Unplugged for a day: A 24-hour digital detox journey.

BACKGROUND

Today, people are living in a digital world where they spend most of their time with electronic devices such as smartphones and computers and are not aware of the influence of the digital world in their life.

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore digital detox experience of people when they were asked to shut off the digital devices from their life for one day.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study's findings were based on semistructured interviews with participants who were willing for "a data off" experience. This study included a thematic analysis of the content of interviews from participants.

RESULTS

Data gathered on the basis of these interviews were personal experiences shared by individuals who were abstinent from using digital devices for one day. A total of 2 major themes, discomforts, and benefits were emerged from the primary themes. The primary themes such as psychological difficulties, physical Vicissitudes, and social disquiets together produced the major theme of discomfort. Sense of belonging, mood enhancers, organized life, and health promoting activities contributed to the major theme benefits.

CONCLUSION

From this study, it can be concluded that digital detox experience is an eye opener for people about how they behave when there is no access to the world of internet. Although they need to struggle to maintain the data off activity, it certainly helped them to understand the way they can actively engage in more fruitful and productive activities which enhances their quality of life.