Why We Should All Consider a Digital Detox

A relaxed woman after partaking in a digital detox. (Courtesy of TalentLMS)

Vanessa Catalano, Opinion section editor
May 17, 2023

Do you ever start scrolling on social media for what you think is 20 minutes, but in reality, 2 hours have passed? This is one of the ways in which social media has taken over our lives. Taking a break from technology can not only free up our time but also has many health benefits. Being on our phones, laptops, and devices has become an integral part of our lives. We are drawn to these technological devices because they can connect us to people we wouldn’t otherwise see and help distract us from boredom, therefore making them highly addictive.  

Young kids are on their devices rather than interacting with one another. (Courtesy of WeHaveKids)

In fact, despite the recommended screen time being less than 2 hours, American kids ages 8-12 spend 4-6 hours a day on screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours on screens. When spending hours on our devices, we don’t consider how this high screen time affects our health. 

A digital detox means taking a break from using electronic devices, which includes taking a break from checking emails and notifications, playing video games, watching TV, texting, and scrolling on social media. Social media can

A woman overwhelmed by the pressures of electronics. (Courtesy of Greator)

trigger depression, anxiety, and affect self-esteem. When scrolling on social media one can often find themself comparing themself to people on the internet who use filters and edit themselves to look better, skinnier, or have the perfect skin. In addition, on social media, people oftentimes will feel a fear of missing out (FOMO) when being excluded.

A solution is partaking in a digital detox. The benefits include reduced stress, sharper focus, improved sleep, better social interactions, and more control of your time. These benefits can lead to improved health and physical well-being. 

Works Cited

Aacap. “Screen Time and Children,” https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx.

Helfand, Ezra. “Digital Detox: What Is It, and Why Is It Important? – Wellspring.” Wellspring Center for Prevention, 24 Feb. 2023, https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/what-is-it-a-digital-detox/.

Zaleska. “4 Reasons to Do a Digital Detox.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 2 Dec. 2021,  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/digital-detox/.