By Ashvinderjeet Kaur
I don’t know about you, but lately, I’ve been feeling like my phone has taken over my life. From the moment I wake up to the second I go to bed, I’m scrolling, clicking, and liking my way through the day. And I’m not alone.
The fear of missing out, or FOMO, often keeps us glued to our screens. Whether it’s the latest viral meme or a friend’s holiday pictures, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling behind if we’re not constantly online. But the irony is that the more time we spend scrolling, the less present we are in our own lives and actually miss out on the real good times.
My generation—Gen Z—is spending an average of six hours or more a day online, and quite frankly, we’re exhausted. That’s why more and more of us are embracing the Digital Detox trend, stepping away from screens and rediscovering life beyond the glare of our devices.
Why Gen Z Is Saying Goodbye To Screens
We grew up with the internet, social media, and smartphones at our fingertips. But while these technologies have connected us in incredible ways, they’ve also taken a toll on our mental health.
Studies show that excessive screen usage can lead to anxiety, depression, and even sleep disturbances. According to the Royal Society for Public Health, the use of social media is linked to increased feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, particularly among young people. No wonder so many of us are choosing to log off.
More and more research is emerging about the link between excessive screen time and mental fatigue. A study by the University of Glasgow found that those of us who spend a lot of time on social media are more likely to report symptoms of depression and poor sleep quality. It’s clear that while social media was designed to bring us together, for many of us, it’s making us feel even more isolated.
The Benefits Of Screen-Free Time
Doing a digital declutter and taking a break from technology isn’t just about escaping the stress—it’s about reclaiming our lives. Here’s what happens when we step away from screens:
- Better Mental Health–Less social media means fewer comparisons, fewer unrealistic expectations, and a healthier mindset.
- Improved Sleep–The blue light from screens messes with our sleep cycles. Logging off before bed leads to deeper, more restful sleep.
- Stronger Real-Life Connections–Face-to-face interactions are becoming rare, but digital detoxification helps us rebuild meaningful relationships without distractions.
- More Productivity–Without endless notifications and social media rabbit holes, we can actually focus on what matters.
- Increased Creativity–Without the constant noise of the internet, our minds have more space to think, create, and dream.
How To Start Your Own Digital Detox
Thinking of cutting down on screen time but not sure where to start? Here are some simple steps:
- Set Screen Time Limits–Use built-in tools on your phone to track and reduce usage.
- Go Offline For Certain Hours–Try putting your phone away for the first hour after waking up and the last hour before bed.
- Delete Unnecessary Apps–Do you need five different social media platforms? Cut back on the ones you use the least.
- Find Offline Hobbies–Reading, painting, or even just going for a walk can help replace mindless scrolling.
- Try A Social Media Cleanse–Take a week off and see how you feel. You might be surprised at how much better life is without the constant noise.
- Practice Mindful Tech Use–Instead of endlessly scrolling, try setting intentional times to check your social media and emails.
A Shift In Mindset: Reconnecting With Ourselves
As Gen Z embraces the Digital Detox movement, we’re finding new ways to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. By consciously reducing screen time, we’re prioritising our well-being, fostering stronger relationships, and rediscovering the joy of real-life experiences without the constant distraction of technology.
Gen Zers are known for being digital natives, but that doesn’t mean we want to be glued to our screens forever. It isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a shift in mindset.
We’re learning to set boundaries with technology, prioritise our mental health, and embrace the world beyond social media. And who knows? Maybe this is the start of a new, healthier relationship with the digital world—one where we control technology rather than letting it control us.
As more research emerges on the benefits of reducing screen time, it’s clear that digital decluttering isn’t just a phase. A 2023 King’s College London study found that reducing screen time led to lower stress levels and improved overall happiness. If this is what occasionally ditching our devices can do, why wouldn’t we all give it a try?
Are you ready to try a Digital Detox? Let’s log off and reclaim our lives—one screen-free moment at a time.