But now, the roles are reversing. Young people, the same ones who effortlessly swipe through life on their phones, are asking their parents and grandparents for guidance — not on digital tools, but on technology from another era. How do you load film into this camera? Can you show me how to use a record player? How do I put the ribbon in a typewriter?

It’s not just a few curious teens — it’s a full-fledged trend. In fact, the Future of Wellness 2025 Report from the Global Wellness Summit identified a growing interest in analog technologies as one of the dominant trends of the year among younger generations. They’re actively seeking out experiences that feel real and tactile, whether through film photography, vinyl records or even old-school board games.

Gen Z and millennials, raised on screens, are embracing analog experiences in a way that goes beyond mere nostalgia. Many of them never used a typewriter or handled a film camera, but they’ve seen them in movies. And, they like what they see.

One of the biggest drivers of this trend is digital burnout. When everything is instant and intangible, there’s something deeply satisfying about using a machine that requires patience and hands-on effort. Instead of an endless stream of photos buried in a phone’s camera roll, a film camera makes every shot count. A vinyl record forces you to listen to an album all the way through. A typewriter demands commitment — no backspace, no auto-correct — to mostly just words on a page (and maybe a little Wite-Out).

This shift isn’t just about individual experiences; it’s also social. The popularity of board game nights, book clubs and analog gaming cafés is growing as people crave more face-to-face interaction. It reminds me of my grandfather teaching me how to play backgammon when I was about 6 or 7. Every summer at Lake Tahoe, we’d play after dinner, and those are some of my favorite memories about him. And the tradition continues with regular family game nights.

Sales trends back up this revival. Vinyl records outsold CDs for the first time in 35 years. Film photography is booming, with Kodak struggling to keep up with demand for 35mm film. Even cassette tapes are making a comeback, with major artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish releasing their albums on tape.

The appeal isn’t just about a break from digital life — it’s about having a connection to the past, to something real.

For those who grew up using these devices, this is a golden opportunity to connect with younger generations in a meaningful way. Here are four ways to take advantage of it.

Dig out your old tech. If you have a record player, Polaroid camera, typewriter or film camera tucked away somewhere, bring it out. Even if it’s been years since you last used it, these items are more than just collectibles — they’re conversation starters. Let younger family members see and hold them. Even better, see if they still work. If the turntable needs a new needle or the typewriter needs a ribbon, let them help with the repair. Part of the appeal of analog tech is understanding how it works, inside and out.

Make it hands-on. The best way to teach is by doing. Let them load the film, place the needle on the record or punch the keys of a typewriter. There’s something deeply satisfying about the clack of typewriter keys or the static before a song begins on vinyl. These devices engage the senses in a way digital tech never will.

Share the stories. Technology isn’t just about function — it’s tied to memories. The record player you used in college, the mixtapes you made for road trips, the typewriter you wrote your first resume on — these stories bring history to life in a way no YouTube tutorial ever could. Young people may be drawn to the aesthetic of old-school gadgets, but what keeps them engaged are the experiences connected to them.

Go beyond family. If you enjoy sharing your knowledge, consider teaching a class at your local library, senior center or community college. Many young people are eager to learn but they don’t have anyone in their lives who can show them. A one-hour session on the basics of film photography or how to properly care for vinyl records could spark a lifelong appreciation for analog technology.

Of course, this isn’t just a one-way street. While you’re teaching them how to rewind a cassette tape with a pencil, they can teach you how to organize your photos in the cloud or safely navigate social media.

This exchange of knowledge isn’t just practical — it builds connections. It’s a reminder that technology, whether old or new, is ultimately about bringing people together.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.