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The Atlantic is launching a new podcast, ‘How to Touch Grass,’ on July 27, 2026, focusing on rethinking our relationship with technology. The series aims to explore strategies for digital detox and helping grass survive extreme heat and reconnecting with the physical world.
The Atlantic will launch a new podcast series, ‘How to Touch Grass’, on July 27, 2026, focusing on how individuals can better manage their relationship with technology and reconnect with the physical world. This series addresses growing concerns about digital overuse and aims to provide practical insights and expert perspectives.
The upcoming series, hosted by Natalie Brennan and Julie Beck, will consist of five episodes released weekly, exploring themes such as digital dependence, attention span, and the impact of technology on mental health. The first episode will be available on July 27, and subsequent episodes will feature personal experiments and conversations with experts in anxiety, education, and technology. The series aims to help listeners develop more intentional device use and foster a healthier balance between online and offline life.
According to The Atlantic, the series is part of a broader conversation about how modern technology influences human behavior and relationships. The hosts will examine the cultural pressures that keep people glued to their devices and explore ways to ‘touch grass’—a metaphor for reconnecting with nature and the physical world. The series also aims to address the nostalgia among younger generations for a pre-digital era, as well as the challenges of digital overexposure, especially among Gen Z.
Why ‘How to Touch Grass’ Matters in a Digital Age
This series matters because it responds to widespread concerns about the mental and social impacts of excessive technology use. As digital dependence grows, many individuals report feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. The podcast aims to provide practical solutions and foster awareness about healthier technology habits, which could influence personal well-being and broader cultural norms. It also highlights the importance of intentionality in device use, potentially guiding future discussions on digital literacy and mental health support.
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Rising Awareness of Digital Overuse and Cultural Shifts
Over recent years, there has been increasing public and academic concern about the effects of digital overexposure, especially among younger populations. The phrase ‘go touch grass’ has gained popularity as advice for taking breaks from screens and reconnecting with nature. The Atlantic’s upcoming series builds on this trend, aiming to explore how individuals can reclaim control over their digital habits. The series is part of a larger cultural movement questioning the role of technology in daily life and seeking healthier, more mindful engagement with digital devices.
“People are searching for ways to un-warp their brains from constant screen time.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Unclear Details About Series Content and Impact
It is not yet clear how deeply the series will delve into specific solutions or whether it will feature prominent experts or personal stories. The potential influence on public behavior remains uncertain, as the effectiveness of such media initiatives in changing habits is still to be seen. Additionally, the series’ reception and reach among diverse audiences are still unknown.
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Next Steps for the ‘How to Touch Grass’ Series and Audience Engagement
The first episode will be released on July 27, 2026, with subsequent episodes every Monday through August. Listeners can expect discussions on digital habits, mental health, and reconnecting with nature. The series may also inspire related initiatives or conversations about digital well-being, with ongoing feedback and engagement from audiences helping shape future content and impact.
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Key Questions
What is the main goal of the ‘How to Touch Grass’ series?
The series aims to explore ways people can better manage their relationship with technology, foster intentional device use, and reconnect with the physical world to improve mental health and social well-being.
Who are the hosts of the series?
It is hosted by Natalie Brennan and Julie Beck, staff writers at The Atlantic.
When will the first episode be released?
The first episode is scheduled to be published on July 27, 2026.
Will the series include expert interviews or personal stories?
Yes, the series will feature conversations with experts in anxiety, education, and technology, along with personal experiments related to digital habits.
How might this series influence public attitudes toward technology?
While the impact remains uncertain, the series could raise awareness about digital overuse, promote healthier habits, and contribute to ongoing cultural conversations about technology’s role in daily life.
Source: The Atlantic
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