Released in June 2024, Inside Out 2 by Pixar has swept the world, immersing deeper into the emotional rollercoaster of teenage life and introducing a new set of emotions. Among them, Ennui, who embodies boredom, takes centre of attention with her phone-crazed character, which has led to a worldwide debate on digital addiction. The glued to phone trope is a cultural phenomenon that will seem familiar to audiences in 2025 as smartphones are all around us.
From viral memes to feisty online discussions, it’s understandable that the screen obsession of Ennui has put Inside Out 2 on the list of hottest topics to talk about, making it one of the best-selling stories on Google. The article explores the reasons why Ennui’s phone obsession has captivated audiences, deconstructing the character, the themes of the movie, and its profound impact on culture.
Meet Ennui: The Phone-Addicted Emotion
Ennui, played by Adele Exarchopoulos, enters Inside Out 2 as a new emotion in Riley’s mind, alongside Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. As a symptom of boredom, she is a lanky purple character who speaks French and shares her apathy as she sits on the couch.
Her defining trait? A cell phone-type gadget she is attached to and uses to idly operate the emotional console of Riley. This design decision is a genius way to recreate the experience of a modern teenager, algorithmically scrolling through feeds to avoid boredom, which immediately makes Ennui relatable.
The animators at Pixar modelled Ennui after what they observed in the real world, where teenagers often retreat into their phones when they have nothing to occupy their time. Her device is not merely a prop; it stands as a representation of technology’s roles in emotional vacuums, which tend to increase a lack of engagement. The closer Riley works through the high school strains, the stronger Ennui becomes, emphasising the conflict between boredom and the meaningful being in touch.
The Viral “Glued to Phone” Moment
A single moment has provided the source of constant discussion: Sadness knocks the phone of Ennui away, and this sort of emotion is usually incapable of panicking. Caught in the act of interacting directly with the console, the breakdown experienced by Ennui depicts the fear many people experience when disconnected from their devices. This is a humorous and emotional scene that allows Riley to momentarily disconnect from her online life to begin interacting in reality.
Throughout Inside Out 2, the fixation on the screen in Ennui is a recurring motif. The light of her phone illuminates her as a visual reference to the hypnotic screen attraction. Directors Kelsey Mann and Pete Docter have said this is indicative of parental fears of the influence of tech on young people, with the goal of getting the conversation going without moralising. This is reflected in her outside life, with shots of Riley checking notifications at hockey practice or socialising, intertwining humour with a hint of balance.
Why Ennui’s Phone Resonates in 2025
The phone addiction of Ennui taps into an underlying problem, namely, digital addiction. In 2025, when research connects anxiety and isolation with excessive screen time, Inside Out 2 will be a well-timed critique.
The device of ennui is an escapism, deadening the boredom, preventing a more significant emotional life. The movie is implying that although technology can be a distractor, it is usually slowing down personal development, which is resonating as mental health issues start to escalate.
The story also cuts across generations. Parents watch their children in the apathy of Ennui, teens understand their own patterns. Making boredom a person who is phone-obsessed helps Pixar to normalise these struggles, demonstrating that change is possible. The arc of Ennui, particularly where she has to perform without her phone, emphasises the importance of physical human interaction.
A Cultural Sensation: Memes, TikToks and More
The so-called glued to phone trope has gone viral, and Inside Out 2 has become a cultural phenomenon because of that trend. TikTok is full of devotees who imitate Ennui sitting around and scrolling Instagram with too much enthusiasm, whereas X shares slices of her character with hashtags such as #EnnuiVibes, ranking high on trend all around the world. Memes are known to capture her deadpan humour, most commonly pairing her with captions related to doom-scrolling or neglecting her duties.
The reality of this virality has a tangible impact on the real world. Ennui is being applied to schools through digital literacy education, where it is discussed how we can be mindful of technology.
The movie is being celebrated by influencers and celebrities, particularly those specialising in wellness, who tell their stories of overcoming phone addiction. Having made over $1.6 billion at the global box office, Inside Out 2 has already created Ennui merchandising, including phone cases and clothing, which has established her as a pop culture figure.
Fan Theories and Online Buzz
Theories about the phone of Ennui have run wild on forums such as Reddit. It is interpreted as an attack on Big Tech, which takes people into circles of indifference with the help of algorithms.
Some say it demonstrates the possibility of creativity in the absence of technology. One of the more widely accepted theories is that Ennui, alone in the movie, is holding a phone, which is theorised to be the particular connection of boredom to the overstimulation of the modern era.
These dialogues enrich the film’s content, transforming it into more than just entertainment. They have driven their search marketing success, and the phrase Inside Out 2 glued to phone is already trending in search with words such as digital detox and teen mental health.
Enduring Effect and Relationship to the Audience
Inside Out 2 rings through all demographics. Adults are indulging in self-screen time, and teens can identify with Ennui. It has been praised by critics as having the same emotional intelligence as the original.
The message conveyed through the film —that mobile phones should not be the focus of what makes you feel a certain way —resonates in the technologically obsessed world of 2025 and inspires one to take a look back at their own feelings as well.
With the culture of being attached to phones still in trend, Inside Out 2 uses the phone as a reference point in culture. Humour, heart and social commentary keep it relevant, so it is a favourite story by both Google algorithms and readers. This film is a must-watch, whether you are laughing with the antics of Ennui or reconsidering how often you use your phone to navigate the digital world of today.