What is a digital detox? Definition
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 6:04 am
For most people, the Internet is a life companion . In the workplace, many sectors rely heavily, if not completely, on email or browser use. In our homes, we have personal computers, televisions with Internet access, and even smart homes with countless connected devices. When it comes to moving from work to leisure, many cannot do without the ever-present smartphone, with which they order food, book holidays, watch the news, or check the most popular social networks. Although technological development cannot be stopped and of course has its advantages, many people want a period of digital detox.
The technical term for digital detox is “digital detox”. The term “detox” is well-known in alternative medicine and is used as a general term for various forms of detoxification. People also talk about “detox” when giving up alcohol, pharmaceuticals email database sweets or other consumer substances. In the digital realm, the principle is similar, as it involves a conscious decision to give up . Digital detox encompasses smartphones, the Internet and other similar technologies. During the digital detox process, instead of being permanently connected, people opt for analog solutions. It can be applied for a specific period of time to help relax or even become a permanent decision.
Why is a digital detox sometimes necessary?
But why is a digital detox so appealing and, in some cases, even necessary? Staying connected all the time, especially via smartphone, has significant advantages, but it also has serious disadvantages . In principle, emails and chat messages can be answered at any time and from anywhere, even during free time. Social media platforms, due to their business model, always offer new content and seek to quickly replace the old with new. Therefore, those who are not permanently connected feel that they are missing out on the latest trends and novelties. In addition to all the positive distraction, social media also carries risks .
For example, beauty trends and ideals can cause a lot of harm, especially among young people. Shitstorms or trolling can have devastating effects on the affected people, who no longer find any escape options because they are permanently connected. The same is true for many people of different age groups who experience doomscrolling – a phenomenon that describes an endless avalanche of bad news. Doomscrolling can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, concentration and sleep disorders, and in the worst case even trigger or aggravate mental illnesses . In such situations, a well-thought-out, properly prepared and responsibly carried out digital detox can be a valuable balance.
The technical term for digital detox is “digital detox”. The term “detox” is well-known in alternative medicine and is used as a general term for various forms of detoxification. People also talk about “detox” when giving up alcohol, pharmaceuticals email database sweets or other consumer substances. In the digital realm, the principle is similar, as it involves a conscious decision to give up . Digital detox encompasses smartphones, the Internet and other similar technologies. During the digital detox process, instead of being permanently connected, people opt for analog solutions. It can be applied for a specific period of time to help relax or even become a permanent decision.
Why is a digital detox sometimes necessary?
But why is a digital detox so appealing and, in some cases, even necessary? Staying connected all the time, especially via smartphone, has significant advantages, but it also has serious disadvantages . In principle, emails and chat messages can be answered at any time and from anywhere, even during free time. Social media platforms, due to their business model, always offer new content and seek to quickly replace the old with new. Therefore, those who are not permanently connected feel that they are missing out on the latest trends and novelties. In addition to all the positive distraction, social media also carries risks .
For example, beauty trends and ideals can cause a lot of harm, especially among young people. Shitstorms or trolling can have devastating effects on the affected people, who no longer find any escape options because they are permanently connected. The same is true for many people of different age groups who experience doomscrolling – a phenomenon that describes an endless avalanche of bad news. Doomscrolling can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, concentration and sleep disorders, and in the worst case even trigger or aggravate mental illnesses . In such situations, a well-thought-out, properly prepared and responsibly carried out digital detox can be a valuable balance.