What is “appstinence” movement? Why People Are Choosing Old Tech Over New

By YEET Magazine Staff, YEET Magazine
Published November 18, 2025

Tags: old tech trend, physical buttons comeback, tactile feedback, touchscreen backlash, re‑buttonization

A growing tech movement is pushing back against sleek touchscreens — from cars to phones — as people rediscover the comfort, safety, and satisfaction of physical buttons.

People are starting to say: bring back the buttons. Whether in their cars, on phones, or tucked into vintage gadgets, physical controls are having a surprising resurgence — and it's not just nostalgia.

Why People Are Choosing Old Tech Over New

There’s a real, growing trend pushing against touchscreen dominance. Experts say one big reason is tactile feedback — the satisfying click or resistance of a real button tells your brain you’ve done something, without always needing to look. GIGAZINE+2Boréas Technologies+2

In driving, safety is a big part of the story. Hybrids and EVs are reintroducing physical buttons for critical functions, because drivers said touchscreen menus for things like climate control or headlights are distracting. The Verge+2EVXL.co+2

A poll by ZigWheels found that 64% of people preferred real buttons over touch-based interfaces, even though touchscreens are everywhere. ZigWheels.com

What This Says About You (and Me)

If you’re someone who prefers “old tech” — real keys, dials, clicks — here’s what wider trends might be reflecting about you:

• You value reliability and clarity. You don’t want to dig through nested touchscreen menus when you’re just trying to change the volume or the AC.
• You’re safer-smart. For some, physical controls feel safer: you can operate them by feel, with less risk of looking away. Carscoops+1
• You like authenticity. Using a real, tactile interface can feel more human than slick glass.
• You might be reacting to tech fatigue. There's also a broader cultural movement, especially among younger generations, called “appstinence”—people ditching full-featured smartphones for simpler “dumbphones” to reduce stress and constant digital noise. Business Insider

Real‑World Examples & Pushback

• Cars: Hyundai has publicly admitted that drivers found too many touchscreen controls frustrating. They’ve brought back knobs and buttons for critical functions. The Verge
• Industry Safety: Euro NCAP (the European car safety group) is pushing for physical controls again — by 2026, they'll require buttons for certain things like turn signals and hazard lights to get top safety ratings. The Times+1
• Widespread Preference: According to design experts, interfaces shouldn’t be all-or-nothing. Cars are now being made with a hybrid mix: essential tasks on buttons, less critical features on touchscreens. Carscoops+1
• A Broader Movement: The “appstinence” trend is gaining steam, with people giving up smartphones for older, simpler phones to reclaim their mental space. Business Insider

The Psychology Behind It

• Tactile control matters: Humans are wired for touch. Physical buttons give feedback that helps us operate things without too much thought. VatySya+1
• Accessibility: For people with limited dexterity, physical switches are often easier to use than touchscreens. Boréas Technologies
• Neo‑Luddism vibes: Some people’s preference for old tech isn’t just about functionality — it reflects a broader skepticism of hyper-modern, always-connected gadgets. Wikipedia

What This Means for Tech’s Future

This isn’t just a fad. The button revival could reshape how technology evolves:

• Designers will need to balance form and function. Instead of full glass panels, we might see more mixed interfaces.
• Automakers are listening. Safety and usability concerns are pushing back against minimal touchscreen design.
• User-centered tech could win. As more people push back on “screen everything,” manufacturers may need to rethink what progress really means.

💡 What You Can Do Now (if You’re a Button Person)

• Demand it: Voice your preference when buying devices (cars, phones, appliances).
• Educate: Explain to others why physical controls matter — it’s not just old-school, it’s practical.
• Explore retro: You can find refurbished “dumbphones,” vintage gadgets, or modern devices that still come with real buttons.

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