In a culture that celebrates hustle and hyper-connectivity, America has seen a sharp rise in digital fatigue. Between back-to-back Zoom calls, 24/7 news cycles, and social media doomscrolling, many people are asking the critical question: How do I reclaim my time, attention, and mental clarity?

Thankfully, a growing number of organizations, startups, and wellness pioneers in the U.S. are offering structured ways to step back from the screen and step into intentional living. Here are 10 standout efforts working toward a healthier digital balance:

1. Time Well Spent / Center for Humane Technology

Founded by former Google design ethicist Tristan Harris, this initiative started the modern digital wellness movement. Through research, policy advocacy, and powerful content like The Social Dilemma, it encourages tech reform and helps individuals reflect on their digital habits.

2. Unplug Meditation Studios (Los Angeles & Virtual)

Unplug offers guided meditation sessions and retreats that encourage participants to power down devices and power up presence. Their approach combines neuroscience, mindfulness, and modern spirituality to promote daily digital breaks.

3. Brick – Digital Wellness App

Brick is a minimalistic app that temporarily turns your smartphone into a “dumb phone” by limiting app access while keeping essentials like calls and texts. Designed for professionals and students, it creates space to focus without fully switching off.

4. Digital Detox® Retreats

Based in California, Digital Detox® was one of the first companies to run immersive, screen-free retreats for adults. Their signature program, Camp Grounded, helps people unplug through play, nature, and community.

5. LightPhone – A Phone Designed to Be Used as Little as Possible

This U.S.-based startup created the LightPhone, a sleek device that only allows calls, texts, and essential tools. It’s part of the “humane tech” wave, offering an alternative to addictive smartphones.

6. Reboot – Tech-Free Shabbat by Reboot.org

A cultural project that brings back the traditional day of rest, Tech-Free Shabbat invites participants to unplug every Friday evening through Saturday. It’s gaining traction across Jewish and interfaith communities as a way to reset spiritually and digitally.

7. Forest App – Focus Meets Environmental Impact

This gamified productivity app helps users stay off their phones by growing virtual trees that eventually translate into real-world tree planting. It’s widely used across U.S. campuses and workplaces for promoting focused work blocks.

8. Mindful Schools

Serving over 3,000 schools across the U.S., this nonprofit helps students and teachers develop mindfulness — reducing dependency on screens in classrooms and increasing emotional regulation through breath, presence, and tech boundaries.

9. The Digital Wellness Institute

A U.S.-based educational platform offering certification programs, toolkits, and workshops to help individuals, leaders, and organizations create sustainable digital habits. Their “Digital Flourishing” model is widely adopted in corporate America.

10. Camp Grounded / The Digital Detox Camp

Yes, it deserves a second mention — Camp Grounded was so influential it sparked a movement. Imagine summer camp for adults: no screens, no work talk, and no real names — just play, campfires, creativity, and connection.

A Wake-Up Call and a Way Forward

The average American spends more than 7 hours per day on screens. While technology fuels convenience and productivity, unchecked use has begun to unravel our sleep, relationships, and sense of purpose.

These companies and movements are not about rejecting technology — they’re about using it intentionally. Whether through weekend retreats, minimalist phones, or conscious classroom practices, these efforts are creating a roadmap for healthier, more humane digital lives.