Life within the digital world might be rewarding. It's convenient to order groceries for pickup, share photos or music, and stay in contact with family and friends regardless of the gap. However, it may even be tiring. The feeling of being consistently “on” and productive has led people to rethink their balance within the saturated digital world.
More than 70% of American adults are concerned about how technology affects their mental health and private relationships. This concern is reinforced by media highlighting people's unhealthy social media and phone habits.
What to do? There is a fluid line between healthy and unhealthy digital consumption. Some people feel the necessity to completely disconnect from the digital world with a purpose to understand this boundary. The idea of Digital detoxing is becoming increasingly popular. This practice is about consciously separating yourself from digital technologies with a purpose to achieve balance and digital well-being. Almost half of Americans report that they make a conscious effort to step away from their screens regularly.
But is that this attempt enough? That's no surprise 62% of Americans report feeling addicted on their devices and the Internet. Despite people's best efforts to unplug and find balance, research suggests that digital detoxes are common come up short.
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Digital well-being is subjective. We research technology and Consumer behavior. Our current research studied the digital detox journeywhere people take a much-needed break from digital consumption to find what supports or sabotages those pursuing digital wellness. Our findings highlighted 4 key strategies to enhance the consequence of this journey to a healthier digital balance: substitute practices, social connections, mindfulness, and digital wellness as a journey.
1. Find substitute practices
We've found that feelings of withdrawal are quite common during a digital detox. For many, picking up the phone and scrolling has turn into such a ritual that they often don't even realize they're doing it. When bored or stressed, many individuals turn to their devices, just like one Adult pacifiers. Therefore, during a digital detox, finding an alternative choice to distract your mind and keep your hands busy might be crucial.
These substitute practices often include hobbies or activities that result in gaming. As adults, people sometimes forget what it seems like to rejoice. By separating fun out of your to-do list and interesting with gaming as an end in itself, you’ll be able to significantly reduce stress levels and increase your digital well-being.
2. Strengthening social bonds
Humans are social creatures by nature. In fact, tools like email, text messaging, and social media provide opportunities to extend social connections. However, this innate desire for connection, combined with people's addiction to technology, can result in feelings of FOMO – the fear of missing out – and anxiety during a digital detox.
The average adult is spending money now 70% less time with friends than 20 years ago. Digital devices provide connection, but lack parts of the experience, resembling the enjoyment of face-to-face contact and trust in others, which might be difficult to attain online. So while we’re a more connected society, relationships and folks suffer lonelier than ever.
Therefore, during a digital detox, it is crucial to fill the community with community, whether through existing friendships or by making latest ones. We recommend doing a digital detox with others because FOMO can rear its ugly head when your friend pulls out their phone while going out.
3. Emphasis on mindfulness
In today's fast-paced world, it may seem almost unimaginable to search out a moment to pause. Lots of experiences deprivation of lonelinesswhich suggests that individuals often don't have time to be alone with their very own thoughts. But the flexibility to simply be present can provide time for reflection and enable you take into consideration what makes you joyful and healthy. Finding moments to step back – to be still and still – can provide a much-needed recharge.
With adults who spend about 90% of their time indoorsBreaking the routine and getting outside can provide a more holistic perspective on personal and global well-being. In our study Yoga and meditation were common methods that detoxers found moments once they became more aware of their very own thoughts, which helped promote more conscious behavior.
4. View digital wellness as an ongoing journey
Ultimately, digital wellness is a journey. It is just not a checklist that when accomplished means you might be fulfilled.
Unfortunately, a single detox is just not enough to cure digital imbalance. Instead, a successful detox often leaves you feeling introverted and curious. Our research participants shared that relapses are common, especially once they don't set and monitor ongoing goals. What's necessary is that your needs change and evolve over time. In other words, what works now will not be what you would like in the longer term.
Willpower is just not enough. We recommend identifying specific goals related to your individual digital well-being. These should not productivity goals, but goals to be unproductive. The goal is to unwind in a more fulfilling way. Whether you intend a weekly game night with friends or go for a 10-minute walk without your phone, taking time to unwind is price it in the long term.
Researchers still have to learn more to support digital well-being. However, we should always keep in mind that individual differences play a vital role on this equation, meaning the trail to digital harmony is uniquely personal. As people move through their technology-saturated lives, it becomes clear that finding the fitting balance is a fancy, highly individual process.
The digital detox journey might be difficult, but many individuals find it rewarding in the long run. However, people should not machines. So recognizing your limitations and finding ways to reconnect with yourself and others during a detox can greatly increase your sense of humanity and your digital well-being.
image credit : theconversation.com