Is being offline a luxury? Why we want mobile phone-free zones

Result

Three out of five citizens in Germany currently favor public spaces without Wi-Fi and smartphones. Compared to last year, this desire has increased slightly but steadily. Particularly in cafés, bars, pubs, and restaurants, many people long for more conscious communication and genuine encounters without digital distractions. This attitude contrasts sharply with the growing digital penetration of public spaces, where free Wi-Fi has become standard infrastructure in restaurants, retail stores, and bus stops. The discrepancy between technical availability and social need is thus becoming increasingly apparent.

Reasons

Constant accessibility and the multitude of digital stimuli are perceived as a burden by many. Conversations are interrupted when a mobile phone vibrates, and genuine attention is often lost. The desire for presence and undivided attention is growing among younger and older generations alike. Besides the search for social connection, the need for a slower pace of life also plays a central role. Furthermore, those in company want to feel a sense of belonging—not to be overlooked because their conversation partner is staring at a screen. Although the desire for digital detachment is increasing, public institutions have so far only responded to this in isolated cases.

Forecast

In countries like Australia, Great Britain, and the USA, restaurant patrons sometimes receive rewards for foregoing their smartphones, such as small extras or discounts. The aim is to extend the length of stay and foster social interaction. In Germany, too, restaurateurs could increasingly cater to these needs and actively support digital detox. Consciously foregoing Wi-Fi access could thus be seen not as a step backward, but as a sign of quality. Looking ahead, this creates new added value: genuine encounters in the physical space as a conscious counterpoint to the constant stimulation of our digital lives.