The Focus Report Why This Gen Z'er Doesn't Own a Smart Phone | Gabriela Nguyen
Jan 21, 2026
Gabriela Nguyen, founder of Appstinence and educator, discusses her unique journey growing up in a smartphone-centric world but choosing to live without one. She explores the surprising benefits of unplugging, including enhanced focus and improved relationships. Gabriela introduces the 5D method for tech disengagement and shares insights on how technology shapes our values. With a vision for deeper connections, she highlights Gen Z's role in leading the movement towards healthier tech interactions and how listeners can get involved.
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Growing Up Chronically Online
- Gabriela grew up in Silicon Valley and got her first smartphone at 12, spending a decade chronically online.
- She gradually deleted platforms, switched to a non-smartphone, and now lives largely offline.
Life Off Platforms Is Distinctly Different
- Abstinence's mission is to show life off addictive technology is more fulfilling than life on it.
- Gabriela argues platforms are designed to be addictive and leaving reveals broader benefits across life domains.
Use The 5D Exit Roadmap
- Follow the 5D method: Decrease, Deactivate, Delete, Downgrade, Depart as staged steps to leave platforms.
- Use the 30-day deactivation window to incubate new habits before permanent deletion.
