When Offline Becomes the Ultimate Luxury #26
disconnecting to truly connect
Between infinite feeds and the constant bombardment of digital noise, a growing number of people are wishing to disconnect. For most of us, however, the idea of "offline" remains an elusive luxury.
Featured Insight:
This theme resonated deeply with me after listening to the podcast Stepping Out: Life Beyond the Internet (a free translation of De Saída: A Vida Fora da Internet).
It chronicles the journey of a famous Brazilian YouTuber who, at the peak of her career, chose to step away from the 'internet life' and embrace a simpler way of living in a small city, where she remains entirely anonymous.
The podcast also delves into the shared struggles of professionals—from artists to health experts, and countless others—who now feel compelled to stay active on social media simply to sustain their careers.
I also came across an article (link) exploring how even the world’s most influential CEOs are choosing to maintain a robust digital presence as a deliberate strategy to shape their influence.
Together, these stories show how the digital presence may feel inevitable. Layer this with the dopamine addiction shaping our era, and it is no wonder many are longing for an escape.
Dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, is triggered by instant rewards—likes, comments, notifications. This creates a loop of instant gratification, where increasingly potent stimuli are required to maintain the same satisfaction.
The cost? Our ability to experience long-term fulfillment, nurture deep relationships, and safeguard our mental well-being.
The evolution of social media has, ironically, made it less “social.” What began as a way to connect people has morphed into a machine for entertainment, distraction, and addiction. As one insightful article (link) points out:
Art has been overshadowed by entertainment.
Entertainment has been consumed by distraction.
Distraction is now morphing into addiction.
This cultural shift is evident in the rise of fleeting content formats, which prioritize quick engagement over depth. Platforms are built on the economics of addiction, sidelining creativity and meaningful storytelling.
When Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2024 was declared as “brain rot,” it captured the cultural moment with striking accuracy.
The dictionary defines luxury as something “desirable which is expensive or difficult to obtain,” “a state of great comfort,” and “a pleasure obtained only rarely.” In a world filled with endless distractions and “cheap” dopamine hits, the ultimate luxury is no longer found merely in possessions.
Time offline has become a modern treasure—an opportunity to reclaim our attention, creativity, and peace.
I leave you with this paradox: while we hold all the world’s information literally in our hands, 'brain rot' has become the word of the moment.
In an age of endless connectivity, a single moment of disconnection may be the rarest and most meaningful connection of all—to ourselves, to others, and to what truly matters.
Creative Corner:
We recently returned from a trip through Spain, where we explored the stunning Andalusia region (link) and also ventured to the island of Lanzarote.
I confess, my initial draw to the island was purely the weather. I wanted to start the year surrounded by sunshine, sea, and pleasant temperatures. However, what I ended up experiencing was so much more, including discovering the incredible artist César Manrique, whom I’ve chosen to feature.
The Artist Who Shaped Lanzarote's Soul
As soon as we set foot on Lanzarote, I sensed we had arrived somewhere special. The volcanic landscapes felt otherworldly—craters housed flourishing vineyards, buildings remained low and harmonious with the terrain, and a sense of balance existed between nature and human touch.
This vision owes much to César Manrique, a native of the Canary Islands and a pioneer of sustainable design.
Manrique was more than an artist; he was a guardian of Lanzarote’s essence. Through his work, he crafted spaces that seamlessly blend art and nature, creating a unique aesthetic that defines the island.
From lava caves transformed into cultural hubs to breathtaking gardens and viewpoints, his legacy is visible throughout the island, each site celebrating its wild beauty while embracing sustainability.
Spotlight: Jameos del Agua
Jameos del Agua is one of Manrique’s most iconic creations, a space where nature and art merge effortlessly. Set within a series of volcanic tunnels, this stunning venue features lush greenery and artistic details that seem to grow organically from the lava itself.
This masterpiece is a testament to Manrique’s belief that art should work with nature, not against it. A philosophy that defines Lanzarote’s unique charm.
As an art enthusiast, I deeply admire this approach and wholeheartedly believe in its value. Experiencing such spaces, where creativity and nature harmoniously converge, was inspiring.
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Stay Connected: Follow me on Instagram: @giane.rp and @carpe.lux
Giane I really enjoyed this read. I recently listened to an addiction specialist on The Diary of a CEO podcast and she focused on dopamine - it was really eye-opening on so many levels. It's definitely made me more conscious of striking a balance. And please keep sharing more of your travels.
I totally agree with you. Your article resonated so much to me right now, as social media had taken a huge downturn with the influx of extremely negative videos, to say the least, in the recent months, and all I hear back is, "its the algorithm." Before social media, when anyone complains about anything, people coldly and helplessly used to respond, "it's the system," or "this is life," but all the while we truly were alone and social media pushed the bar higher to isolate us even further. As visual artists, we might need our own space away from the evil system and the extremely pressuring algorithm of social media, all run by greedy and glutonous capitalists.