The

future

Of

Tech

IS

less

of

it

The

future

Of

Tech

IS

less

of

it

The

future

Of

Tech

IS

less

of

it

What does that mean?

What does that mean?

What does that mean?

The future of tech is less of it

Woman confidently looking outward

Where you've seen me

Learn how to...

Learn how to...

Free Yourself From the Attention Economy

I suggest you download UnHook before you watch these videos so you don't get sucked in by recommendations!

A New Era

A new era has begun

A New Era

Why more tech isn't better

See more of my speaking

Woman speaking on news channel

CNN

Appstinence founder Gabriela Nguyen on the modern day Luddite movement.

Three woman having a discussion with one another

New York Times

Lisa Damour and Gabriela Nguyen on Protecting Your Happiness in the Age of Social Media

Woman on a stage

Tedx Talk

I quit social media–here’s what happened | Gabriela Nguyen | TEDxManhattanBeach

Woman speaking on news channel

CNN

Appstinence founder Gabriela Nguyen on the modern day Luddite movement.

Three woman having a discussion with one another

New York Times

Lisa Damour and Gabriela Nguyen on Protecting Your Happiness in the Age of Social Media

Woman on a stage

Tedx Talk

I quit social media–here’s what happened | Gabriela Nguyen | TEDxManhattanBeach

The power of collective action

We're doing the good work ☺️

what i'm up to

what i'm up to

  • NYT Well Festival

    Four people sitting on a couch and smiling

  • Tamron Hall with Dr. Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price (credit: Team Tamron!)

    Four people sitting on a couch and smiling

  • SF Commonwealth Club 2026 (credit CWC Team)

    People gathered in a room

  • Delete Day NYC 2025! (Credit Corrie Aune)

    People seated on the ground holding their cellphones

  • Advocacy buddies! (credit Maria Petrova)

    Four people at a park smiling

  • :) (credit Henry Michaelson)

    People gathered in a room

  • Nairobi event 2025 (Credit Calvin Odera)

    People gathered at a field

  • Delete Day NYC 2025 (credit Corrie Aune)

    People gathered at a park

  • Nairobi event 2025 (credit Calvin Odera)

    People gathered at a field

  • Nairobi event in 2025 (credit Calvin Odera)

    People gathered on a field

  • Get Off Event 2025! (credit Henry Michaelson)

    People gathered in a room

Some reviews

Some reviews

testimonials

testimonials

  • Rachel Loe

    School Partnerships Manager

    "Gabriela was great to work with as a partner, speaker, and role model for young people. A rigorous and well-researched speaker, it is obvious that her boldness comes with great intention. Likewise, she conducts herself with the utmost professionalism, while still being approachable and friendly. Gabriela made a lasting impression on our student attendees and inspired them to reflect on their own behaviors and the tech that influences them."

  • Laura Mylan

    CSO External Relations

    "Gabriela Nguyen is an important voice in a world dominated by social media and big tech. Her presentation on the "appstinence" movement -- which she founded -- captivated the Children & Nature Network and provided practical steps that anyone can take to end dependence on social media and smartphones. She is knowledgeable, relatable and passionate about helping young people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, away from social media. I recommend her as a speaker for any organization or group working to enhance the health and well-being of children and youth."

  • Alexa Arnold

    Deputy Chief of Staff and Managing Director to Jonathan Haidt

    “It has been a pleasure to work with Gabriela on our organizations’ collaborative campaign, Time to Refuse. Her leadership as Project Manager was integral to navigating significant ambiguity, coordinating across multiple partner organizations, and ultimately delivering a successful global launch. The campaign resulted in numerous launch events around the world, strong press coverage, and meaningful engagement with hundreds of young people across Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Gabriela brings a bold sense of agency, deep commitment, and impressive rigor to her work on behalf of her generation as they navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape. I highly recommend working with her, particularly for organizations seeking thoughtful leadership and genuine insight into the lived experiences of young people today.”

  • Kathleen Barlow

    Leadership Council of Smartphone Free Childhood

    "Gabriela Nguyen is a delight to work with as a speaker, panelist, and conversation partner. She is gracious and humble, yet confident and passionate, especially when it comes to the topic of toxic screen overuse. She encourages others to join her in exploring a life free from the constraints of smartphones and social media. And the best part - she does this in a non-threatening way, coming from a place of curiosity and hope, rather than judgment and shame. From her rich, melodious voice, to her gift for sharing personal stories and drawing meaningful analogies, Gabriela has become a sough-after voice in this space."

  • Anthony Costa

    Vice-Principal, Student Support and Well-being

    “Gabriela spoke to our school's Community Support Committee. She was incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and informative as she spoke to the students. The examples provided have prompted students to begin to consider reducing social media use, and potentially remove it from their lives. Her conversation has led to more critical discussion within the group, enriching the thinking that is occurring around algorithmic interactions with our devices. Her thoughts, experiences and ideas have helped our students consider how they can take action towards a healthier relationship with technology.”

  • Manisha Tirella

    Co-founder of Health Hub Dubai

    "Gabriela's introductory talk on what parents need to know on EdTech planted a seed in our community. Her talk is rooted in her personal experience and independent EdTech research. She offers agency to youth and solutions based options for parents. On a personal note her gentle way in affirming and engaging my 11 year old daughter is a sign of how in touch she is with the people who are most affected by EdTech."

  • Rachel Loe

    School Partnerships Manager

    "Gabriela was great to work with as a partner, speaker, and role model for young people. A rigorous and well-researched speaker, it is obvious that her boldness comes with great intention. Likewise, she conducts herself with the utmost professionalism, while still being approachable and friendly. Gabriela made a lasting impression on our student attendees and inspired them to reflect on their own behavrios and the tech that influences them."

  • Laura Mylan

    CSO External Relations

    "Gabriela Nguyen is an important voice in a world dominated by social media and big tech. Her presentation on the "appstinence" movement -- which she founded -- captivated the Children & Nature Network and provided practical steps that anyone can take to end dependence on social media and smartphones. She is knowledgeable, relatable and passionate about helping young people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, away from social media. I recommend her as a speaker for any organization or group working to enhance the health and well-being of children and youth."

  • Kathleen Barlow

    Leadership Council of Smartphone Free Childhood

    "Gabriela Nguyen is a delight to work with as a speaker, panelist, and conversation partner. She is gracious and humble, yet confident and passionate, especially when it comes to the topic of toxic screen overuse. SHe encourages others to join her in exploring a life free from the constraints of smartphones and social media. And the best part - she does this in a non threatening way, coming from a place of curiosity and hope, rather than judgment and shame. From her rich, melodious voice, to her gift for sharing personal stories and drawing meaningful analogies, Gabriela has become a sught-after voice in this space."

  • Manisha Tirella

    Co-founder of Health Hub Dubai

    "Gabriela's introductory talk on what parents need to know on EdTech planted a seed in our community. Her talk is rooted in her personal experience and independent EdTech research. She offers agency to youth and soluions based options for parents. On a personal note her gentle way in affirming and engaging my 11 year old daughter is a sign of how in touch she is with the people who are most affected by EdTech."

  • Alexa Arnold

    Deputy Chief of Staff and Managing Director to Jonathan Haidt

    “It has been a pleasure to work with Gabriela on our organizations’ collaborative campaign, Time to Refuse. Her leadership as Project Manager was integral to navigating significant ambiguity, coordinating across multiple partner organizations, and ultimately delivering a successful global launch. The campaign resulted in numerous launch events around the world, strong press coverage, and meaningful engagement with hundreds of young people across Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Gabriela brings a bold sense of agency, deep commitment, and impressive rigor to her work on behalf of her generation as they navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape. I highly recommend working with her, particularly for organizations seeking thoughtful leadership and genuine insight into the lived experiences of young people today.”

  • Anthony Costa

    Vice-Principal, Student Support and Well-being

    “Gabriela spoke to our school's Community Support Committee. She was incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and informative as she spoke to the students. The examples provided have prompted students to begin to consider reducing social media use, and potentially remove it from their lives. Her conversation has led to more critical discussion within the group, enriching the thinking that is occurring around algorithmic interactions with our devices. Her thoughts, experiences and ideas have helped our students consider how they can take action towards a healthier relationship with technology.”

  • Rachel Loe

    School Partnerships Manager

    "Gabriela was great to work with as a partner, speaker, and role model for young people. A rigorous and well-researched speaker, it is obvious that her boldness comes with great intention. Likewise, she conducts herself with the utmost professionalism, while still being approachable and friendly. Gabriela made a lasting impression on our student attendees and inspired them to reflect on their own behavrios and the tech that influences them."

  • Laura Mylan

    CSO External Relations

    "Gabriela Nguyen is an important voice in a world dominated by social media and big tech. Her presentation on the "appstinence" movement -- which she founded -- captivated the Children & Nature Network and provided practical steps that anyone can take to end dependence on social media and smartphones. She is knowledgeable, relatable and passionate about helping young people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, away from social media. I recommend her as a speaker for any organization or group working to enhance the health and well-being of children and youth."

  • Kathleen Barlow

    Leadership Council of Smartphone Free Childhood

    "Gabriela Nguyen is a delight to work with as a speaker, panelist, and conversation partner. She is gracious and humble, yet confident and passionate, especially when it comes to the topic of toxic screen overuse. SHe encourages others to join her in exploring a life free from the constraints of smartphones and social media. And the best part - she does this in a non threatening way, coming from a place of curiosity and hope, rather than judgment and shame. From her rich, melodious voice, to her gift for sharing personal stories and drawing meaningful analogies, Gabriela has become a sught-after voice in this space."

  • Manisha Tirella

    Co-founder of Health Hub Dubai

    "Gabriela's introductory talk on what parents need to know on EdTech planted a seed in our community. Her talk is rooted in her personal experience and independent EdTech research. She offers agency to youth and soluions based options for parents. On a personal note her gentle way in affirming and engaging my 11 year old daughter is a sign of how in touch she is with the people who are most affected by EdTech."

  • Alexa Arnold

    Deputy Chief of Staff and Managing Director to Jonathan Haidt

    “It has been a pleasure to work with Gabriela on our organizations’ collaborative campaign, Time to Refuse. Her leadership as Project Manager was integral to navigating significant ambiguity, coordinating across multiple partner organizations, and ultimately delivering a successful global launch. The campaign resulted in numerous launch events around the world, strong press coverage, and meaningful engagement with hundreds of young people across Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Gabriela brings a bold sense of agency, deep commitment, and impressive rigor to her work on behalf of her generation as they navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape. I highly recommend working with her, particularly for organizations seeking thoughtful leadership and genuine insight into the lived experiences of young people today.”

  • Anthony Costa

    Vice-Principal, Student Support and Well-being

    “Gabriela spoke to our school's Community Support Committee. She was incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and informative as she spoke to the students. The examples provided have prompted students to begin to consider reducing social media use, and potentially remove it from their lives. Her conversation has led to more critical discussion within the group, enriching the thinking that is occurring around algorithmic interactions with our devices. Her thoughts, experiences and ideas have helped our students consider how they can take action towards a healthier relationship with technology.”

Woman confidently looking outward

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  • the future of tech is less of it

  • the future of tech is less of it