right now as I leave this comment 😂

[@CoyotePretty27]

​​@@GG-vq6romaybe he has a laptop ?

[@friendalways9140]

@@GG-vq6ro is there no other way to watch youtube besides a smartphone?

[@GG-vq6ro]

@friendalways9140 so what is the difference really? If I turn my phone off but now I'm always on my laptop is that really that different?

[@MoMotivation0304]

I miss the 90's & early 2000's for this very reason.

[@Shadowyartsdirty3]

I don't, that stuff was incredibly racist and reinforced harmful stereotypes. It also promoted misogyny, bigotry and racism.

[@crazycontraptions1249]

@@Shadowyartsdirty3 cry

[@malice4422]

We can go back. It starts with quitting social media (instagram, twitter, etc) and focusing more on real relationships

[@millennialodyssey5956]

I loved growing up then. I had a bunch of diverse friends. We were each other's families. But people have greatly changed. How they treat each other these days is sickening.

[@millennialodyssey5956]

​@@Shadowyartsdirty3 maybe you're not old enough to see that racism and bigotry is actually worse right now. Not better.

[@Nargon46]

This is genuinely incredible. Spread this movement everywhere!

[@oddballkimin]

These kids are so smart and bright! I hope this becomes a new trend in the youth and even adults

[@thesupervisor3270]

I want them to take my 16 year old wit them

[@sugarsugar475]

Better eye contact, more confidence, and good communication skills. Kudos to these teens for breaking the tech addiction cycle.

[@rodstylz2044]

kudos to these kids...there is a glimmer of hope for the future.

[@sammyx12]

These are the kinds of stories I love to get from the news

[@lishayost44]

Yes! That's exactly what I'm saying! Let's talk about positive stuff! Let's change the world!

[@SerPounceToebeans]

Never thought this would exist, good to know these kids are keeping it old school. As a 90s kid, I miss the old days when we didn't have such tech, and people didn't do stupid TikTok or Instagram trends for attention and clout.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Yeah and I know some kids whose parents can’t have phones or who have plans on not letting their kids not have phones til 18

[@yungjunkie666]

In reality it's more the people of your age group that are phone addicted

[@Shalalalala_666]

BRING BACK MYSPACE

[@30regrets]

​@@Shalalalala_666 Don't bring back myspace 🙏

[@DaveSmith-pm2yq]

Yup. When kids did stupid stuff they had a limited audience

[@nm0852]

I’m 37 and this was my childhood! We had cellphones but not social media. KZbin was in its infancy and hadn’t become well known yet. I love this for them! It’s a return to normal life ❤

[@pinklemon-m5v]

Its the perfect age to grow, i was 18 when i got my first phone in 2000 and i was young enough to still use tech efficiently but old enough to have a childhood climbing trees and chasing frogs.

[@JamesBlue-v4d]

I’m 39 and I didn’t have cable until I was a teenager and my own cellphone or computer until I was 18. I used to write all my HS papers at the library. Social media got popular when I was in college and smartphones weren’t mainstream until I graduated, no one had one. The good ole days.

[@JustMalcolm914]

Ehhh depends

[@Saroku1000]

Im 33 and in my teen years we had msn and icq on pcs. Prefered to stay at home to use my pc because cellphones didnt have internet.

[@Saroku1000]

@@pinklemon-m5vnot really, in the 2000s many stayed at home the whole time just to be connected to the internet because there where no smartphones with mobile internet.

[@jardrodrigues]

I dont know why but that made me cry. I feel so anxious about social media and still I cant stop using it. Seeing kids doing something about it gave me hope.

[@dangercat9188]

Cellphones ain't the problem. In fact, it's a handy thing to have nowadays. It's social media, that's the problem. Especially Instagram and TikTok. So many kids don't know what it's like to go outside and hang out with friends WITHOUT being on their phones. It's like concerts now. People barely enjoy the show. They just record the whole time 😒🤦‍♂️

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Yeah I only record videos and take pictures at concerts but that’s it most of the time im not using it

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

It’s so I can have memories

[@dangercat9188]

@gwenmloveskpopandmore yea I agree with you. We just have to have balance.

[@joetunon]

I would mostly agree. Take away social media, and there goes 99% of the problem for 99% of the people. I'm not on social media any more but still have to fight my cellphone use because of KZbin and other apps on my phone. But when I got off of social media, I got 99% of my life back. This is a real serious problem and it's inspiring to see some teenagers that aware.

[@ritaamor283]

I don’t think it’s just social media. Although that’s the biggest problem and it’s made to be addictive and numbing, literally designed and redesigned to be a drug. But I see that, not just teens, adults also, people are addicted to just reach for the phone for everything. To search a word, this and that. I had this conversation with friends “just think a bit before immediately reaching for the phone”, usually an idea, or a meaning, or a solution comes first, we just have to give our brains a little more time.

[@Shalalalala_666]

OMG I KNOW THESE KIDS. I was part of their club two years ago, I won’t say which school for privacy reason but I’ll just say that they were some of the most down to earth genuine people in the school. I’m in a different school now but it’s cool to see my buddies getting the recognition they deserve. Unfortunately I got the internet again but I deleted everything except Reddit and KZbin lol. I’ve found that personally, the punk scene (specifically sXe) is a great outlet for leaving behind the effects of post modern late stage capitalism. Social media is arguably the worst thing to happen to our generation. Glad to see our movement is growing. :)

[@iudj-s8f]

Social media is the worst thing for anyone, I deleted "everything" 15 years ago and I live a more quiet life. Good for you too 😊

[@Shalalalala_666]

@@iudj-s8f hell yeah dude

[@NottABlack]

I was a teen when Myspace Facebook and the like came out, but i do remember growing up without them too, millennials were fortunate to get to see both, and yes social media has been great for businesses but destructive for ppl. Who would've thought that an app that was created to be like a BOOK of college girl's FACEs so that guys could rate them would ever be appropriate for teenagers to be on, Zuckerberg doesn't even let his own kids on his app, that's what we call a red flag....im very glad to see that some of the youth are waking up despise many of their parents falling into the trap...the cycle can end with you, be careful how you raise your future kids with this tech. I hear parents now talking about how they would love to get their kids off of their devices but it's too difficult to do, but the reality is that parents do not want to lead by example and they can't put down the devices either. 😊Be the change you wanna see❤&to good mental health🎉

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

Why does everything have to fit into a "scene", "group", or "click"??? Humans are so fked up

[@stevo3938]

The punk scene died in the 80’s mate

[@khatzeye]

My son is 19. I downloaded TikTok when he was about 10 and quickly deleted it and banned him from the internet and all social media platforms. Now not only is he uninterested in social media but he finds the obsession with technology and his generation posting and filming everything creepy. He says no one values privacy.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Good deal

[@yungjunkie666]

Assuming you are real be proud most parents won't even comprehend this lesson

[@hammywoods]

Has tikotk been around for 9 years?

[@ameridesign]

Tik tok hasn't been around for 9 years.....

[@ZayMufasaYDB]

i think they mean musical.ly, it’s the first version of tiktok

[@Sawpainter_td]

This has to be the most inspiring story I have heard this entire year. Enjoy your life....Kudos to you all!❤

[@AnthonyNeal-c8w]

Im crying, this is so beautiful we need more of this!

[@tylerbelcher5487]

Crybaby

[@zanlehman5208]

67 yo born ‘57. So proud of the kids. Been wanting to do the same! They inspire change in me! Keep it going!!!

[@RichardMullin-u8w]

I’m 60 born in 64 - amen to that!

[@Water_is_Sacred777]

I’m a 57 classic too. I agree 100%. 😊

[@vls3771]

Yep....a 60s here for more than half our lives we did fine without the internet and mobiles.

[@loyaltyiskey]

I love this! Most people don't understand how harmful smart phones and social media are and will be

[@humansirkme]

if it's harmful you shouldn't have a phone nor should you ever be left unsupervised.

[@JesseBurns-v6w]

Exactly. I’m 24 and my parents were my age in the 80s, and I see my mum constantly on her phone all day every day. She does go out still, but whenever she’s at home, she’s on her phone. It isn’t her fault though. The cooperations that made and develop this technology make it addictive.

[@MA-ne8ig]

This is the best thing I've seen in ages it literally moved me to tears. These kids sparked up an ember of hope within me! Bravo bravo, I hope this spreads like wildfire and not just to teens. These young people are the heroes we need, definitely not the ones we deserve 👏🏻

[@mikebasil4832]

I admire the motivation of these brave youths to break the cellphone and social media curse. Congratulations to you all.

[@quantumblurrr]

It's not a curse it's a choice. All these adults here acting like they need a club in order to not be a constant consumer is genuinely just sad

[@acer-star]

Every part of the world needs these groups

[@midigirl]

Good on them for standing by their inner values at young ages. Love to see it

[@halleykunen1088]

👊

[@bluwater1422]

Facts

[@DennisKwasnycia]

Ditched social media a couple years ago. The best. I mean I'm from a time when it didn't exist, so it's not so far fetched. Good on these kids.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

I havent had any social media accounts but youtube since 2012. Been made of, etc etc, but its been well worth it. Glad others are realizing the serious harm it is doing. It has almost rotted society completely.

[@dickjohnson9582]

I hate to inform you but you're on social media right now.

[@nyabelov3d]

This brightened my day! I’ve been off social media for awhile and I I’m looking for communities like this

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

start one

[@putato4072]

you are on social media right now

[@catandrats-w6z]

@@putato4072 its so obvious they most likely mean apps like instagram,twitter,tiktok,etc. yall always wanna nitpick every single thing someone says be so seriousss

[@GrowWildOutdoors]

Sadly these kids will never experience what it was like when society was like this. It was amazing.

[@halleykunen1088]

It was good, but easy to idealize…

[@GrowWildOutdoors]

@@halleykunen1088 Yeah, it's very easy to idealize a time without Incels & Instagram.

[@DiegoArrieta-ik5mt]

they can make it like it tho

[@MadameSarah]

I miss it so much. It was simpler and less stressful for me.

[@sillyfilly_brony]

People look at that time with rose tinted glasses, it wasn’t all great there was more racism and social issues, aids, bullying, and wars going on in the Middle East, nostalgia effects peoples minds to look back on the past as better than it was.

[@RescuedogsItaly]

This is a glimmer of hope. God bless these kids and the adults that encourage this behavior.

[@lexibrowning7447]

It's insane that all it takes is the removal of phones for these kids to look like who we were back in the day. I actually teared up a little bit watching this

[@johnnyvo9313]

This is probably the most inspiring thing I've heard in the last five years.

[@putato4072]

been around for years

[@VictorHerrera-rv3ze]

This gives me a little hope

[@arthurgiannakis2156]

Constantly watching and being on social media doesn't bring people closer together despite the claims. It never did. It's actually the complete opposite. These people have woken up to that. I hope they start a global trend.

[@soniaCodes]

When I quit social media I started seeing who my real friends were and I regained the ability to make friends outside of my phone! Life changing for the better! Never going back 🎉

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

how did you make new friends? I've mostly quit social media too but no one followed and I've had a hard time meeting people in real life again

[@soniaCodes]

@@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808 it takes a lot more effort. I personally love sports so I joined activities where I was likely to meet people. Think of things you enjoy doing and go for it.

[@Anana315]

@@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808Sign up for activities like sports, art classes, dance, knitting, whatever your hobbies are. It’s a good way to meet new people and create friendships

[@putato4072]

you are on social media right now

[@soniaCodes]

@ 😂😂 I knew someone was going to say that. I meant Instagram and Facebook.

[@MS-jz2pq]

I've called this for years now, I knew it was coming. Good!

[@timmorisma4800]

Bravo for these kids, I hope they continue to do this and I hope more kids follow suit. Unfortunately, it's too late for most people who are now adults and can't live one day without their phone.

[@anoakenstaff]

Someone should make a Luddite group for adults!

[@1805movie]

If former drug addicts can break the habit, so can they.

[@Fastman698]

Please don't perpetuate such hopelessness, it's not too late

[@Christina-sf4py]

​@@1805moviegreat point !

[@kayaissimo]

Yea, my mom could try this but her whole business would fall apart.

[@christianman73]

These teens are more mature and self-aware than many adults who are decades older! With no exaggeration, peoples' refusal to even look up from their smartphones puts me, and others, in actual physical danger. I have Cerebral Palsy and use a wheelchair, and every day, some people are so focused on their screens that they almost walk right into me. It's crazy!

[@DAMfoxygrampa]

30 years ago, people actually used to just walk out into the world with just keys and a wallet in their pocket. That boggles my mind

[@Youngdanny45]

Yeah crazy how people just fly out with no key and no wallet now.

[@putato4072]

becouse its not needed enymore its on the phone, excellent tool to have, less stuff to bring

[@putato4072]

@@Dave__f That’s a witty observation, but it oversimplifies the situation. Smartphones are crucial for gathering data and understanding trends in usage. Many people are actually leveraging technology to promote healthier habits and foster community discussions about digital engagement. The ability to analyze and reflect on our smartphone use is a testament to the power of technology, allowing us to make informed decisions about how we connect and interact. Embracing these tools can lead to more insightful conversations and positive changes.

[@PureAuteur]

Shows that smartphones today are really not as important as we're conditioned to think. The problem is with rest of society operating on that level, they expect you to be also.

[@pingamalinga]

Right on!! I miss the 80s and 90s when things were real and we used our own ideas rather than followed the internet. I should unplug, myself.

[@leacnnmn]

wish I had friends like that in high school, they're living the life!

[@Prodbytocile]

those aint no highschoolers they in they 20s

[@millennialodyssey5956]

That's the problem. It's no longer easy to find good friends and keep them. This is coming from someone who had multiple friend groups growing up. And now I have just two friends. People have become very selfish and self centered.

[@xxcoralineplayzxx2536]

same

[@Rosiestoned]

@@millennialodyssey5956 or u're more selective

[@warriorbeta]

Good for them! Social media has been a real detriment to our society

[@PHlophe]

dang ! mane, your eyebrows are just as thick as your hair. what do you use

[@christinal9046]

Good for them! I had a flip phone in the early 2000s in high school(that I didn't even bother turning on during the day), we still passed paper notes at school. It's hard to believe how much things have changed.

[@terrrell7798]

good times now these young people don't even know what life is

[@MyRedmamba]

I remember when carrying a charger around with you was none existent because using your phone was so scares that you only had to charge it a couple of times a week.

[@christinal9046]

@@MyRedmamba yeah when I wanted to use the phone I had to turn it on first...I would have missed calls and be like "sorry, my phone was off!" and then turn it back off when I was done

[@MyRedmamba]

@christinal9046 Ironically enough, I remember people getting annoyed at other people for not keeping them on and checking them enough! You still needed to call the home phone/ land line if it was something really important. Now people can't put them down.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

@@MyRedmambayeah even my mom can’t put hers down born in 1988 had me at 19 she’s very immature

[@Best_of_the_West_side]

the thing is thousands of kids have done this , but these ones are the few who show this to the world

[@sparkle3000]

Good for these young people. Social media is destroying our society. Adults need to do the same thing.

[@naturallybecoming831]

This is literally just what life was before ppl became obsessed with social media it’s kind of sad it has to be seen as something so unusual

[@fosty.]

Even sadder that some people have a problem with it.

[@tonywinters1283]

it is unusual.

[@putato4072]

its not unusual. been around for years millions of people without phones, not a big deal

[@PureAuteur]

Even in 2009 the youth around me were like this.

[@jujeybeanzz]

I’m 25 but some of these teens really give me hope. They’re so cool, and have bright futures. They grew up watching everyone wasting away on their screen and said NO THANKS! Smart kids. Good luck to them all🎉❤

[@janekilIer]

Trust me, people in my school have tried this many times but they’ve all returned to social media after atleast a month, it’s not just social media that drives them to technology it’s literally everyday life, most schoolwork is done online nowadays and some restaurants don’t take calls and only allow ordering delivery through apps

[@jujeybeanzz]

@ none of that landed with me, sorry.

[@PureAuteur]

@@janekilIer You could just walk in and order in person and wait for it.

[@ylzno]

I love to see how these young people decided to do that on their own! Truly amazing!

[@Haiokbai]

I always have loved NYC. The people are so real. And NO, they are NOT rude like stereotypes portray. I’ve never felt more comfortable and relaxed just being myself in NY. Everyone minds their own business and is kind. I’m not surprised these teens are doing this.

[@linearmemories]

lol

[@Dutch1954]

From 2008 to 2019 my family visited Europe every year on all kinds of tours, bus tours and riverboat tours. Most of the tours included people from Western Countries : the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. And time after time we learned to befriend any New Yorkers because they turned out to be consistently the coolest people by far to hang with in foreign countries. Being from Los Angeles I came away surprised by this with all the stereotypes out there going around. There's an old saying that if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. I believe it, I've met them. God bless the whole gang of ya 😊

[@drixxv2435]

Good for these teens. May their group grows spending more time being humane, sober and socializing in a good way.

[@Castro2408]

Just like the 90’s be social in person people. ❤

[@ThunderClawShocktrix]

easy for extroverts to say... however social media is bad for every one introvert and extrovert ... ther eis reason i aovid it... in favor of messager programs for contacting people

[@TheBluePetra-cp5rw]

Bless these teens! I quit social media for almost a year now and feel so much better!

[@colin8802]

I love this, I hope it catches on. My phone has been free of social media for years, and it really bothers me when people pull out their phones in social situations and just disappear into them.

[@Embracethepossibilities]

This makes me so happy to see! I deleted most of my social media in the summer of 2023 and it has changed my life.

[@mrcat926]

It shows how stable and sorted they look like

[@00Anew00]

Tbh they more than likely were always that way - and abandoning tech was a way to further gain more positive control over their lives and free time.

[@Tal_430]

I've noticed that too.

[@GreatPlanet-c7o]

Actors

[@samsca8529]

Is this supposed to be an insult or something

[@JovanyCooldude]

They look like the opposite of normal. Just look at "Ava"

[@thenatster4383]

Why did schools ever allow cell phones in the first place?

[@Sheba-bh7lc]

Back in the 70’s they had no phones for the students at all.

[@thefrofairy]

They still aren’t for the majority, need to be away during class and on school grounds in uk. But Safety reasons I’d assume, since an immediate form of contact to/from your child in case of any emergencies was a better option than finding out something happened to them hours later. Phone trackers being useful for “last whereabouts” in worst case scenarios etc. There’s many things in favour of sending a kid to school with one

[@nigelcass8972]

Cos they're weak! I never had one and guess what? I survived!!!!!

[@deydirkarjerb7309]

@@thefrofairythat is correct. It’s for precautionary measure. Phone lock boxes are about the size of a standard phone case. And you can put timers on them. No reason why teachers couldn’t hand them out in the morning and make every student lock their phones up until end of the day.

[@Saroku1000]

Because allowing is something passive. If I dont ban something, its automatically allowed. You dont need to actively allow something - but you need to acvtively ban something.

[@eeccee11]

This is a groundbreaking movement ❤ everyone should question things

[@user-os9jl6eu7e]

brooklyn tech alumni here.. this story is really moving.. i went to tech in 2000-2002… moved after that but these kids def remind me of my friends from those times.

[@shaunelijah455]

You GO young people. You are doing the RIGHT thing and we're PROUD of y'all. You should own a cellphone and use it only as needed. The cell phone should NOT own you. Good Job !!!

[@Serai3]

The Luddites were protesting the loss of jobs when technology began to take over. They were not anti-tech, they were pro-worker.

[@Earth_Being]

This should grow, it's beautiful that youth taking their life's ownership

[@WhatAudryEats]

I remember in early 2000’s when I was so amazed online shopping became a thing and KZbin was something I only watched about a couple of hours a week. And even with that I spent all my summers reading books and hanging outside now I’m on my phone practically 24/7

[@pokemonitishere202]

TF? Early 2000s didn't have any KZbin. Online shopping wasn't even a thing until the late 2010s. There used to be ads that asked us saying "call to this number if you want to order one" Life was very warm, pretty chilled & time passed slowly 🐦 🎶😌

[@ericgeesey9817]

They rediscovered going outside. Revolutionary:/

[@len_was_taken]

Well it’s easier to do it when you didn’t grow up with it. Younger generation has grown up with technology it becomes a norm just like, older generations not having to depend on technology. I think it’s great that younger people are going against the grain and “rediscovering” something that was never a norm for them.

[@kotterpike714]

You'd be surprised actually how social media and screentime is causing that problem.

[@princephillip9572]

they discovered going without being manipulated by technology and they met the real freedom , revolutionary !! :)

[@tvxyzn]

What does going outside have to do with this video? TF

[@chrispy3021]

​@@tvxyzn Usually, most people who spend a lot of time on their phones stay INSIDE a lot more (especially if you have social anxiety), so they go less outside.

[@hnc52]

Last week I took 2 days off from email, news, social media. At the end of the 2 days I felt calm, relaxed and had a few good nights sleep. Now I am back to stressing. My next step is to try every other day off from social media for a week. I may even buy a physical newspaper which may have a 24 hour delay in getting "news" but will be a much more focused and less stressful way to keep aware of the world.

[@putato4072]

good luck news now adays lie. stay connected if you want the real truth

[@kellymelrose8527]

if we had more youngsters like these then humanity might just have a chance..

[@LavendLady]

I agree with this kids. They are turning away from 'The Machine'. This TOTALLY rules!!!🤘😆🥳

[@gonfreecss5105]

Grew up in the 1990s in brooklyn, poor as heck but lived in a pretty decent neighborhood. I was able to make friends from my street and we would just hang out, play pokemon and games. I loved roller blading and riding my bike around the block and would do it for hours on end. Felt like forever and i sure missed those times. Words can't really describe the feeling you get compared to now where everyone and everything is on their phones.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Yeah I’m born in 2007 and I’m not happy kids in 3rd grade use the Chromebook 90% of the time but when I was in 3rd grade it was much less

[@Trini190]

86 baby i definitely remember those good old days!

[@kristinesmart582]

Yay! Bring back creativity ! God Bless!

[@SheIsPotential]

Amen 🩷

[@theresap3467]

Thank you for this wonderful video. 🌟 It breaks my heart to see how addicted kids are to their phones. I see such isolation in their faces. 🙁They just need to know there is a better way. Bless this teacher!

[@PersonaXlll]

This is AMAZING, shout out to the teacher for her hard work!

[@JohnCash001]

I was so happy to grow up in a time before smartphones and social media..

[@greenbanana1001]

This is the main reason I miss the 90s and 2000s

[@Thehumansmilyface]

Wow, this is amazing!! I’m so proud of them ! ❤