Digital detox

[1][2] Emerging in response to increasing technology use, the practice addresses concerns about screen addiction’s impact on health and mental well-being.

Detox approaches range from setting limits on device usage to complete abstinence, sometimes supported by dedicated retreats or travel packages.

Though digital detoxes have shown positive effects on focus, relationships, and overall well-being, they may also raise social pressures and fear of missing out (FOMO).

Subsets of a digital detox include varying levels of decreased electronic use, messaging, social media, and applications.

[5] The areas of research can be broken into five main categories: communication, education, tourism, well-being and health, and work environments.

[7] Comedian Ari Shaffir gained attention for refusing to use a smartphone after concerns about spending too much time on it, especially on social media.

[8] A digital detox aims to counteract the negative impacts of excessive screen and technology use, which can lead to both physical and mental health issues.

This hormone imbalance from diminished melatonin disrupts the REM sleep cycle which is essential for storing memories in the brain.

Additionally, having a phone close to a person’s face can trigger a fight or flight response, setting an anxious tone for the day.

Examples of boundaries include limiting social media usage to specific times of day or implementing screen-free periods, especially in the morning or evening.

[22] Some individuals implement this form of detox during a vacation or a period when there are no work or social obligations that would require their online presence.

A study from University of Nottingham Ningbo China found that the biggest motivators for embarking on a digital detox holiday include mindfulness, technostress, relaxation, and self-expression.

[23] Digital detox retreats increase accountability among individuals and prevent the temptation to check devices or engage in habitual online activities.

[24] Despite this positive impact, studies have found negative effects of digital detoxes on social relationships and interactions.

For example, in October 2019, Google and Special Projects (an award-winning design and invention studio based in London) released Paper Phone, a Google product consisting of a printed piece of paper folded into eighths that contains relevant information to your day much like a daily planner.

Some critics disagree with Google's approach to the digital detox phenomenon, however, and instead argue that harmony between technology use and well-being can be achieved.