Εssay Competition

The Right to an Analogue Life and Mental Balance in the Age of an Overdigitalised, Contactless Society

Christina Votta (Χριστίνα Βόττα Α1)

In an era defined by rapid technological development and constant change, the concept of an analogue life—a lifestyle characterized by intentional interactions and time spent reconnecting with oneself and the surrounding world—has become increasingly rare. As society embraces the conveniences of artificial intelligence and the entertainment it offers, people often find themselves prioritizing efficiency and instant gratification at the expense of human connection and mental well-being. The rise of an over-digitalized, contactless society presents both opportunities and significant challenges, particularly concerning mental health. While technology can benefit our lives in numerous ways, it is important not to ignore the risks that may lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This essay will explore the pros and cons of artificial intelligence, its impact on mental health, and the importance of creating mental balance by engaging in activities associated with an analogue way of life. By understanding the differences between digital and analogue living, we can advocate for a fulfilling life rather than an isolated, contactless one.

Although the notion of artificial intelligence dates back at least 2,700 years, the individual officially recognized as the “Father of Artificial Intelligence” is John McCarthy, who coined the term and defined it as “the science and engineering of making intelligent machines.” After centuries of development, artificial intelligence has become an integral part of everyday life. Today, it is used in facial recognition software, digital assistants such as Siri and Alexa, and translation services. However, generative AI has captured the most attention, as it can generate content including text, images, and music. It is widely used for writing tasks, ranging from drafting résumés to completing homework assignments such as essays and book reports.

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence has benefited us immensely. AI can make life more enjoyable and convenient. Why struggle to solve a complex equation when a simple photograph can provide an instant solution? Moreover, AI plays a significant role in modern transportation, as many cars now feature advanced digital systems and automated functions such as lights that turn on and off when entering tunnels. Tasks that were once time-consuming are now completed efficiently within seconds. In addition, the vast amount of information available is remarkable. Technology can analyze enormous data sets, provide personalized recommendations, and facilitate real-time communication between people living far apart, allowing them to collaborate, play games, or complete projects together.

Artificial intelligence has also revolutionized healthcare, particularly in diagnostics, treatment personalization, and clinical practice, such as the early detection of sepsis and breast cancer. As a result, costs have been reduced, and AI streamlines administrative tasks, enabling healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. Despite these advantages, artificial intelligence also presents significant dangers. One of the most prominent concerns is job displacement, which is already occurring. Early-career workers are increasingly affected, and it is estimated that up to 85 million jobs could be displaced by AI by the end of 2025. Consequently, many individuals fear losing their jobs in the near future.

Another important risk, particularly affecting younger generations, is dependence on technology. This dependence often leads to reduced face-to-face interaction and social isolation. Furthermore, constant reliance on generative AI can hinder the development of original thinking and critical problem-solving skills. For instance, writing a well-structured essay has become more difficult for many students due to their dependence on tools such as ChatGPT. Therefore, it is essential that individuals use artificial intelligence in moderation, as it can be highly beneficial only when used responsibly.

The impact of technology on mental health is complex and multifaceted, encompassing both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, technology has transformed the way people seek mental health support. The internet provides access to online therapy platforms, mental health applications, and support groups, making professional help more accessible than ever before. This increased accessibility can encourage individuals to take meaningful steps toward improving their mental well-being.

On the other hand, excessive use of technology—especially social media—can have a negative impact on mental health, particularly among adolescents whose brains are still developing. Anxiety and depression are becoming increasingly common among young people, often linked to excessive social media use. As entertaining as social media may be, comparison culture—where individuals post idealized versions of their lives and receive judgmental or hateful comments—can significantly lower self-esteem. This often leads adolescents to distance themselves from family and friends, contributing to depression and other mental health issues. Ultimately, technology has the power to both improve and harm mental health, and the outcome depends largely on how it is used.

Maintaining mental balance is key to managing the fast pace of technological change. Mental balance refers to achieving equilibrium between digital engagement and real-world experiences that support emotional and psychological well-being. It involves managing time spent online while prioritizing face-to-face interactions, self-care, and personal connections. When mental balance is achieved, a healthier community emerges—one composed of individuals with stronger emotional well-being, deeper appreciation for human connection, and an overall improved quality of life.

To balance digital and analogue living, a clear strategy is necessary. At the top of this strategy are boundaries. Limiting screen time, particularly for children, can significantly improve physical and mental health, including better sleep patterns. Content management is equally important. Although many platforms attempt to recommend age-appropriate content, some users falsify their age, making parental supervision essential. Monitoring what children watch on platforms such as YouTube and social media can help protect their mental well-being.

Another crucial step is engaging in analogue activities. Encouraging hobbies that promote creativity and mindfulness—such as reading, writing, and outdoor activities—can help individuals become less dependent on artificial intelligence and more engaged with society. Participation in social gatherings and community activities benefits both individuals and society as a whole. Finally, allowing time for rest and relaxation is vital for reducing stress. Activities such as yoga, sleep, or even taking a quiet shower provide opportunities to clear the mind and disconnect from constant information overload.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence offers numerous benefits. It has made daily life more convenient, improved access to information, and significantly advanced healthcare. However, it is equally important to acknowledge the dangers associated with excessive digitalization, including addiction, isolation, and mental health issues. Society must advocate for a balanced approach that values both digital innovation and analogue living, prioritizing human connection and personal well-being. No one should neglect self-care, and achieving a healthy lifestyle remains essential—even in an increasingly digitalized world.

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Celia Dalakidi (Σίλια Δαλακίδη A1)

We live in the twenty-first century — an overdigitalised, contactless society. Have you ever taken a moment to think about that? Think about how the previous analogue life has become the world we live in today, causing big problems not only in society but also in our mental health. Of course, everything has changed and will continue changing as we move into the future. However, don’t you believe that we still have the right to an analogue life — to live mentally stable? Well, I still have hope. I’m certain that we can put an end to this whole mess we call life.

We are all aware of how life is in the digital age. Every day, everyone is on their phones, laptops, computers, tablets — all these devices. We keep using AI for even the smallest problems we have. Imagine how pathetic that is! We can’t even fix a problem in our car; instead, we just open ChatGPT and ask how to fix it. We always ask how to do this, how to do that, how to say something, or, for example, to write an essay on the topic “The Right to an Analogue Life and Mental Balance in the Age of an Overdigitalised, Contactless Society.” We can’t even use our own hands to click some buttons. I’m sure many of you say, “Hey Siri, call Mom,” instead of just calling her yourselves. I find it so feeble and tragic that we feel the need to do that. Remember, we are not disappointing anyone when we do these things — we are just underestimating our intelligence and capabilities.

I have many dreams, but one of them is to have the chance to live in the analogue age — in a life without phones and technology, because I was born straight into the digital one. I am positive that it would be a refreshing escape from this world. Don’t you adults ever want to go back? To live that slow, simple, and peaceful life you used to have? People were more active and connected to life and to each other. We used to write letters by hand, listen to vinyl records, read real books, and enjoy face-to-face conversations. That life was more authentic and creative — more real. For me, it was perfect in an imperfect way.

People nowadays — mostly teenagers — have shown many mental and health issues caused by overdigitalisation. So, what are the mental problems that arise in this age? Most often, anxiety and stress increase due to hours spent in front of screens. Additionally, children suffer from a loss of concentration. Beauty standards, stereotypes, and everyone’s expectations are high — especially for girls. Imagine being a 14-year-old girl, constantly criticised and judged by everyone on the internet. Of course, she will lose her self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, cyberbullying is everywhere. Not only that, but sexual assault online has also escalated a lot in recent years. The victims often fall into depression and lose their vitality; some become anorexic, have panic attacks, experience memory problems, and so on. All these factors trigger suicidal thoughts, and suicide rates have climbed to alarming levels. Furthermore, using the internet all day and scrolling every minute is why the majority of teenagers lack social and soft skills and have trouble cooperating with others.

Of course, these are not insurmountable problems. All teenagers ought to detox from their phones and use the internet in moderation. There are numerous activities that might interest them instead of scrolling through sites and apps. For instance, it is vital that all teens exercise and practise a sport. Exercising is one of the most important parts of maintaining mental balance. What if someone is not keen on sports and does not enjoy them? In that case, adolescents should try playing an instrument or reading books — anything they like that does not involve screens. However, parents play a major role in regulating phone time. They must supervise their children’s phones and set a time limit of under three hours a day.

It is also important that all teenagers who have issues with others speak up and aren’t afraid to tell the truth. Think, for example, about a child who is bullied but too scared to talk. We should always express ourselves and our opinions on every subject that concerns us. We should be aware of what is happening to us and to other people. Moreover, for me, the most crucial quality for mental balance is to know and accept who we are — and not change our equally unique personalities just to fit in. It is not worth losing yourself for someone who does not treat you right or accept you.

All in all, we should not let our community and digital life take over. We must save ourselves from AI, the internet, and technology. We have to at least try to make life better for ourselves, for our children, and for every next generation. Even five-year-olds have become better users of technology than elderly people. This is not right; it is not ethically correct. In my opinion, today’s human beings are foolish and pathetic. We must realise what digital life has caused and create something healthier. When we put our minds to it — and I believe that eventually we will — we are going to stop overdigitalisation and move toward a greater, recovered world.

Faidra Goumenidi (Φαίδρα Γουμενίδη A1)

In the early decades of the twenty-first century, digitalization has come to define almost every facet of human life. The digital world has taken over every aspect of human life through its influence on communication methods, work practices, shopping, learning, and emotional expression. Digital communication has brought people both the benefit of convenience and global reach, but it has also raised critical issues about human well-being, personal authenticity, and self-determination. Physical experience of life stands as a fundamental right which enables humans to transcend digital monitoring. People need the right to disconnect from work because it enables them to achieve mental equilibrium in our time of continuous digital involvement.

The traditional idea of an "analogue life" appears outdated, but it embodies a fundamental contemporary need to live life in a deliberate way with others in a world that emphasizes rapid productivity and digital connectivity. The digital economy thrives on constant engagement, reducing attention to a commodity and presence to a metric. The human attention span faces competition from three main factors, which include notifications, algorithms, and data-driven design systems. Living analogue requires more than digital technology avoidance because it demands complete human focus without any digital interference. The belief stands against the loss of meaningful substance which occurs when people focus on surface-level and present-moment experiences.

Modern society has achieved an ironic situation through which rising digital connection results in greater social detachment between people. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst to speed up worldwide online communication adoption, which exposed this contradiction. People used screens to stay in touch with others throughout many months when physical contact became a distant memory. The shift to digital platforms converted traditional workplaces into Zoom-based operations, while educational institutions moved to virtual learning spaces, and people started conducting social interactions through pre-planned online events. The contactless way of living maintained physical wellness, but it resulted in major deterioration of mental wellness. The experience created deep feelings of detachment, exhaustion, and purposelessness, which showed that people exist as physical beings instead of digital connections.

Psychologists have been warning about the mental effects of excessive digital usage because it leads to anxiety, depression, attention problems, and erosion of personal identity. Social media platforms create an endless environment of comparison, which makes people feel more insecure, while the non-stop flow of information leads to mental fatigue. The mind requires both periods of silence and solitude to achieve its highest performance level. An analogue life emerges as a fundamental right in this situation; although it lacks legal status, it represents an essential moral and human necessity. The right to mental stability exists alongside the right to experience sensory reality and to exist without measurement.

However, advocating for an analogue right does not entail an anti-technological position. The digital world functions as a tool which produces beneficial results when people use it with knowledge. Human capabilities do not match the technological frameworks which were created to utilize their capabilities as the main issue. Every aspect of life, including health tracking and dating, requires digital infrastructure, which makes opting out extremely difficult. The absence of authentic options takes away from personal freedom. Thus, the right to an analogue life is also a right to opt out—to disconnect without social or economic penalty. A society that punishes non-digital participation through exclusion or inconvenience practices denies this right to citizens.

Organizations require structural modifications, and employees need to change their work practices for the purpose of returning to analogue operations. People maintain digital wellness through planned phone-free periods and physical activities such as reading, walking, and hands-on creative pursuits including gardening, drawing, and music playing. Institutions need to preserve and honor established communication systems which operate independently from digital technology. Public services need to stay available to everyone regardless of smartphone ownership, while education requires physical learning materials beyond digital screens, and cultural events should honor local and physical aspects equally with their virtual and worldwide elements.

The environmental argument provides the essential reason to enforce analogue living as a requirement. The digital world operates through extensive physical systems which require massive power consumption from data centers, rare earth extraction under poor working conditions, and generate enormous electronic waste. The practice of reducing consumption through durable item selection leads to sustainable living in an analogue environment. The message indicates that human progress must not result in the exhaustion of Earth's natural resources.

Moreover, the analogue dimension is essential to democracy. The complete dependence of society on digital platforms creates an environment where algorithms control people and surveillance capitalism gains control. The lack of algorithm transparency in public discussion filtering makes it impossible for citizens to identify which news stories will shape their perception of reality. The three analogue practices of face-to-face dialogue, print journalism, and local community life function as opposing forces against digital homogenization. The right to analogue life defends both mental health and civic freedom.

The opposition to digital life advancement claims that looking for an analog past produces a false positive view of a time which was both unfair and operationally inefficient. Digitalisation has made knowledge and connection accessible to everyone through channels that were impossible to predict during the previous generation. The identification of advantages does not eliminate the need to understand all expenses related to this approach. The main difficulty exists in finding a balance point between analogue and digital systems rather than making a selection between them. Human flourishing depends on slowness, embodied presence, and tactility, which technology fails to replicate according to the analogue.

The right to live an analogue life grants people the ability to experience human existence in its complete form by letting them measure time without numbers, talk face to face, and think without interruptions. It is the right to inhabit one’s own mind and body in a culture that incessantly fragments both. As we navigate the promises and perils of an overdigitalised, contactless world, protecting this right may prove to be the most urgent task of all.

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Filipiadi Natalia (Φιλιππιάδη Ναταλία Α4)

It is well known that the twenty-first century has been defined by an unprecedented acceleration of digitalisation. From smartphones and social media to online banking and virtual workspaces, the digital realm penetrates almost every domain of modern life. While these innovations promise accessibility and efficiency, they have also reshaped the way we function in our everyday lives. A prime example is the Covid-19 pandemic, which further catalysed a shift towards contactless interactions and virtual existence, deepening society’s reliance on screens and algorithms. Because of this transformation, many individuals are rediscovering the value of tactile experiences, slow communication, and physical presence—what may be termed the analogue life. The growing psychological fatigue and the alienation produced by digital overload indicate that the right to live partially offline and preserve spaces of non-digital experience has become essential. In an age dominated by speed, data, and constant connectivity, safeguarding the right to an analogue life is crucial for maintaining mental balance, nurturing genuine human connection, and preserving the authenticity of human interactions.

Digitalisation has profoundly altered how individuals work, interact, and understand the world. Technology has become not just a tool but a whole environment—a digital ecosystem—that shapes our everyday lives and social expectations. The constant presence of devices means that life unfolds in an “always-on” mode: notifications punctuate thought, work dissolves into free time, and the boundary between public and private life shrinks. The phenomenon of contactless living, which was once merely a safety measure during the pandemic, has now evolved into normality. People order groceries through apps, conduct meetings on Zoom, pay via mobile devices, and maintain relationships through messages and video calls rather than face-to-face encounters. Although these developments offer convenience and accessibility, they also risk reducing the richness of sensory experience and embodied communication, as the constant exchange of data erodes the possibility of genuine dialogue and reflection. In a hyperconnected world, individuals are expected to be available at all times, responsive to every signal, and productive without pause. The more digitalised the environment becomes, the more humans risk becoming extensions of the systems they once designed.

The mental health costs of digital overload are now widely documented. Numerous psychological studies show that excessive screen exposure correlates with anxiety, attention disorders, and social isolation. Beyond cognitive effects, the emotional consequences are equally profound. While it is obvious that technology multiplies our connections, it simultaneously weakens intimacy. Online interactions often simulate closeness while avoiding the vulnerability inherent in face-to-face communication. Social media amplifies this illusion by fostering comparison, performance, and validation-seeking behaviour, leading many users to experience loneliness even amid constant connectivity. Moreover, the pressure to maintain perfect digital identities can induce feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion. Mental balance depends on rhythms of engagement and withdrawal, stimulation and rest, yet the digital world rarely permits such balance. The constant availability demanded by digital culture invades the private sphere, disrupting sleep, attention span, and emotional equilibrium. Without intentional disconnection, individuals risk losing the capacity to inhabit their own inner lives. In this sense, reclaiming analogue space is not a luxury but a psychological necessity.

Emerging from these challenges is a moral and even political question: do humans possess a right to remain partly offline? The concept of a right to an analogue life extends beyond personal preference; it demands that access to non-digital existence be socially protected in order to preserve mental health. The digital transformation has occurred so rapidly that legal and ethical frameworks lag behind technological realities. As societies integrate automation and artificial intelligence into everyday life, the human right to disengage from the digital sphere becomes increasingly urgent. France’s “right to disconnect” law is a notable example of how governments are responding to digital overreach. This law allows employees to ignore work emails outside office hours, recognising that digital intrusion into private time constitutes a form of psychological harm. Similar initiatives are emerging in companies experimenting with “email-free Fridays,” in schools banning smartphones during lessons to restore attention spans, and in communities encouraging outdoor activities and socialisation. Such measures symbolise a collective awareness that the analogue life must be defended. The right to an analogue life also has an important philosophical meaning. It reminds us that not every part of human life should be digitalised or redesigned for maximum efficiency. Touch, spontaneity, and physical presence are not outdated ideas but vital parts of being human. They allow people to experience the world directly, without screens or algorithms in between. Protecting this right means supporting a view of humanity that values real, physical connection—a necessary balance to the distance and disconnection often created by digital overload.

Acknowledging the need for an analogue life does not mean rejecting digital progress. Rather, it calls for a more deliberate integration of technology into human life—one that serves psychological and social flourishing rather than undermining it. The goal is not digital absence but digital balance. One approach is digital minimalism, a philosophy that advocates intentional technology use aligned with personal values. By prioritising meaningful connections over compulsive scrolling, individuals can reclaim autonomy from algorithms. For example, schools can incorporate “analogue literacy” by teaching handwriting, face-to-face dialogue, and outdoor activities alongside digital competence, ensuring future generations develop both virtual and embodied skills. Urban design also plays a significant role. Public spaces such as parks, libraries, and cafés can serve as analogue sanctuaries—places where community interaction unfolds without mediation. The resurgence of vinyl records, film photography, and independent bookstores illustrates a cultural yearning for slowness and tangibility. These are not acts of nostalgia but forms of resistance to digital totalisation. They remind us that meaning often emerges from friction, imperfection, and direct engagement with materials. Ultimately, rebalancing requires cultural change. A society that measures success solely by efficiency and connectivity risks devaluing the digital future and must therefore recognise silence and physical presence as vital components of well-being, not inefficiencies to be optimised away.

The right to an analogue life is, at its core, the right to remain human in a world increasingly shaped by machines. As the digital revolution deepens, individuals and societies must confront its psychological and ethical implications. Constant connectivity, though convenient, can erode the foundations of mental balance and genuine relationships. Protecting spaces of disconnection and tactile experience is thus both a personal practice and a collective responsibility. To live an analogue life in this overdigitalised, contactless society, the key is not to reject modernity but to humanise it just enough to reassert the primacy of presence, attention, and emotional depth. The challenge is not to turn back the clock but to cultivate awareness—to use technology consciously while preserving the capacity for silence, touch, and slowness. By safeguarding the analogue dimension of existence, we safeguard our sanity, our human relationships, and our fragile sense of meaning—something no algorithm can replicate. The right to an analogue life, therefore, is not merely a cultural preference but an ethical and moral necessity: a call to restore balance between the digital and the human world.

Chatzivayianni Marianna (Χατζηβαγιάννη Μαριάννα Α4)

Nowadays, we live in a digital world full of screens and social media. People increasingly rely on their smartphones to interact and communicate with each other, while they prefer to acquire information through the internet instead of reading a book or a newspaper. Students usually complete their assignments on a computer rather than writing them on paper. Moreover, social media users of all ages share their moments and daily activities on platforms, receiving different types of comments. However, are all these changes truly beneficial for us?

To begin with, the digitalized world offers numerous possibilities and opportunities, particularly in regard to our social lives. Firstly, people feel more comfortable initiating new interactions with others through various platforms, as they are not required to respond immediately or engage in direct face-to-face communication. As a result, they become more extroverted and, over time, capable of forming new acquaintances in real life. In addition, plenty of events and gatherings can be organized and promoted on many applications. This ensures that a large number of people are informed about them and more likely to attend them. Lastly, people can stay in touch with friends and family who live far away by video calling and chatting with them.

This new type of society can also contribute positively to people’s mental health. Social media encourages individuals to share their difficulties and thoughts with other users on the platform, or with those they choose to. In many cases, they receive a variety of supportive comments and possible solutions to their problems. This means that people feel more reassured and better informed about their situation. Furthermore, the numerous videos posted online by different influencers can help people, especially teenagers who deal with the many changes the body goes through during adolescence, address their insecurities and develop a more positive perception of their bodies and appearance.

Lastly, an over-digitalized life can have a positive impact on cognitive development. Individuals have access to numerous websites that keep them informed about global events as well as national issues and news. This is particularly beneficial for those who do not have the time to watch television broadcasts, and especially for teenagers who primarily rely on their smartphones to learn basic information. Moreover, programs such as ChatGPT provide users with information about a specific subject, synthesized from a wide range of sources. Consequently, people can obtain the necessary information in a short amount of time, without spending hours searching through newspapers and books. In addition, books and websites can be translated in order to collect information from different perspectives and cultures.

However, this change is not without its significant drawbacks. The rapid spread of false information across the digital world often leads to numerous arguments. In other words, rumors about an individual can be spread online in seconds, destroying their public image and reputation. In addition, social media, when combined with artificial intelligence, can become very dangerous. More specifically, images and videos of a person can be generated without their knowledge or permission and then posted online. Such content can reinforce rumors by making them appear more realistic, potentially destroying someone’s entire life. Lastly, people gradually tend to prefer communicating through screens rather than in person. Over time, individuals may struggle to communicate in real time, and even at family gatherings, people may be absorbed in their phones instead of interacting with one another.

Moreover, despite the many advantages of this digital world, it can also have harmful effects on people’s mental health. To begin with, comments under videos are not always positive. Users can easily criticize or mock someone’s appearance or habits. As a result, content creators may develop new insecurities and attempt to change themselves by any means. Furthermore, idols—particularly those followed by teenagers—tend to be extremely slim and unrealistically attractive. This creates in viewers the desire to resemble them, often leading to unhealthy lifestyles and diets. In other words, many unrealistic role models post images of their bodies and beauty daily in order to promote products, making their audience feel insecure and creating beauty standards that seem impossible to achieve.

Finally, a contactless society does not always contribute positively to cognitive development. The sales of books and newspapers decrease every year. This suggests that people prefer scrolling through various applications instead of reading books or staying informed about world events. Consequently, future generations may lose the opportunity to appreciate the experience of reading a book and exploring its accompanying illustrations. Moreover, some information on the internet can be false or incomplete, causing misunderstandings, while different websites may present the same situation in contradictory ways.

Although we already live in an overly digitalized generation, many further developments are expected in the near future, potentially improving daily life. For instance, new gadgets such as domestic robots may help with household chores or weekly shopping. This evolution could allow families to spend more free time together. Furthermore, new interactive teaching methods may be developed, making lessons more engaging and easier for students to understand. Finally, additional digital solutions may be introduced to provide people with a more comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

However, this evolution also has negative aspects. Firstly, various jobs may disappear as technology advances. More specifically, many employees may no longer be needed, as programs will be able to perform their tasks faster and with fewer mistakes. In addition, people may gradually lose their sense of touch, as everything will be done through smartphones and computers. For example, fewer people will write information on paper or buy physical books to read. Lastly, people may become less creative, as they will often choose the “easy” solution of searching online instead of trying to find answers independently.

In conclusion, taking everything into account, an over-digitalized world presents both benefits and drawbacks in various aspects of everyday life, and its uncontrolled evolution could pose serious risks to society.