As we already know, our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology in today’s highly evolving digital era. Smartphones, tablets, and computers have become necessary; be it a job or study, we need them. With new innovations and ease in work and studying comes the drawback of being exposed to a screen. Excessive screen time can have detrimental effects on our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Therefore, a digital detox is the need of the hour:
In this article, we discuss the term Digital Detox and how students can practice it for overall well-being.
Digital Detox
A digital detox is a period of time when a person voluntarily refrains from using digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and social media platforms. This form of detoxification has gained popularity as individuals have increased their time spent on digital devices and the Internet.
Simply put, a digital detox is a temporary break from technology, allowing us to disconnect from the constant stream of information and notifications. In the world of technology, where smart devices surround us, it may seem daunting at first, but the benefits of a digital detox can be significant.
Why Do We Need a Digital Detox?
According to Nielsen Company research, the average adult in the United States spends around 11 hours daily listening to, watching, reading, or interacting with media. Meanwhile, an average Indian spends nearly two and a half hours a day on social media. In January 2024, India had 751.5 million internet users. India’s internet penetration rate was 52.4% of the population at the beginning of 2024. According to a Kepios study, the number of internet users in India increased by 19 million (+2.6%) between January 2023 and January 2024. Being involved in the digital environment 24*7 has become quite normal and seems alarming.
Sometimes, you may feel like you are addicted to your gadgets. While technology addiction is not explicitly recognized as a condition in the DSM-5, many experts think that excessive use of technology and devices is a very serious behavioural addiction that can cause physical, psychological, and social difficulties.
According to another recent study, 80% of Gen Z checks their phones within 5 minutes of receiving a notification. More than 50% of teenagers claim to use their phones excessively. Around 40% of young adults aged 18 to 22 report being hooked to social media, and 16 to 29-year-olds are more than twice as likely to be addicted to video games than older adults.
How Does Excessive Screen Time Affect Us?
- Mental Health:
Anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders represent other detriments described in the various studies due to excess screen time. The blue light coming from electronic devices interferes with our sleep patterns and keeps us awake and tired.
- Relationships:
As people increasingly rely on technology, face-to-face interaction suffers, seriously affecting the quality of relations. Spending too much time online can make individuals feel isolated and lonely.
- Productivity:
Whereas technology can bring productivity, excessive exposure to it is counterproductive as it highly distracts and intercepts our capability to focus and concentrate.
Tips for a Successful Digital Detox:
- Establish Boundaries:
It is crucial to set the duration of your digital detox and even the devices you will abstain from. You must communicate this clearly with your friends and family to avoid misunderstandings.
- Know Your Triggers:
Be mindful of situations or events that make you hooked on your screens. The more aware you are of your triggers, the more you can brainstorm ways to avoid them.
- Find Healthier Alternatives:
Practice hobbies, interests, and activities that do not require technology. Believe it or not, doing this will help you feel more connected to yourself and the world.
- Set Technology-Free Zones:
Designate a few areas in your home as technologically free zones. This can help you establish boundaries and control your screen time. If you use technology, pay attention to mindful consumption. Consume intentionally without scrolling through mindlessly.
- Disconnect Before Bed:
Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed. Light interferes with the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
- Seek Support:
If you find it hard to reduce your screen time, it is advisable to get help from friends, family members, or a therapist.
A digital detox can be a powerful tool for improving your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. It can help students effectively promote overall well-being and academic success. Reduced screen time can yield excellent results in improved mental health, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression, which might previously have been aggravated by constant digital exposure. Apart from the screen, students can work on family relationships and friendships, building deeper connections with their social support network. Moreover, frequent breaks from gadgets will increase productivity, giving students a chance to concentrate on their books and completing their homework within a short period. Improved sleep is one of the main benefits. Limiting laptops and computers before bed reduces insomnia and aids sleeping. Lastly, disengagement from digital addiction improves creativity since students can take some time to think and generate new ideas and solutions to different problems.
