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In Swansea, a unique initiative has been launched by the owner of Ground Plant Based Coffee, Helen Wilson. She has decided to ban phones and laptops for one evening a month to promote more meaningful interactions among customers. Helen expressed her dislike for constantly having her own devices on and wanted to create a space where people can truly connect with each other. The cafe’s “offline nights” have received positive feedback, with strangers sitting together and engaging in activities like knitting and crocheting.
Inspired by similar events in London and Amsterdam, Helen opened her cafe in 2021 and initiated the offline nights to provide a platform for people to engage without the distraction of screens. She emphasized the importance of human connection and expressed her delight in facilitating this monthly event. During the offline night, the cafe was filled with a calm and joyful atmosphere, with customers interacting with each other in person, a refreshing change from the digital world.
Customers like Will and George, students at Swansea University, stumbled upon the offline night without prior knowledge but decided to give it a chance. Initially hesitant, they found themselves enjoying the screen-free environment after spending 45 minutes at the cafe. Their daily phone usage averages, around seven to nine hours each, highlighted the pervasive digital dependency present in society. Other patrons, like Elisabet and Paula, found solace in disconnecting from their phones and appreciating the peaceful ambience created by the lack of screens at the cafe.
In a different approach at the Alpine Coffee Shop in Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, customer wifi has been abolished to encourage patrons to engage with the surroundings and each other. Lili, a cafe employee, noted the positive reception from customers who preferred to enjoy their coffee without the distraction of phones. The decision to eliminate wifi has been well-received, allowing individuals to take a break from constant connectivity and savor the moment. Studies show that many individuals are seeking a digital detox, with a significant percentage expressing concerns about excessive screen time. Experts advocate for activities like offline nights and eliminating technological distractions to foster genuine human connections and break the habit of endless digital engagement
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