**Generation Z’s Fight Against Social Media Addiction: A Movement Led by Gabriela Nguyen**
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Gabriela Nguyen, a Harvard graduate and a product of Silicon Valley, has embarked on a mission to aid her peers in breaking free from the grips of social media. She founded Appstinence, an organisation dedicated to empowering members of Generation Z to diminish their reliance on digital platforms that she considers detrimental to mental health and personal relationships.
Nguyen’s educational journey began at Presentation High School in San Jose, California, where technology was often heralded as a path to success. In contrast to the school’s ethos, she discovered that extensive engagement with social media led not to success, but to a troubling addiction that hindered her well-being.
The mental health effects of social media are increasingly acknowledged, as evidenced by rising diagnoses of anxiety and depression among youth. A recent landmark trial in California marked the first significant legal examination of social media addiction, while New Mexico has initiated its own case, challenging platforms like Meta on the grounds of user safety. Such developments highlight a broader societal recognition of the issue.
Amid growing concerns, prominent figures such as Apple’s CEO Tim Cook have begun advocating for reduced smartphone usage, encouraging individuals to step away from their screens and connect with nature. This sentiment is echoed in studies, such as one published in *Frontiers in Psychiatry*, which acknowledges smartphones as indispensable yet potentially harmful when overused.
Nguyen herself has experienced a growing dissatisfaction with the impact of technology on her life. “It’s a harsh reality that devices, which have become normalised in our society, can be addictive and detract from time spent with friends and family,” she shares. This realisation spurred her to create Appstinence during her time as a Harvard student in 2024. Since obtaining her Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in May 2025, she has expanded this initiative, offering free online resources and support services aimed at helping young people reclaim their time from their devices.
Through bi-monthly meetings and weekly support sessions, Nguyen and her team of Gen Z educators present alternatives to excessive screen time. She emphasises the human element in the conversations about social media, stressing that the journey to disengagement must resonate personally rather than solely focus on the perils of online platforms. “When you’re 16 or 18, your priority is simply to connect with friends, not to think critically about the dangers of social media,” she explains.
For Nguyen, fostering a new perspective on life beyond screen addiction is essential. She encourages young people to seek fulfilment in offline activities that bring them joy and connection. “Understanding that scrolling isn’t restful – doing something active like running or reading can offer genuine relaxation,” she suggests.
Her approach includes the “5D method,” which stands for decrease, deactivate, delete, downgrade, and depart, guiding individuals through a structured process to manage their tech usage. This method is not limited to social media but encompasses various addictive technologies, including gambling apps and AI services.
As Nguyen’s movement grows, she is preparing to establish the first Appstinence club at the University of Iowa. Students like Jack Cantorna, who experienced the challenges of social media firsthand, have found refuge in the program. Cantorna realised that his productivity suffered when social media was at his fingertips and sought guidance from Appstinence to reduce his usage.
“Disconnecting is the only way to reestablish control over my life,” he states, now opting for a flip phone to stay connected without the distractions of a smartphone. He understands that the overwhelming nature of social media isn’t simply a matter of willpower but a design that encourages habitual screen engagement.
Through Appstinence, Nguyen aims to transform how people view technology in their lives. By helping clients prioritise real-life connections over online interactions, she deftly illustrates how meaningful relationships can flourish outside digital realms. “One of my clients wanted to spend more time with family, and through our framework, he successfully balanced his tech use to reconnect with what mattered most,” she recounts.
Nguyen’s effort resonantly reflects a crucial, ongoing conversation as society grapples with the realities of social media. Her vision for a healthier, more connected generation serves as a beacon for many navigating the digital landscape, illustrating that a life beyond screens can lead to greater fulfilment and deeper human connections.