As countries across the globe edge ever closer towards the exit door of the pandemic, one term that has really begun to gain a lot of traction in recent months is “Digital Detox”. A term coined to encourage people to reduce their reliance on digital devices through a series of consciously scheduled breaks for an individually defined period of time.
While the term Digital Detox is relatively new, the concept itself isn’t. The original concept behind Digital Detoxing can be traced back to 2012 when it first entered into the public sphere as ‘Media Refusal’. The ‘Media Refusal’ movement coincided with Facebook’s mid-noughties boom in popularity, and saw 60% of its users opting to stay logged out of their accounts for two weeks or more.
Fast forward ten years and we now find ourselves plugged into more digital devices, than ever before. For many of us our individual connections to the digital world has been a salvation during the Pandemic: it’s allowed us to stay connected to the people we haven’t been able to see in person; it’s shown us new ways to work and study; and it’s presented would-be, and seasoned entrepreneurs of all ages with a whole host of fresh opportunities. The benefits of the digital age are undisputed, however our dependency on it has brought with it a number of concerning mental wellbeing issues, many of which remain unconscious, but in growing need of attention.
The negative effects of Digital Dependency
The effects of digital dependency do of course vary from person to person, but some of the most general negative effects have been proven to include:
Reduced concentration
Having our digital devices constantly close by, means that we are also constantly accompanied by the temptation to engage with them. This can lead to us becoming distracted, which in turn can challenge our ability to concentrate on important everyday tasks such as work or study.
Negative impacts on relationships
During a recent study, researchers from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business found that these reduced concentration levels can also negatively impact our relationships. The study argues that such lacks in concentration can create feelings of unproductivity, frustration and depression which ultimately impacts how we react to those around us.
Anxiety issues
The importance we place on our phones and devices can also impact how we prioritize our daily activities. Staying plugged into the digital world now runs parallel with the definition of what is considered to be a ‘smooth day, and any threat to our connectivity be it a bad wifi connection, or an empty phone battery all too often evokes a significant amount of stress and panic. A 2021 survey conducted by Review.org found that 71% of American adults aged 18 or over feel a sense of panic and anxiety when they see that their phone battery is running at 20% or under.
Reduced social interactions
The same Review.org survey also saw 61% of respondents admit to having texted someone who was in the same room as them. A strong indication that our ever increasing reliance on digital devices is also having a profound impact on how we interact with others during everyday social situations.
Prioritizing recording moments over living them
Social media platforms are undoubtedly a special place to record and share important moments and milestones, but evidence is fast beginning to point to a society whereby taking perfect pictures of moments is becoming more important than living them. In April, 2021, Internet Live Stats reported that on average, a staggering 1,000 pictures were being uploaded to Instagram every second. This increasing pressure we feel to digitize, and share every moment of our lives is causing us to unconsciously disengage from, and feel additional stress in moments we should be savoring and enjoying.
All in all, the benefits; the general convenience; and the opportunities that we draw from the digital world cannot, and should not be denied. Digitalization has given us a greater sense of connection, and has opened doors to opportunities and ways of thinking that prior generations didn’t even imagine could ever exist. However, the moments we spend offline still play a crucial role in shaping our mental health. Digital Detoxing is our key to maintaining a healthy balance between our digital identities, and our mental wellbeing.