Evening Unplug: A Real-World Digital Detox at The Catcher in The Rye

Step away from screens. Step into presence.

A personal invitation to join a pressure-free, phone-free gathering and connect with others.

Hi, I’m Zubair.
Nine months ago, I left a six-year role at a startup feeling lost, not just in my career, but in my days. One evening, I noticed something odd: my entire day had disappeared into my iPhone. When I switched from an old Android to iPhone, my screen time shot up from 2 hours to over 8. Everything felt smoother, more addictive and harder to let go of.

I started digging into the science behind it. Behavioral psychology, dopamine design loops, social pressure. Even features like “story viewers” are engineered to keep us coming back. And in the process, we’re trading real connection for digital performance.

Hi, I'm Avery.
I recently joined the **blissio.ai** team to help coordinate the events. I have a long history with screens, being young enough to grow up with them but old enough to feel and understand the disconnection they create. I have seen the ways that screens have consumed my life and the lives of those around me. I want to help change that.

Screens and technology can quickly and easily take over your life. Helping people to understand that and how to control it, to get back to doing what they love is exactly what **blissio.ai** is all about.

That’s what the idea for **blissio.ai** was born from, a digital wellness app that uses AI to help people regain control of their time and attention. But this isn’t just about an app. It’s about reconnection. With nature. With others. And with yourself.

That’s what Evening Unplug is about.

7:00 PM – Meet & Welcome

We’ll gather in the back corner of The Catcher in The Rye. We'll have some general introductions as we wait for all to arrive.

7:30 PM – Shared Stories

We'll share our own stories with tech and screen time. Anyone else who would like to share at this time is welcome to.

8:00 PM – Wrap up Speeches and Socialise

We'll finish up our speeches and disperse to one-on-one conversations. Challenge yourself to talk to new people and stay off of your screen. See if you can go the duration without checking your phone.

9:30 PM – Closing Circle

Time for reflections, goodbyes, and swapping contact info if you'd like to stay in touch.

🧺 What to Bring

• Yourself! Don't worry about bringing anything, just come to chat, drink, eat, and have a good time!

### 📍 Where to Meet

The Catcher in The Rye - come in through the main door and straight to the back of the pub (ask any of the staff and they will be happy to help you out)
📱 Need help finding us? Text or call: +44 7460 156997 or +44 7534 511710

🤝 This Is For You If…

• You’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your phone
• You miss real, face-to-face connection
• You want to enjoy the beauty of London without needing to post about it
• You’ve never done anything like this, most of us haven’t

### 🛡️ Safety & Comfort

We're here to make sure everyone feels welcome. Please bring us any concerns. If you need help getting home, we’re happy to coordinate shared rides.

📬 Got Questions?
Email me directly at **zubair@blissio.ai**
Or send a text: +44 7460 156997