For young adults unused to unplugging, Hinge publishes a phone book filled with free ideas

Cleverly crafted to fit in the palm of a hand like the irresistible piece of tech it's meant to replace, Hinge's Phonebook is a manifesto for the unplugged life. While the publication's tone is playful, its reason for being is serious: in-person connection time is plummeting for young adults. That would be fine if the decline didn't run parallel to an increase in loneliness. Surveying 2,500 18-to-25-year-olds for Hinge, Gen Z insights firm DCDX found that "75% of Gen Z-ers agree that spending time with others in person makes them feel less lonely."

But shifting from on-screen to in-person can be awkward. As Josh Penny, Hinge's Social Impact Director, points out: "We live so much of our lives online that unplugging can feel drastic or scary." Which is where the company's pocket-sized manual comes in: "It's about showing people that tapping into the magic of IRL is way easier than it seems," Penny continues. "Our physical Phonebook supports young adults who may be wondering 'Okay, I unplugged. Now what?'"

Want more inspiration on how to help your customers rediscover the delight of offline connections? Check out this Tokyo cafe that serves chocolate soufflés and conversation starters to bring couples closer, and how Amsterdam supermarkets use green grocery baskets to encourage shoppers to chat with strangers.