- A new study suggests taking a break from your smartphone could improve mental well-being. Researchers found that limiting internet access led to positive changes in mood, attention and overall health among 467 participants.
- For those taking antidepressants, the effects were even more significant, with a notable decrease in depressive symptoms.
- Experts suggest that managing screen time is about balance. They say less screen time helps develop healthier habits and improve overall well-being.
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A new study suggests taking a break from your smartphone could improve mental well-being. Researchers found that limiting internet access led to positive changes in mood, attention and overall health.
Researchers blocked internet access on the smartphones of 467 participants between the ages of 18 and 74 for one month. They then measured the participants’ well-being, mood and attention. The results showed that 91% of participants improved in at least one of these categories.
For those taking antidepressants, the effects were even more significant. The study found a decrease in depressive symptoms among these participants.
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Mental health experts weigh in
A psychologist from the University of Texas at Austin told NPR that reducing internet use helps people develop healthier habits. With less screen time, participants were more likely to engage in offline activities that benefit mental health.
Schools see similar results
A separate study at a school in England produced similar findings. The school banned phones for three weeks and saw students spending more time in face-to-face conversations. Many reported feeling less distracted in their daily lives.
However, not everyone embraced the change. Some students struggled, especially those who relied on their phones for communication with school and family.
Finding a balance with technology
Does this mean everyone should ditch their smartphones? Not necessarily.
Experts suggest that managing screen time is about balance. Smartphones can be useful, but taking breaks can help refocus attention and improve overall well-being.
[KENNEDY FELTON]
YOU KNOW THAT ONE FRIEND WHO’S ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT TAKING A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA OR DITCHING THEIR PHONE FOR A ‘DIGITAL DETOX?’ IT TURNS OUT – THEY MIGHT ACTUALLY BE ON TO SOMETHING.
A RECENT STUDY BLOCKED INTERNET ACCESS ON THE SMARTPHONES OF 467 PARTICIPANTS AGED 18 TO 74 FOR ONE MONTH. RESEARCHERS MEASURED FACTORS LIKE WELL-BEING, MOOD, AND ATTENTION, AND FOUND THAT 91 PERCENT OF PARTICIPANTS SHOWED IMPROVEMENT IN AT LEAST ONE CATEGORY.
FOR PARTICIPANTS WHO TAKE ANTIDEPRESSANTS, THE STUDY REVEALED A DECREASE IN DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS. A PSYCHOLOGIST FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN TOLD N-P-R THAT LIMITING INTERNET USE ALLOWS PEOPLE TO DEVELOP HEALTHIER HABITS AND BEHAVIORS.
A SEPARATE STUDY AT A SCHOOL IN ENGLAND FOUND SIMILAR RESULTS. A SCHOOL BANNED PHONES FOR THREE WEEKS – AND STUDENTS SPENT MORE TIME ENGAGING IN FACE-TO-FACE CONVERSATIONS WHILE FEELING LESS DISTRACTED IN THEIR DAILY LIVES. BUT NOT EVERYONE HAD A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE – SOME STRUGGLED, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO RELY ON THEIR PHONES FOR COMMUNICATION WITH THEIR SCHOOL.
SO DOES THIS MEAN WE SHOULD ALL DITCH OUR SMARTPHONES? NOT AT ALL. EXPERTS SUGGEST IT’S ABOUT FINDING A HEALTHY BALANCE WITH YOUR DEVICES… USING YOUR PHONE WHEN IT ADDS VALUE, BUT TAKING A STEP BACK TO REFOCUS YOUR ATTENTION.
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