Remember when dancing meant moving your feet instead of your thumbs?
In the current war between FOMO and flow state, excessive smartphone use is entrenched as one of the most contentious points on the global electronic dance music scene. As debates over digital intrusion on dance floors intensify, Heineken has launched a new app, “The Boring Mode”, intensifying the industry's broader push to balance technological integration with preserved authenticity.
According to research from Heineken, 60% of Gen Z and Millennial smartphone users in the UK, US and Netherlands reported that they believe they would enjoy concerts more if they could disconnect from their devices. A grimmer figure is the 55% of respondents who admitted they prioritize capturing footage of a performance over being present in the moment, although 13% said they rarely rewatch the videos they record anyway.
“The Boring Mode” aims to restore the authentic dance floor experience by temporarily disabling the phone's most distracting features, including apps, notifications and camera functions. While some argue that recording and sharing are now an integral part of modern music culture, Heineken's approach offers a middle ground: voluntary disconnection without completely banning the devices.
A proof of concept took place during last week's Amsterdam Dance Event, where fans attempting to film Barry Can't Swim's DJ set encountered a message, sent via infrared lighting, encouraging them to turn their smartphones into “boring.” The renowned Scottish DJ and producer, whose real name is Joshua Mainnie, has enthusiastically endorsed the tool.
“When I heard about the new 'anti-smart' phone concept, it shocked me,” Mainnie said. “With live music, of course, you're more present and immersed if you give it your full attention, rather than recording a video on your phone. And without phones, the energy is definitely different: people are more connected on the track dancing”.
Barry Can't Swim joins a host of leading electronic music artists and venues in crusading against smartphone use in nightlife. MEDUZA and James Hype launched a campaign to “preserve the authenticity” of club culture by denouncing excessive filming and Wavedash discouraged the use of smartphones by asking fans to cover their cameras with stickers reading “Social media? No, thank you”.
Renowned DJ and festival organizer Damian Lazarus introduced an innovative phone-free policy for his summer residency at the famous Hï Ibiza venue, setting a new precedent on the legendary Spanish party island. Ibiza legend Bob Sinclar also recently lamented the scourge of content culture in nightclubs after a show he called “the worst concert ever.” [his] his entire career.”
Boring Mode is available to download for free at iOS and Android.
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