What Is a Digital Detox?

Definition

For modern people, smartphones have become indispensable in daily life. We face computers for eight hours or more at work, then look at our phones and TV at home — digital is part of every day. That's where the term “digital detox” came from: freeing yourself from digital devices, also called a “smartphone fast.” The method is simple: spend a set period without touching your smartphone or TV.

Benefits

There are two main benefits. The first is physical and mental relaxation.

Relaxation

Long use of smartphones and TV causes eye strain and stiff shoulders, which a detox can relieve. It also helps with mental fatigue: when you look at screens, information keeps flowing into your head, so even if your body is resting, your brain stays active and you don't truly rest.

It may also improve sleep quality. Smartphones now have night modes that reduce or eliminate blue light for people who use them before bed, but as before, your brain doesn't rest, which disrupts sleep.

Drawbacks

The drawback is that you may not be able to communicate as needed. Since smartphones became widespread, contact for work, friends and partners has become easier and more frequent, so a digital detox can disrupt communication.

Emergencies

Urgent contact may affect work, so when doing a detox, keep phone-call notifications on and let people know in advance that you'll be hard to reach.

Digital Addiction

Not a drawback as such, but something to know before you start: digital detoxes often don't last. Social media, smartphone games and videos are highly addictive, and you'll often find going without them inconvenient.

Worth a Try

Having weighed the pros and cons, my conclusion is that it's worth trying. Besides recovering from physical and mental fatigue, it shows you how much you actually use your phone, and how your behaviour and mood change when you don't. You may also find life is surprisingly comfortable without relying on digital devices, and discover new hobbies like keeping a diary or writing letters.

Try it for about three hours; if it doesn't suit you, you can stop right away — there's no need to force yourself. But if you find it even a little pleasant, continue while keeping the drawbacks in mind.

» The downsides of digital society and my approach to a digital detox

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