Brendan O'Connor ‘Touching grass’, Gen-Z's fight back against big tech
Sep 7, 2025
Mark Little, a tech entrepreneur and journalist, dives into the challenges faced by Gen-Z and their inspiring resilience. He discusses the concept of ‘touching grass’, highlighting the generation's struggle with social media and their craving for authentic connections. The conversation also addresses the complexities of their relationship with AI, particularly in mental health. Little advocates for a shift in technology use, emphasizing the need for mindful engagement and collective action against big tech's overwhelming influence.
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Tech As Sanctuary Not Prison
- Mark Little says Gen Z often treat technology as a sanctuary, not just a trap.
- They use online spaces to gain agency and escape real-life exclusion.
Niche Communities Replace Big Platforms
- Gen Z are moving from big social platforms to niche communities like Discord and private group chats.
- This 'touching grass' trend pairs online safe spaces with real-world activities to build resilience.
Polaroids Over Phone Photos
- Mark Little recounts his daughter's 21st where photos were taken on Polaroids to print later.
- She wanted a physical reminder of being together, not just digital snapshots.