TechVIRAL VIDEO BREAKDOWN

New Angle: Ex-Influencer's Phone Ban Hits the Group Chat

The New York Times says the former Instagram artist built a robust following before turning to digital minimalism; her unplugged fans must be reading this somehow.

On air: Kenji Moonfield and Dr. Nina Byte on Late Night BBN
Published 12:30 AM ET, Saturday, October 10, 2026

Photo: A smartphone — Photo: Océanos y dados · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesAugust Lamm Was an Influencer. Now She Wants You to Ditch Your Smartphone.

What BBN said about it

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentHealing begins now, Vera says, and honestly, same. As we told you earlier, ex-influencer August Lamm wants you to ditch your phone.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe New York Times says she was an Instagram artist with a robust following. Now she preaches living without a smartphone. I have notes.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentFreeze frame. She builds a following on the phone, then tells the followers to put the phone down. That is an elite fake-out, bro.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThat is a plot hole. How do they read the advice? Carrier pigeon?
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentTurning point: she reclaims her life and I lose my whole audience. I'd be in a field, screaming at a cloud.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentFinal score from me: six out of ten, minus points because I looked at my phone twice.