Singer-songwriter Leith Ross is taking frictionmaxxing to the extreme in 2026.
Some people are making efforts to reduce screentime, but musician Leith Ross is taking it further by not looking at screens for a full year. They’re not completely screen-free—they go to movie theaters or borrow a partner’s laptop for interviews. However, they’ve given up using smartphones or laptops themselves, opting for an alarm clock, writing by hand, and playing only physical games.
Ross still creates content for YouTube, filming with a camcorder while someone else uploads it to their channel with over 46,000 subscribers. They shared details with Mashable about their “year without screens,” why they chose this path, and how it has affected their life.
Why go screen-free?
“It was a long time coming,” Ross explained, noting a belief that they were addicted to screens and that this compulsion was negatively impacting them. The World Health Organization reports an increase in problematic social media use, evidenced by a lack of control and harmful consequences. Understanding this, Ross realized their creative potential was being stifled by constant screen use. After an unplanned break from technology, they had an epiphany about lost creative opportunities, inspiring them to live screen-free.
“My year of no screens”
In a seven-page document, Ross highlights rules for their screen-less year and a mission statement: no smartphones, TV, computers, or gaming systems, with exceptions like using a library computer for essentials. Family FaceTimes are done on a friend’s or their partner’s phone, supervised.
Since January 2026, Ross has been largely screen-free. They’ve posted updates on YouTube, highlighting their journey and European tour, part of their “I Can See The Future” album release.
Compulsive screen use and information overload
Ross describes extreme anxiety when disconnected from screens, labeling it as a constant coping mechanism. However, they caution against societal social media restrictions, suggesting instead a need for tech companies to uphold moral standards in content.
While screen-free, Ross found liberation from others’ perceptions. During their tour, they couldn’t rely on online feedback, experiencing events firsthand rather than through others’ eyes. This change brought unexpected happiness, free from self-analysis.
How relationships change post-social media
Ross noticed changes in relationships. Without social media updates, they relish authentic moments with friends. They plan to strengthen genuine connections beyond fleeting online interactions.
Should I do a year with no screens?
Ross encourages reducing screentime for deeper reasons: reconnecting with community and combating existential threats posed by capitalism, individualism, and social media. By fostering physical communities, they’re forging meaningful human ties. They plan to continue a reduced digital presence, emphasizing the importance of tangible human connections.