Chris O.As a society (I am not excluded from this, by the way), we have grown increasingly accustomed to having smartphones in our pockets, smart TVs on our walls, and infuriatingly dumb computers on our office desks (kidding, of course, they’re usually the smartest of all). Sometimes, it can be hard to remember just how dumb the technology we used on a daily basis used to be, and how — while it was still a prominent part of our lives — it did not dominate our attention in the same way it does today. However, there is a great way to harken back to the old days, when we were less driven by social media algorithms and the dominance of digital products, and that is a tech break, also known as a digital detox.
A tech break is when you abstain from the personal use of technology — specifically smartphones, computers, and smart TVs — except when absolutely necessary. It is not a totally new concept: in the 90s, for example, people would try shutting off the TV for a week for a “media detox;” however, these days, that simply would not cut it. Many (myself included) find themselves fixated on our smartphone screens, losing time as we doomscroll and obsess over fruitless and vapid media stories and content on social media. Lately, I have been taking a tech break — a 24-hour abstention from the technology we ingest media on — at least once a week. The impacts have been hugely positive, and the reasoning behind the idea is also solid, as you can read below.
The Research Behind Tech Breaks
Due to society’s reliance on smartphones and other technology, there has been significant scientific interest in tech breaks. Scientists reason that while people used to be forced to partake in tech breaks when they went on vacation or work trips (as ready access to media technology was less abundant). However, the advent of smartphones has chipped away at this facet of holidays and other trips significantly. Whereas that time used to be used to give people perspective on the importance of unplugging for a while, with smartphones in their pockets, they rarely have to dwell on it at all. However, that does not mean we should not seek it out whenever we can. In fact, it could be that the improvement of smartphones has actually had a negative effect on our overall health and wellbeing.
According to research published in the medical science journal Cureus, simply abstaining from social media can have a “significant impact” on people’s health. A study of participants who took a 14-day tech break found that despite their initial apprehension about the idea, they came to find that, by the end of it, the experience proved to be “manageable and even enjoyable.”
The Impact of Blue Light
Blue light — which makes up about a third of the visual spectrum — can be harmful in large doses, and especially when transmitted by sources close by. For the majority of human history, the overwhelming majority of our blue light exposure came when we were outside, as the sun still remains the largest provider of blue light here on Earth. At night, we were simply at the mercy of darkness and the elements, lest we lit a candle or huddled under the moonlight. However, now that we have smartphones, TVs, and computers emitting blue light in our faces all day, the negative impacts of it have grown increasingly obvious.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, studies have shown that exposure to blue light can affect sleep, and even increase the risks of ailments like diabetes and heart disease. Taking a break from technology — even a short one — can help reduce the risks of blue light exposure and preserve your sleep schedule, eyesight, and bodily health.
Conclusion
I recommend trying out a tech break at least once a week. The benefits greatly outweigh whatever you miss on social media that day, and your body will thank you for your effort. If you find that, at the end of your tech break, you feel better and less drawn to social media and technology on the other days of the week, then you will be all the better off for your trouble. If you are looking for other useful articles on lifestyle, wellness, or nutritional topics, check out our other blog posts!
