By John Salak –
Almost 150 years ago, after what seemed like endless experimenting, Alexander Graham Bell made the first phone call. Forty years later, he was able to make transatlantic calls. By then, the world had changed forever—and communications technology has kept on evolving ever since so that digital connections have virtually overtaken everyone’s life for both good and bad.
Bell apparently recognized the power of his transformative technology so much so that he refused to have a phone in his office for fear it would draw his attention away from his scientific work. Now, Bell’s more than arm-length relationship to his invention may serve as a warning to all others. The cell phone, after all, has become something of a ubiquitous appendage to modern man that many worry has led to a dangerous digital overload—one that for many may require a digital detoxing.
The numbers on digital overload and the omnipresent position of cell phones are staggering. Approximately 25 percent of smartphone users between 18 and 44 cannot recall the last time their phone was not in arm’s reach. A 2023 Research.org survey went further in underscoring the relentless connection of people to their phones. It found that slightly more than 88 percent of respondents checked their phone within the first ten minutes of waking up and 60 percent reported sleeping with their phones at night.
Digital technology, of course, brings benefits. But studies have also shown that technologies can negatively impact the brain with heightened ADHD symptoms, interfere with social and emotional intelligence and encourage social isolation and addictive behaviors, hamper brain development and disrupt sleep.
While there are no conclusive studies showing the complete scope of cellphone addiction, there are clear signs that cell phone use has reached a problematic point, which is why some are looking to digital detox.
The process involves a voluntary reduction or outright elimination of digital technology like cell phones. This detoxing is designed to help people rebuild self-esteem, improve mental health, lessen stress and anxiety and better sleep.
Not everyone, of course, can go cold turkey and completely eliminate cell phone use. Many simply find it too challenging so instead they look to start by reducing their screen time.
Regardless of the approach, the first step of a digital detox is evaluating when and why a cell phone is used. It is a tool of procrastination or is a cell phone used as a buffer in social settings? It is also important to assess personal feelings about using a phone. For example, does looking at social media make someone anxious or stressed? This evaluation helps provide insights into what areas the digital detox should be focused on.
