Honestly, scrolling online just isn’t fun anymore, like not in the slightest. Basically, every post looks the same, every “relatable” influencer sounds rehearsed, and every video feels like a disguised ad. Well, yeah, that’s because it is a hidden ad. But yeah, all of this is exhausting. Like, yeah, as a business owner, you’re just trying to get your name out there, now that makes total sense. But it’s not just you, it’s every brand in existence doing that too.
People aren’t just bored with the internet anymore; they’re drained by it. The place that once felt like an escape from real life now feels like something you need to escape from. Is this even a surprise at all? Well, nah, it’s not. Just think about it all for just a moment; the internet from the 90s and the early 2000s is not the same internet as nowadays. Like nowadays, the internet’s become this nonstop feed of sales pitches and “content.” Even when it’s supposed to be funny or inspiring, there’s always a link in the bio.
So people are unplugging, not because they hate technology, but because they actually want to feel something real again.
Real Life is Trending
Okay, maybe saying “trending” sounds a little weird, but it’s basically what’s happening, though. Yeah, there’s this funny reversal happening right now. A few years ago, being online all the time made you feel connected. Now, not being online makes you look like you’ve got your life together. But celebrities barely post anymore; they’ve got assistants handling all that. You know you’ve reached peak digital burnout when being “offline” becomes a status symbol. Basically, more and more people want to “touch grass” as it’s called, like figuratively and literally speaking here.
There’s only so much fake perfection and AI-generated nonsense a person can scroll through before they start to miss the smell of actual air. That Polaroid ad that said, “AI can’t generate sand between your toes” hit hard for a reason. Because it’s true. You can make an AI version of yourself having brunch on the Amalfi Coast, but it’s still just pixels. You’re not there. Why would other people want to see that?
Everything Feels Like an Ad Now
Again, the internet isn’t what it used to be. People used to be authentic and just share their life or what they’re doing, and it literally wasn’t an ad. Nowadays, it’s all transactional; people want to do stuff online only to make money, not because of passion or whatever else. It’s really sad that the internet just isn’t what it used to be. But people don’t want more content; they don’t want those ads.
They want connection, something that doesn’t feel forced or filtered. That’s why more companies are bringing their marketing back into the real world. Well, the smart ones are thankfully doing that. For example, some are using outdoor advertising mobile campaigns, like displays, during an event like a festival, for example, or even just in places like on the street, at the park, or on the road (nothing too specific).
Honestly, something like this feels more human because people are just outside, living in the moment, and it’s not like an ad is bad, but at least it’s not disguised as “helpful content” like it is online.
