Spotlight On Digi Detox

Should you say sayonara to mindless scrolling?

- Zoe Snell

For many of us, our day begins and ends with looking at our phone. Throughout the day we also reach for it countless times, usually to procrastinate by mindlessly scrolling social media or to seek an endorphin rush via a notification. In fact, the average person picks up their phone 58 times per day. But have you stopped to consider the impact this is having on your mental health? Studies have found a link between social media use and feelings of depression and anxiety, as well as lower self-esteem.

Of course, not all the time spent on social media is harmful – it can help you connect with friends and family, stay up to date with news and watch adorable cat videos. If you’re struggling to find that balance, Dr Jo Orlando, author of Life Mode On: How to Feel Less Stressed, More Present and Back in Control When Using Technology, explains how to cultivate a healthy relationship with social media – and when it might be time for a break.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

Many a celeb has opted to take a step back from social media at some point. In 2016, Kendall Jenner took a short hiatus, explaining that “I just wanted to detox”. Meanwhile, earlier this year, Chrissy Teigen announced that some social media platforms no longer served her and she would be deleting them (this was, however, short-lived, lasting less than a month).