Addicted To Your Phone?

Many smartphone owners have trouble disconnecting from the internet, obsessively checking and re-checking their devices. Studies have shown that this is unhealthy. As a result, many of those affected are opting for digital detoxes in order to reconnect with the real world.

- Mariam Isa

Having a digital detox is a growing trend worldwide as millions of people choose to switch off their electronic devices for a period of time to give their brains a break from the constant bombardment of emails, notifications and social media messages which experts say add to stress, disrupt sleep and leave less time for social interaction and other healthy activities – like exercise.

A growing number of studies are showing that being constantly online is affecting memory, ability to concentrate, emotions and is even damaging our brains. A new survey from the US Pew Research Centre last year showed that increasing reliance on the internet for information and entertainment is making people worse at problem-solving, recalling facts and learning.

Debate is swirling over whether there is really such a thing as internet addiction disorder, a term to describe compulsive behaviour which completely dominates an individual’s life in a similar way to drugs, gambling and pornography – to the detriment of family and friends.

Many psychologists say a more apt way to view unhealthy attachment to going online at this stage would be “problematic internet use”, a term which indicates that the habit interferes with daily life. They point out that people only become addicted to what the internet offers, such as social media, browsing, gambling, pornography and computer gaming – an activity which is increasingly taking over the lives of young people and children.

WiFi disconnection trend

Rehabilitation centres, retreats and special camps for children are springing up all over the world to help people achieve more balanced lives through disconnecting from the internet, while a growing number of cafés, bars and restaurants are eliminating WiFi to allow people to escape the demands of their devices and have uninterrupted social interactions.