James Tweed, founder of learning technology company Coracle, who argues that spending more time offline could meaningfully improve mental health—especially as the UK marks Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11–17).
Tweed is calling on educators, healthcare providers and organisations to rethink “always-on” digital learning and adopt an “offline-first learning” approach: designing educational experiences that work without constant internet access and reduce digital distraction (notifications, tabs, feeds). He links constant connectivity with anxiety, poorer concentration and disrupted sleep (particularly for young people), and says offline activities can improve attention, memory retention and overall wellbeing. He suggests this matters in: Schools: fewer digital interruptions can reduce cognitive fatigue and support focus and emotional resilience. Healthcare/care settings: simpler, offline tools can reduce friction and overwhelm, letting people engage at their own pace.
Coracle works in maritime, prisons and police custody; the company has a King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity and became a B Corp in 2025) and reiterates his point that the goal isn’t removing technology, but designing it to align with human psychology.
Why going offline may improve mental health: edtech founder’s call for change
