I asked Google AI Mode how to do a digital detox — and its 'touch grass' tips went beyond just 'put down your phone'

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Constant phone notifications are enough to drive anyone crazy. Add a social media habit that serves up an endless stream of negative news, toxic comments and AI slop, and it gets even worse.I should know. I’ve had plenty of days when all of it leaves me feeling drained of the positive energy I desperately need. So, in an effort to spend less time glued to my phone, I started reading about the growing push toward an analog lifestyle.In simple terms, going analog means making a conscious effort to prioritize real-world, offline experiences over more screen time.With summer winding down and plenty left to do outdoors, I decided to put Google Search’s AI Mode to the test. I gave it a simple objective: help me start a digital detox and find some much-needed analog activities to add to my “summer’s almost over” playlist.The basics behind embracing a digital detox

(Image credit: Shutterstock)AI Mode’s explanation of how to successfully pull off a digital detox involved zeroing in on friction and substitution rather than employing pure willpower to lessen my time spent staring down at my phone. And instead of quitting my screen usage cold turkey, the chatbot told me to start relying on physical barriers that keep me farther away from them.Alongside that useful bit of advice, it also stated that enjoying engaging, offline routines is a great replacement for the constant mindless doomscrolling most folks (and me; I’m still guilty of that!) partake in. Here’s an overview of some of the practical methods Google’s AI Mode told me to make a part of my daily routine from this point forward:Build physical friction: Put your phone in another room or inside a timed lockbox during deep work or meals. If it is out of sight, your brain stops compulsively reaching for it.Downgrade your screen: Turn your display to grayscale. Stripping away the bright, dopamine-inducing colors of social media apps makes your phone instantly boring.Use the "One-Hour Rule": Keep your first hour of the morning and the last hour before bed entirely screen-free. Invest in a cheap, analog alarm clock so your phone doesn't have to be on your nightstand.Aggressively prune notifications: Turn off non-essential alerts for everything except direct calls and texts.Gamify your focus: Use blocking apps like Flipd to lock yourself out of your phone during specific time blocks.A packed list of activities that help me get more acquainted with my fun-filled city