Opt-out, Abstain, Unplug. A Systematic Review of the Voluntary Digital Disconnection Literature

Recommendations for Physical Exercise as a Strategy to Reduce Problematic Use of the Internet and Digital Devices: A Perspective

Excessive use of the Internet and digital devices has become a growing public health concern, contributing to mental health issues, sedentary lifestyles, and decreased well-being. Despite the increasing prevalence of digital overuse, there is no consensus on effective interventions to mitigate its impact. This article aimed to provide an updated perspective on current research into problematic use of digital devices and the Internet, and to explore the potential of physical exercise as a key strategy in prevention and treatment programs aimed at reducing such use. Based on the two previous objectives, this study also aimed to provide author-informed recommendations for digital detox interventions, supporting the inclusion of regular exercise, particularly outdoor exercise in natural environments, as a central component of such programs. Thirteen recommendations for physical exercise programs to be included as core parts of digital detox are suggested: (a) the type of physical exercise selected according to the participant's motivations, (b) exercise intensity and volume adapted to the participant's characteristics, (c) the avoidance of digital devices during exercise, (d) a duration of ≥12 weeks and ≥3 days/week, (e) the integration of other physical activities for a more active lifestyle, (f) the enhancement of mental health as a main goal, (g) collaborative and competitive physical exercise and sports, (h) the participant's awareness of the improvements through feedback and information, (i) mindful activities, (j) outdoor physical activities and exercise, especially in natural environments, (k) conducted by multidisciplinary teams, (l) assessments using validated tests and scales, and (m) evaluation of long-term effects. In summary, this perspective article supports the inclusion of physical exercise as a key strategy in digital detox programs by offering recommendations for intervention designs aimed at reducing problematic digital use and enhancing overall well-being in individuals who have developed maladaptive patterns of digital device use.

The effects of social media abstinence on affective well-being and life satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstaining from social media has become a popular digital disconnection strategy of individuals to enhance their well-being. To date, it is unclear whether social media abstinences are truly effective in improving well-being, however, as studies produce inconsistent outcomes. This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis therefore aims to provide a more precise answer regarding the impact of social media abstinence on well-being. The databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Communication Source, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for studies examining the effect of social media abstinence on three outcomes, namely positive affect, negative affect, and/or life satisfaction. In total, ten studies (N = 4674) were included, allowing an examination of 38 effect sizes across these three outcomes. The analyses revealed no significant effects of social media abstinence interventions on positive affect, negative affect, or life satisfaction. Relationships between social media abstinence duration and the three outcomes were also non-significant. The findings thus suggest that temporarily stepping away from social media may not be the most optimal approach to enhance individual well-being, emphasizing the need for further research on alternative disconnection strategies. Nevertheless, important methodological differences between studies should be considered when interpreting these results.

Effects of an intervention targeting social media app use on well-being outcomes: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Interventions targeting social media use show mixed results in improving well-being outcomes, particularly for persons with problematic forms of smartphone use. This study assesses the effectiveness of an intervention app in enhancing well-being outcomes and the moderating role of persons' perceptions about problematic smartphone use (PSU).

METHODS

In a randomized controlled trial, N = 70 participants, allocated to the intervention (n = 35) or control condition (n = 35), completed weekly online surveys at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Participants from the intervention condition received personalized full-screen nudges to reduce their social media app use. This secondary analysis focuses on the repeatedly assessed outcomes well-being, positive affect, negative affect, and perceived stress. Linear mixed models were computed.

RESULTS

No significant time x group effects were found, but intervention condition participants reported higher well-being and lower negative affect and stress levels at follow-up. Only one significant moderation was found, indicating that participants reporting higher PSU levels benefited more from the intervention in reducing stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention was partly effective and particularly beneficial in reducing stress among smartphone users with higher PSU, highlighting the need to tailor interventions. Present findings need to be replicated by future research using a larger sample size.

Digital Detox and Well-Being

In a May 2023 advisory, the US Surgeon General raised concerns about the effects of social media use on well-being. One implied strategy to reduce its impact is abstaining from digital media use. This state-of-the-art review summarizes the most recent studies on reducing or abstaining from digital media use, including social media (ie, "digital detox") and its effect on well-being to inform parents, educators, schools, policymakers, and the public when taking action. In June 2023, we conducted a literature search in Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. We included reviews and original research articles (1) focusing on interventions to reduce screen time/social media time and (2) its impact on/association with well-being. We summarized the key points of the 2 published reviews and 6 articles (published between 2013 and 2023), including 139 articles in total. Our main findings are: there is no clear definition of digital detox and no consistency in the assessment of interventions' effectiveness;reducing social media/smartphone time rather than promoting total abstinence showed more beneficial effects on well-being;the effect of the interventions and their duration varies depending on the type of outcome; andthe effects are influenced by gender, age, and contextual factors. Available evidence on interventions aiming at reducing social media use on well-being is limited, leaving no clear implications for policymaking at this point. More empirical, high-quality research is needed to understand the circumstances under which digital detox interventions are helpful and for whom.

The transnational mental health burden of Haiti's alleged collapse: preliminary findings from The Haitian Well-Being Study

Background

Transnational drug trafficking, political unrest, gang violence, and paramilitarism, which are pervasive in Haiti, have resulted in a mental health crisis for the broader Haitian community. This study explores the mental well-being of Haitians in Haiti and the United States by identifying barriers and facilitators to mental health through the lived experiences of men and women.

Method

Four Focus group discussions conducted in April and November 2023 engaged 28 participants (20 women and eight men) aged between 23 and 60 years from locations in Haiti (Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil, Cayes, Cap-Haitien, Saint-Marc) and the United States. Discussions revolved around the definition of mental health, stressors, coping mechanisms, risk and protective factors, and barriers to mental health care.

Results

Six principal themes emerged: 1- Chronic Traumatic Stress: continued violence, political instability, unemployment, lack of social support, adverse childhood experiences, family separation, and forced displacement were significant sources of stress. 2- Increased Health Burden: Participants reported experiencing chronic physical and psychological symptoms [i.e., hypertension, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, substance abuse, suicidal ideations, characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)], which were attributed to Haiti's social, political, and infrastructure collapse. 3- Risk Factors: limited access to mental health services, pervasive hopelessness, scarcity of opportunities, and stigma were identified as significant risks. 4- Future Uncertainty: widespread concerns regarding the future predominated. 5- Multigenerational Concerns: Significant anxiety concerning the mental health and development of children, as well as the functionality of mental health practitioners, was noted. 6- Coping and Protective Factors: Effective coping strategies include mental stimulation, peer support, managing digital consumption, engaging in leisurely activities, such as listening to music, and faith/spirituality.

Conclusion

The study's findings underscore the sociopolitical and economic crisis in Haiti, which has resulted in violence and a dismantle of political, educational, financial, and health infrastructures. These factors were identified as the primary source of chronic distress, contributing to widespread mental health issues, adverse physical symptoms, and disruption in daily life. The implications for practice, healing, research & policy are discussed.

From Clicks to Calm: Investigating the Link Between Mindfulness and Digital Hoarding Behavior Among Chinese Youth

Background

Digital hoarding refers to the continuous acquisition of digital content and the difficulty in disposing of it. This behavior is increasingly common among today's youth. This study aims to explore the impact of mindfulness on digital hoarding behavior, investigating self-control as a mediator and upward social comparison via social media as a moderator.

Methods

A total of 956 young individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. The research instruments used included the Mindfulness Measure, the Self-Control Scale, the Social Comparison Scale, and the Digital Hoarding Behavior Questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. For more complex analyses, we examined the mediating role of self-control and the moderating effects of upward social comparison via social media in the relationship between mindfulness and digital hoarding behavior.

Results

1) Mindfulness significantly negatively predicted digital hoarding. 2) Self-control mediated the relationship between mindfulness and digital hoarding. 3) Upward social comparison via social media moderated the relationship between mindfulness and self-control, specifically the first segment of the mediation pathway.

Discussion

This research is pioneering in exploring mindfulness as a protective factor against digital hoarding, offering fresh insights into this nascent field. The findings also suggest prevention and intervention strategies for digital information management disorder in young people.