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| Image courtesy of The Offline Club Milano |
“a pioneering venture that provides a
face-to-face refuge from the omnipresent digital world. It offers a unique
environment where individuals can unplug from technology to foster genuine
human connections.”
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| Image courtesy of The Offline club Milano |
-Sofia, do you remember when you
decided to join The Offline Club philosophy? When and why did you make this
decision?
I was first a participant of The
Offline Club before becoming part of the team. At that time, I felt a strong
need to meet new people and experience something new. I kept going to cafes and
bars hoping for meaningful connections, but I quickly realized that everyone
around me was absorbed in their laptops or phones. Thus, when I saw a video on
Instagram about The Offline Club, it instantly resonated with me. The idea of
an event where people disconnect from their phones to connect with one another
felt like exactly what I needed. Without hesitation, I signed up for their next
event.
-How did you become a member of The
Offline Club?
The first event was transformative
for me. I left feeling completely regenerated, relaxed and filled with
enthusiasm for the concept. It was a profound reminder of how important it is
to disconnect from devices and be fully present. I also immediately felt that I
needed to contribute and be part of this movement in some way. I wanted to help
it grow because it is so needed in today’s hyper-connected world. My first step
was helping to organize the first big event in a church in Amsterdam, which was
nothing short of magical. Seeing so many people coming together, leaving their
phones behind, and connecting in an authentic way was truly special. Fueled by
my passion for The Offline Club’s mission, I immediately thought that Milan, too,
could benefit immensely from such an initiative. I am from Milan and I know how
hard it is to take a break from our rushed lives and meet new people in this
vibrant but also isolated and fast-paced city. Thus, after months of planning
and discussion together with the founders, I successfully expanded The Offline
Club to Milan and bring its mission and values to a new country.
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| Image courtesy of The Offline Club Milano |
-Have you ever experienced digital
overload?
Absolutely, as a student especially,
digital overload can be often present. Between online lectures, endless
assignments, social media, and group chats, it's easy to feel like you're
drowning in screen time. Moreover, it’s hard to set boundaries and it feels
impossible to stop because everything happens online. The absurd part is that you’re
always connected, but rarely truly present. After spending hours online, seeing
the lives of others through a screen, I often realised that I wasn’t truly
connecting with anyone and I missed the depth of real human connections.
-What kind of events do you organise?
The Offline Club is an initiative
born in the Netherlands that focuses on the community by organizing events
centered around being together, without the use of phones. Our motto is simple:
"Swap screen time for real time." Our goal: less time spent on phones
and more genuine, meaningful connections—both with yourself and others. We do
this by bringing people together in unique cafes and venues that embrace a
no-phone policy during the event. The event is divided into two parts: the first
one is dedicated to time for yourself - people can read, write, draw, crochet,
and just take a moment to fully relax and disconnect from the world. The second
part is focused on socialising: people are encouraged to talk to strangers, use
board games and delve into deep conversations with others.
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| Image courtesy The Offline Club Milano |
-How do you choose the locations?
Finding the perfect locations for The
Offline Club is a process that requires time, care, and attention to detail. We
look for spaces that combine comfort and connection—places with cozy couches
and sofas where you can relax and read as if you’re in your own living room,
and long tables that encourage conversation and bring people together. Each
venue is carefully chosen after walking through the city, meeting with owners,
and soaking in the atmosphere to ensure it fits our vision and creates an
environment where disconnecting from screens feels natural.
-What kind of people are interested
in your events? Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X…?
Our events are open to everyone and
we always have a mix of people! That’s the good part about The Offline Club: it
brings different generations together. We have students coming, Millennials and
adults as well, since everyone feels the need to disconnect for a while. We
even had a mom and a daughter coming together! It’s heartwarming to see adults
chatting with younger people, and exchanging perspectives. Personally, I’ve had the
chance to talk to people I’d never normally meet in other settings, and those
conversations have been so enriching.
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| Image courtesy of The Offline Club Milano |
-What kind of activities do you
offer?
Our events are divided into 2 parts
to create the perfect balance between relaxation and connection with others.
The first part is dedicated to slowing down and fully connecting with yourself.
People are free to do whatever they feel like. Some start reading, drawing or
writing, others just observe the people around them and just relax with our
background music. We bring some creative supplies and books to spark
imagination and inner peace. Then, we switch to the second part, where the
focus is meeting others. To make it easy, we usually provide some questions
that are made to get to know each other, but in a meaningful and profound way.
Thus, we have questions ranging from superficial and fun (“Which was the last
trip you did?” or “If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?”) to deep
and inspiring (“Which is the best advice you have ever received?” or “Which is
the biggest obstacle you have ever overcome?”). Moreover, our selection of
board games and conversation cards is perfect for breaking the ice and meeting
new people.
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| Image courtesy of The Offline Club Milano |
-What are people’s reactions during
the events?
Surprisingly, some people find it
difficult to stay silent and truly relax for the first hour. However, many also
said that they wished the first part lasted longer because they felt it went by
so fast.
Then, while some instinctively
checked their pockets, others completely forgot about their phones - we even
had someone leaving the event without taking his phone back!
In general, people’s reactions are
very positive - they said it’s a fun and inspiring concept, where each time you
meet someone new and have conversations that make you reflect on life. Our
events help people calm down and think. One participant told me that it was
truly insightful and that he felt less stressed and more relaxed without his
phone - he could finally let his mind wander without distractions.
Thanks to Sofia for this enriching interview, which, I'm sure, will inspire a lot of people!
The first thing I thought after reading the descriptions of the events was: "At last! We needed it!". Have you ever experienced digital overload? What do you think about the amazing philosophy of The Offline Club? Let me know in the comments.
And don't miss the next events of The Offline Club Milano!
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