Two new crossword magazines aimed at young people have been launched in Sweden, inspired by similar trends in Finland, as a response to the increasing interest in analog activities to reduce screen time.
In the realm of modern media consumption, new print magazines are rare, but two new crossword magazines have emerged in Sweden specifically targeting a younger demographic. Drawing inspiration from Finland, these magazines aim to captivate young minds with contemporary clues that resonate with their experiences. Greta Ã…berg, a 26-year-old creator of one of these magazines called Popkryss, expressed her intention to steer away from social media, thereby emphasizing the appeal of analog engagement through crosswords.
The trend towards so-called 'analog bags' is gaining traction on social media platforms, where individuals share tips on decreasing screen time by filling bags with various analog pastimes, such as sketchbooks, books, and crosswords. This movement reflects a growing societal desire to disconnect from constant digital stimulation and reinforce a sense of well-being through engaging offline activities. The strategy seemingly aligns with many people's experiences during and after the pandemic, as they seek more fulfilling and less screen-intensive hobbies.
In Sweden, interest in crosswords has notably surged in the wake of the pandemic as new formats tailored for younger audiences come into play. Greta Ã…berg, who has been solving crosswords since childhood, noted that her passion for them intensified last summer, during a period marked by reduced work opportunities in her freelance styling career. She shared that engaging with crosswords significantly improved her mental health, highlighting the importance of such analog activities in a highly digitalized world.
