Why Hosting a 1990’s hangout with no technology is fantastic.
Before the year 2000, smartphones that can fit into your pocket didn’t exist. Today, people routinely carry their phones, often walking while playing games, watching videos, or engaging in doom-scrolling. The best way to get off your phone is to host a hangout without phones. Technology impairs mental function, induces ocular strainhas negative physical consequences, reduces social contact and destroys relationships. Here’s how to stop this atrocious behavior.
Understandably, humans struggle against technology. Many people are deeply attached to their devices. When my friend visits, he spends the entire time playing games. I was also once addicted, sneaking at night to play games while my parents weren’t watching. Devices are dangerous, so dangerous that humans should handle them like ticking bombs.
Device use pulls users away from reality and increases dependence with every moment of engagement. This problem arose after the 2000s when phones became more accessible. According to a Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report posted on the We Are Social blog, Global mobile phone penetration has grown from roughly 12% of the world’s population in 2000 to approximately 70.4% in 2026. This can be easily solved with a 1990’s hangout.
Humanity was unprepared for the advent of digital devices and unaware of their long-term consequences. According to Stanford University, one study “found that increased use of screens among adults may harm learning, memory, and mental health.” This occurs because excessive screen time causes thinning of the cerebral cortex responsible for decision-making and problem-solving. A 90’s style hangout prevents these issues, helping children to soar ahead of technology-affected peers academically.
Other types of problems also extend to physical health. Excessive phone use reduces time spent exercising. A new study published in the Science news website notes that a reduction in physical exercise directly contributes to obesity because it decreases your daily energy expenditure. Imagine sitting at the Television, eating popcorn, when a friend invites you to play tennis; you suddenly realise that you can barely walk, let alone run. This would be undeniably embarrassing. Hosting a 1990’s style hangout helps prevent this and supports stronger physical performance.
Furthermore, hosting a 90’s style hangout fosters connections between friends. Experts from Greater Good Magazine note that simply having a phone present during a social encounter decreases the empathic connection and the quality of conversation. A 90’s style hangout helps strengthens interpersonal relationships and chatting with friends face to face will help develop stronger bonds.
One might argue that it is phone addiction, not phone usage that causes the above issues. However, according to the University of Texas, “smartphones are so addictive because every time we use them—to like an Instagram post, watch a YouTube video, or play Wordle—it triggers a surge of dopamine”. This means that constant phone usage will ultimately lead to addiction and having a face-to-face hangout will help prevent all these issues.
All of this is not to say that maybe a game once every 6 months isn’t good, but it is saying that constant use of devices can be extremely detrimental, so drop your phones now and go join host a 1990’s style hangout and excel in everything!
Sources:
https://wearesocial.com/au/blog/2026/04/digital-2026-mid-year-global-update-report/
https://www.science.org/content/article/new-study-blames-diet-not-physical-inactivity-obesity-crisis
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_smartphones_are_killing_conversation