Unplugging Together: How Corporate Partnerships are Powering a Movement
A sound bath in the Los Angeles area provided a beautiful reset for the mind and body.
Stepping away from screens to connect with each other has never been more crucial. That’s why we’re thrilled about the power of corporate partnerships in driving the unplugging movement forward in inspiring ways. One standout example? Hinge’s game-changing support for the launch of Unplug Collab, a seed fund for gatherers to create unplugged spaces and encourage meaningful connections.
With inspiration from the team at Hinge, a thriving cohort of 103 unplugged events in Q1 of 2024 emerged to answer the US surgeon general’s call to action to end loneliness.
All hands on deck at the community clean up event in Comer, Georgia.
As part of our mission to combat this rising and alarming epidemic of isolation, Global Day of Unplugging is dedicated to providing a vetted resource center for those who want to elevate human connection over digital engagement any time of the year. We support each host—or as we like to call them, “gatherers” (less pressure, more fun)—to own their space, embrace unplugging in their own unique way, and truly experience the impact of being together with little to no tech use.
Phones take a break in our signature SmartPhone Nap-Sacks.
Let’s talk about the impact.
With Hinge’s backing, we didn’t just organize a handful of events; we seeded a full-fledged movement. We engaged 7 organizational partners and brought together 2,794 guests to disconnect from tech and reconnect with each other. Across these 103 unplugged gatherings, participants logged 402 total hours offline—that’s the equivalent of 16 full days of pure, device-free human connection.
But the impact didn’t stop there. Hinge’s support made it possible for our team to distribute 1,350 of our beloved Smartphone Nap-Sacks, reimburse receipts for supplies at 55 events, and cover professional photo and video packages for 7 of the gatherings. This meant that participants could fully immerse themselves in the experience without worrying about capturing the moment on their own. The result? Authentic, engaging experiences that left lasting impressions.
The feedback from both hosts and guests speaks volumes. A whopping 90% of hosts said they’d jump at the chance to host another event, with 93% feeling fully supported in the planning process. Guests were equally enthusiastic—80% were likely to attend another event, and 90% would recommend the experience to a friend. And here’s the kicker: 60% of guests expressed interest in hosting their own unplugged event. That’s the kind of domino effect that transforms a movement into a cultural shift.
But it’s not just about numbers; it’s about connection. More than 95% of our hosts and 90% of our guests reported a noticeable increase in their connection levels after participating in these unplugged events. This isn’t just about stepping away from screens; it’s about moving closer to each other.
The results of this cohort extended beyond the immediate participants. Despite the irony, our social media reach skyrocketed, with 106,000 accounts reached, 4,017 engaged, and a 592-follower increase. The 2024 coverage by media outlets was also unprecedented. The interest and excitement generated by these events demonstrate the incredible potential of corporate partnerships to drive meaningful change.
Hinge’s partnership with Global Day of Unplugging in birthing the Unplug Collab cohort was just one way that increased awareness about the power of taking a break from technology. In celebration of Global Day of Unplugging 2024, Hinge released a pocket-sized Phonebook filled with over 100 pages of free ideas and inspiration for in-person connection time.
When companies like Hinge step up to support nonprofit organizations like the one behind Global Day of Unplugging, they’re not just backing a cause; they’re contributing to the well-being of entire communities and our planet. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat, with the US surgeon general saying that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The ripple effects of these partnerships extend far beyond the events themselves, creating a lasting impact that will resonate long after the last phone is powered down.
Thanks to corporate partners like Hinge, more and more people are discovering the joy and importance of unplugging together.
Want To Make A Difference?
If you're passionate about supporting gatherers and community leaders in creating meaningful unplugged experiences, or interested in sponsoring a demo-specific or location-centric cohort, we want to partner with you. Join us in the race to remind each other that humans are more important than machines.
Visit globaldayofunplugging.org to learn more and get involved. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for updates and inspiration!
