The Slow Dopamine Shift: Reclaiming Connection in a Digital World

New research on the slow dopamine shift, as consumers pull back from endless content and look for deeper, real-world connection.

Written by

Ideally

As the media landscape continues to flood with endless content—from streaming shows and podcasts to vlogs, substacks and reels—the question arises: at what cost?

In a new research study in partnership with insights platform Ideally, Mediahub explored the fallout of digital fatigue across generations, revealing a shift toward real-life interactions. Hobbies, analogue entertainment like vinyl and print, and the desire for authentic community experiences are making a comeback. The new currency? Connection in the physical world, not just through screens.

Could media engagement become more intentional in 
this age of digital burnout? While people aren’t ready for 
a complete digital detox, slower dopamine hits might be 
the key to a healthier, happier society.

Download the full report to explore the three trends below:

1. The Joy of Analogue Entertainment
2. Taking a Break: The Rise of  Digital Detox
3. Young Women & the Social Media Trap


“Australians are seeking slower, more intentional experiences to combat the effects of digital fatigue, which underlines an important emerging cultural movement. Over the past 12 months, we’ve witnessed a decline in dating apps as people switch off in favour of IRL meet-cutes, to Tiktok trends like #dopaminedetox to minimise screentime, to groundbreaking legislation limiting social media usage for young Australians.”

Linda Fagerlund

Chief Strategy Officer, ANZ Mediahub


86%

of individuals admitted to frequently reaching for digital distractions.

37%

young females are 37% more likely than the general population to report feeling happier when spending time offline.

18-34

year olds report they must set physical boundaries
to disconnect.

55+

year olds report they choose to engage in other hobbies to disconnect.

86%

of individuals admitted to frequently reaching for digital distractions.

37%

young females are 37% more likely than the general population to report feeling happier when spending time offline.

18-34

year olds report they must set physical boundaries
to disconnect.

55+

year olds report they choose to engage in other hobbies to disconnect.

Insights powered by ideally

Insights powered by ideally

In a new research study in partnership with insights platform Ideally, Mediahub explored the fallout of digital fatigue across generations, revealing a shift toward real-life interactions. Hobbies, analogue entertainment like vinyl and print, and the desire for authentic community experiences are making a comeback. The new currency? Connection in the physical world, not just through screens.

Could media engagement become more intentional in 
this age of digital burnout? While people aren’t ready for 
a complete digital detox, slower dopamine hits might be 
the key to a healthier, happier society.

Download the full report to explore the three trends below:

1. The Joy of Analogue Entertainment
2. Taking a Break: The Rise of  Digital Detox
3. Young Women & the Social Media Trap


“Australians are seeking slower, more intentional experiences to combat the effects of digital fatigue, which underlines an important emerging cultural movement. Over the past 12 months, we’ve witnessed a decline in dating apps as people switch off in favour of IRL meet-cutes, to Tiktok trends like #dopaminedetox to minimise screentime, to groundbreaking legislation limiting social media usage for young Australians.”

Linda Fagerlund

Chief Strategy Officer, ANZ Mediahub


86%

of individuals admitted to frequently reaching for digital distractions.

37%

young females are 37% more likely than the general population to report feeling happier when spending time offline.

18-34

year olds report they must set physical boundaries
to disconnect.

55+

year olds report they choose to engage in other hobbies to disconnect.

Insights powered by ideally

As the media landscape continues to flood with endless content—from streaming shows and podcasts to vlogs, substacks and reels—the question arises: at what cost?

As the media landscape continues to flood with endless content—from streaming shows and podcasts to vlogs, substacks and reels—the question arises: at what cost?

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