Musician Leith Ross has embarked on an ambitious year-long experiment: living largely without screens. Since January 6, 2026, the Canadian singer-songwriter has avoided smartphones, laptops, TVs, and gaming systems, relying instead on an alarm clock, handwritten notes, and physical games. Ross still creates content—recording videos on a camcorder for their YouTube channel, which has over 46,000 subscribers—but leaves the uploading to others.
The decision stems from Ross’s belief that compulsive screen use was stifling their creativity and well-being. “There are probably hundreds of songs I could’ve written that never came to be because I was never bored,” Ross explained in an interview. They described feeling anxious and unable to disconnect, often scrolling late into the night as a coping mechanism. This constant online presence also led to self-criticism, especially after live performances, as Ross would immediately seek out others’ opinions online.
Since beginning the project, Ross reports improved relationships with close friends—now enjoying deeper conversations instead of relying on social media updates—though they’ve also recognized the superficiality of some online connections. The experience has been both lonely and inspiring, prompting Ross to seek more tangible ways to connect with others.
Ross is hesitant to endorse broad social media bans, arguing that the focus should be on regulating tech companies’ algorithms that amplify harmful content. They believe that reducing screen time can help rebuild real-world communities, fostering the physical connections necessary for mutual support in challenging times.
Looking ahead, Ross plans to remain largely screen-free even after the year ends, especially avoiding smartphones. They see this experiment not just as a personal reset but as a potential model for others seeking to reclaim attention and presence in their lives.
