Young adults are increasingly turning to gardening and other analogue hobbies as a way to cope with the pressures of modern life. For many in the Millennial generation, activities such as cooking, sewing, and tending to plants offer a tangible escape from a pervasive digital culture and a sense of control amidst broader societal concerns.
Hannah, a Millennial who grew up with both analog and digital experiences, described these hobbies as a "rejection of this hyper-digital world that feels really all-consuming." She highlighted the challenging landscape for young people, citing the cost of living, climate change, a difficult job market, and the rise of artificial intelligence as significant stressors.
"It is challenging being young and maybe having different expectations to those that our parents and grandparents' generations had, and different opportunities," Hannah commented, while acknowledging that she is not suggesting her generation has faced uniquely harder times.
Gardening, in particular, provides what she calls a "safe space" to "take control of your little space of land or your balcony or your pots in the kitchen or whatever you're able to have." Hannah found solace in gardening following the loss of her father and grandmother in 2023. "I didn't use gardening as a conscious means of therapy but I kind of just found myself out here, pottering around," she said. She described the process as "creating and nourishing new life and new growth is just really the circle of life."
This trend reflects a broader sentiment among young people who seek joy, serenity, and a sense of community through these hands-on activities. The deliberate engagement with nature and craft offers a counterbalance to the anxieties associated with a rapidly changing world, providing a grounded and nourishing experience.