Participants gathered at an “Offline Club” event in Amsterdam, handing in their smartphones before taking part in a two-hour session focused on creative and social activities. The event took place in the Posthoornkerk, where attendees engaged in writing, crafting and listening to live piano music.
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Organisers say the initiative aims to encourage people to disconnect from digital devices and focus on reflection and real-world interaction. The concept, launched in 2024, has expanded to multiple cities across Europe.
Participants described the experience as a break from constant screen use, while a researcher in Utrecht said many apps are designed to keep users engaged through short-term rewards, making it harder to disconnect.
