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Why a Cold-Turkey Digital Detox Might Not Be So Great
Given the sheer amount of time people spend in front of screens or using other technologies, digital detoxes are rising in popularity. They involve temporarily ditching smartphones, computers and other devices to physically and mentally “reset”. A recent Fast Company article from Elizabeth Segran reported that these kinds of technological refrains can change posture, improve conversation, sleep, memory and broaden perspectives for life changes.
In lots of cases, people do digital detoxes “cold turkey” — that is, they will not allow themselves to use identified technologies at all for the specified period. But it’s not clear whether this is the best route.
Professionals are still researching whether the use of technology can become an addiction. Results of studies are mixed. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5) doesn’t list technology addiction as a disorder, and some professionals think it’s more of an impulse control disorder, if anything. But work also has shown that brain activity in people who could be described as “addicted” is similar to that of people with a drug or alcohol addiction.
So let’s assume for a moment that, if someone has a real problem with technology use, then they’re going to experience symptoms of withdrawal, such as anxiety. Those symptoms likely will…
