In a world where internet access seems as essential as electricity or running water, the idea of living without the internet often appears unrealistic, even radical. Yet this question is increasingly present in contemporary debates, at the intersection of mental health, social inequalities, and our relationship with time. Between constant hyperconnectivity and the search for meaning, many people are asking: do we still have a choice? And if so, under what conditions can living without the internet become a credible option—if not permanent, at least partial?

Digital dependence: a largely underestimated phenomenon

Digital dependence no longer affects only teenagers. Endless notifications, professional messaging tools, social networks, and streaming platforms now shape the daily lives of all generations. Checking one’s phone dozens of times a day has become a social norm, rarely questioned.

Yet the consequences are well documented: attention disorders, cognitive fatigue, chronic stress, and increased anxiety. According to several recent studies, constant exposure to screens alters our ability to concentrate over long periods and weakens emotional balance. Living without the internet—or at least drastically reducing its use—then appears as a possible response to a form of digital saturation that has become structural.

This dependence also raises a question of individual freedom. Can we truly speak of choice when most administrative, professional, and social processes rely on digital tools? The debate goes beyond the personal sphere to become a broader societal issue.

The digital divide and inequalities of access

While some people voluntarily seek to disconnect, others simply do not have access to the internet. More than 2 billion people worldwide are still offline. This digital divide highlights a reality that is often overlooked: living without the internet is not always a choice, but sometimes a constraint.

In rural areas, isolated regions, or certain developing countries, the absence of connectivity limits access to education, information, and public services. This situation creates a double injustice: on one side, hyperconnectivity that fuels distress; on the other, digital exclusion that hinders social and economic empowerment.

Reflecting on the possibility of living without the internet therefore requires distinguishing between chosen digital sobriety and imposed deprivation. Any balanced approach must integrate this collective and political dimension, particularly in terms of public policy and territorial planning.

Disconnected communities and concrete alternatives

Contrary to popular belief, living without the internet is not a purely theoretical idea. Some communities experience it on a daily basis. The Amish, for example, deliberately reject most digital technologies in order to preserve social ties and their way of life. Other isolated villages still function with very limited access, demonstrating that alternative models do exist.

More recently, new trends have emerged within hyperconnected societies themselves. The renewed popularity of basic mobile phones, often referred to as “dumbphones,” appeals to part of Generation Z. These devices allow calls and text messages without access to time-consuming apps, offering a compromise between minimal connectivity and mental freedom.

These choices do not imply a total rejection of progress, but rather a desire to regain control over one’s attention. Living without the internet thus becomes less a rupture than a conscious adjustment of one’s habits.

Digital detox and digital minimalism: real effects and limitations

Digital detox—whether occasional or regular—has become a popular response to hyperconnectivity. Studies show that one week without social media can reduce anxiety by 16% and depressive symptoms by 25%. These frequently cited figures point to a real impact on psychological well-being.

However, the benefits tend to fade quickly once digital habits resume. This highlights an important limitation: temporary disconnection is not enough if the structural causes of dependence are not addressed. Notifications, algorithms, and social pressure continue to capture attention as soon as one goes back online.

Digital minimalism offers a more sustainable approach. It is not about living without the internet in an absolute sense, but about setting clear rules: intentional use, limited screen time, and prioritizing human interactions. This gradual approach makes it possible to integrate technology without letting it take over everyday life.

How to concretely reduce digital dependence

Adopting a healthier relationship with digital tools involves simple actions that are accessible to everyone. Here are a few practices inspired by digital sobriety approaches:

  • Define screen-free time slots, especially in the morning and before bedtime.

  • Disable non-essential notifications to reduce constant interruptions.

  • Group digital tasks together to avoid compulsive checking.

  • Favor offline tools for reading, writing, or personal organization.

  • Establish phone-free moments during meals or social activities.

These strategies are not meant to impose a rigid life without the internet, but to restore value to offline time. They promote better concentration, improved sleep quality, and more authentic relationships.

A societal debate that goes beyond individual choice

The question of living without the internet extends far beyond the personal sphere. It challenges our economic model, which is largely based on the attention economy, as well as the role of institutions. Encouraging public policies that promote fair access to digital tools while fostering responsible use has become a central issue.

Initiatives are already emerging, such as the integration of digital education into school curricula or the recognition of the right to disconnect in the workplace. These developments show that the solution does not lie in a total rejection of technology, but in collective, informed regulation.

Within the same collection, other books published by Five Minutes explore how our societies are being reshaped by digital technologies, offering complementary perspectives on these contemporary transformations.

The question “living without the internet: is it possible?” does not call for a single answer. Rather, it invites a nuanced reflection on our habits, our priorities, and our ability to preserve a balance between connectivity and well-being. Far from extreme positions, this reflection opens the door to reclaiming time, attention, and human connection.

To go further in this reflection and discover a well-documented, critical, and accessible analysis, discover Living without the Internet, Is It Possible? by Léwis Verdun now on FIVE MINUTES.