Digital Detox: How Puzzles Are Giving Gen Z a Break from Screens

As concerns about digital addiction and overexposure to screens increase, more young people—especially those from Gen Z—are seeking ways to disconnect. Analog puzzles have seen a major resurgence, not just as a retro leisure activity but as a practical digital detox tool. According to the latest National Institutes of Health findings, overexposure to blue light and digital multitasking can cause sleep disruption, reduced attention spans, and increased anxiety. Engaging with tactile puzzles like crosswords, jigsaws, and logic mazes helps restore focus and mindfulness by redirecting attention from constant notifications to a single problem-solving task. Research from a recent Stanford University study confirmed that students participating in weekly analog puzzle sessions showed lower cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress, along with improved academic performance. Social puzzle-solving—such as forming clubs or group puzzle nights—has also emerged as a way for students to reconnect in person, enhance collaborative skills, and temporarily free themselves from digital overload.

More than nostalgia, screen-free puzzles create a unique mental space. Unlike passive entertainment like TV or endless scrolling, puzzles require deep focus, spatial reasoning, and, often, collaboration. This active engagement provides what psychologists call 'cognitive flow,' where the mind enters an immersive, satisfying state. The trend isn’t limited to colleges: high schools and even corporate wellness programs are introducing weekly puzzle hours. Many young adults now report better sleep, reduced eye strain, and a greater sense of accomplishment after replacing some of their tech time with analog puzzles. Experts predict that, as data accumulates showing mental health benefits, analog puzzles may become as recommended as daily exercise for long-term digital health.