What is digital detoxing?

Social media is a haven for cat videos and other positive media. However, using it every day can make time slip through your fingers. Digital detoxes are getting plenty of buzz when it comes to mental health management — and for good reason. It’s an excellent strategy for almost any internet user to have a reset from the online world.

This article was written by Mia Barnes. Mia is a health and wellness freelance writer with expertise in self-care and mental health. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the online publication, Body+Mind magazine.

What Is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox is a time to reduce your screen time. There are many forms of digital detoxing, like taking a break from one social media app for a week or setting micro-breaks throughout the day. Whether you’re giving up your social platforms or devices, all that matters is to hit pause from diving into the digital world.

Why Do You Need Digital Detoxing?

Some people have less time for what’s happening in the regular world because of how distracting online apps are. According to Addiction Help, young people aged 18 to 22 make up 40% of the Americans addicted to social media. However, that’s all the more reason to find ways to break away.

Pros and Cons of a Digital Detox

A digital detox is beneficial to minimise mobile device usage. It offers numerous positives, but it’s best to be aware of the potential consequences as well. 

Here are the vital advantages of digital detoxing:

• More control over your time: Social media often takes too much time, luring you to scroll through many photos and videos. A digital detox allows you to break away from those distractions by keeping you conscious of your screen time. Save up your hours for important things you want to do.

• Less social media stress: Some people have social anxiety because they fear other people’s negative thoughts about them. These feelings often stem from social media, where people can comment on your posts. By having a digital detox, you can save yourself from the stress. 
• Better quality relationships with people: Social media is a great way to connect with people, but restricting connections to the digital space can feel lonely. Having a digital detox is a chance to foster your existing relationships. You even get time and energy to meet new people in real life. 

Here are the potential disadvantages of digital detoxing: 

• Isolation from the rest of the world: Social media is a big hub for current news and trends. Going on too long of a detox may make you feel out of the loop.

• Fear of missing out: Aside from potential isolation from what’s going on in the world, a digital detox can also strengthen the fear of missing out, as you’re unable to participate in things other people are doing online.
• Overwhelmed feelings: People still return to social media after a digital detox to catch up on the online landscape. However, the information overload can be overwhelming after a period of zero exposure. 

How to Start Digital Detoxing

Digital detox is still worth trying if you feel like social media is particularly harmful to your mental health.

Create a Timeline

Digital detoxing can take as much or as little time as you need. For example, some people prefer an entire week without using their phones. Others just want to take 30-minute intervals without going online. There’s no right or wrong timeline — your choice just needs to work for you.

If you’re new to a digital detox, consider going half a day without social media first. If you feel more comfortable without it, try it out for a whole day. You can add and subtract time depending on your urges. 

Pick Your Networks

Some people who want a digital detox completely remove social media apps from their phones, while others may want to lessen their screen time on a specific app or site. Go to your phone’s settings to view your screen time per program.

Everyone has their favourites. TikTok is a popular app for younger generations like Generation Z. However, some people may gravitate more toward YouTube or Instagram. Pick the apps you spend the most time on and consider leaving them for a while.

Have a Sustainable Mindset

Digital detoxing shouldn’t be all-or-nothing if you want to make a habit of regulating your social media use. It’s not supposed to punish you — it’s meant to help your mental health in the long run. 

For example, turn off your push notifications on social media apps rather than restricting total use. This little switch can prevent any impromptu scrolling sessions. You can also set limits with third-party apps to shut down the app after a certain period of use. 

What to Do During a Digital Detox

When you’re digital detoxing, the main goal is to stay off your phone. Here are alternative activities you can do:

• Sleep plenty: People should try to catch up on sleep. About 50% of British adults use social media before sleeping once a week or more, and 27% do this daily. Get a whole good night’s rest with a digital detox.

• Visit loved ones: Set up time with family and friends to catch up. You can even let them know about going on a digital detox. Aside from holding you accountable, they may even join in.
• Revisit hobbies: Revisit the interests you haven’t indulged in due to excessive social media use. Whether it’s reading a book or crocheting, enjoy your downtime.

• Practice productivity: Without distractions, you can increase your focus and direct efforts toward being more productive. Study for exams or complete a work project. 

Regulate Your Screen Time

A digital detox is an excellent mental reset since it lessens your reliance on social media and gives you more power over time. Tailor your breaks to what you need and reap the benefits.

Useful resources

For more info on the negative effects of social media, try our articles below:

• How to stay sane on social media
• What is doomscrolling?
• What is bedrotting?
• How to protect your mental health online