Gen Z is bringing back something the digital age was supposed to replace

For the generation that grew up with devices at their fingertips and social media as an extension of their life, a new shift is pushing Gen Z away from the screen and toward the real world. A 2026 report by Quad and The Harris Poll explored how consumer behavior is changing in favor of physical experiences, finding that “real is the new premium.” The shift seems to be driven by fatigue from scrolling, texting, emailing, and using AI tools. While nearly a third of older generations agree wi...