Month Offline: A New Wave in Digital Detox
In recent months, a unique initiative known as Month Offline, spearheaded by a clandestine entity called Dumb and Co., has been drawing attention in Washington, DC. This initiative encourages participants to temporarily abandon their smartphones in favor of a more traditional flip phone, fostering a collective exploration of our relationship with technology.
Participants not only receive a flip phone for the month but also gain access to a support group where they can discuss the impact of algorithms, the phenomenon of doomscrolling, and the underlying loneliness often exacerbated by smartphone usage. This isn’t merely another digital detox program; instead, it resembles a contemporary social club, with Hush Harbor, a bar that bills itself as the first phone-free establishment in DC, serving as its base.
A National Movement
What started locally is now gaining nationwide traction. Those interested can join the Month Offline movement from anywhere in the United States by signing up through their website and enrolling in a cohort. The cost of participation is $100, which includes a Dumb Phone 1 — a basic TCL flip phone — a new 404 area code phone number, and a structured curriculum designed to guide participants through their month-long experience. Additionally, they can take part in weekly dial-in radio sessions that replace physical meetups.
The project appears to tap into a nostalgic trend — much like the revival of CDs and classic cameras. The premise of technology that simplifies connectivity without overwhelming our attention is inherently appealing. Grant Besner, co-founder of Month Offline, emphasized, “The phone certainly amplifies some of our avoidant tendencies. Just replacing it even for a little bit and needing to sit with your own thoughts to be bored can be a transformative and really positive experience in someone’s life.”
Support and Community
The initiative has garnered interest for its communal aspects, resonating with participants who often express their longing for connection. Brittany Shammas, a Washington Post reporter who chronicled her experience in a Month Offline cohort, remarked on the program’s support group characteristics. Participants echoed sentiments likening the experience to “AA for smartphones,” illustrating the program’s potential to forge meaningful relationships amid shared challenges.
For some, including participant Lydia Peabody, abandoning the smartphone for a flip phone became a life-changing decision. She noted, “I didn’t know life could feel this way,” highlighting the sustainable shift in her lifestyle after her Month Offline participation.
More Than a Month-Off
For those hesitant to commit to a full month, Month Offline offers a flexible alternative. The Dumb Phone 1 can be purchased for $25 a month, along with the app Dumb Down, which helps synchronize calls and texts between a standard smartphone and a flip phone. Adopting a simpler device can bring significant benefits, including enhanced attention span and deeper interpersonal connections.
This movement reflects broader concerns about digital addiction and mental health, a topic that gained momentum after discussions around smartphones’ roles in youth mental health crises emerged in mainstream media. Legislative efforts, like Florida’s 2024 school phone ban, highlight a growing commitment to addressing these issues across generational lines.
Future Implications
As the Month Offline initiative flourishes, it prompts intriguing questions about adult smartphone addiction. Recent studies indicate that a significant portion of the U.S. adult population is concerned about their smartphone usage. While temporary retreats from technology can be beneficial, as underscored by research from the Digital Health and Happiness Lab, the emphasis is shifting toward creating sustainable habits rather than mere short-term fixes.
Though I haven’t yet engaged in Month Offline myself, I’ve sought small ways to alleviate my ingrained habits, such as using a Brick — a device that prevents knee-jerk scrolling through apps, adding a layer of intentionality to my phone use.
Update, November 6, 9:25 am ET: This article was revised to include news regarding the upcoming launch of Month Offline Brooklyn in January 2026.
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