We know how a small device like a phone can be so precious for you. But to give us an easy and efficient way to work, scientists have made all of us dependent upon technology for even the smallest work, making us non-productive and lazy in the process.
But today’s generation is fast at picking things, and students these days are very well aware of how and why technology can be harmful to a person’s well-being. The term digital detox means taking a break from digital devices, social media, or the internet for mental clarity. But the question is, why are students choosing detox?
Technology for Mental Health
Gone are the days of shutting down the computers and stepping away. Technology is becoming a part of our daily life, which affects our brains and is increasingly causing anxiety, depression, and multiple sleep disorders. The constant pressure to stay connected and nagging notifications can eventually bring out emotional burnout.
A 2024 PubMed study found that two weeks of reduced phone use brought a decrease in depression and anxiety scores. It’s a common fact that nothing on social media is real. People who spend all their time on social media, looking at the world through the screen, instead of experiencing it first-hand, feel isolated and inferior.
However, everything should have a limit. Technology was made for our aid; if we use it according to our needs, then there will be no place for depression. For example, online support systems like assignment writing services UK were made for the benefit of students. But instead of making good use of the internet, students lose their focus and waste their time on futile things.
Technology for Focus and Concentration
Digital detox is a common practice during exam season because technology preys on focus and concentration, especially social media. The continuous ping of notifications and every new reel that you scroll demands your time and attention, which you give out gladly, and sometimes it drains your energy, leaving you exhausted and too sleepy to study.
Did you know that the attention span of an average human has shrunk to 8.5 seconds? Why is that? Because we are getting used to watching 10-second reels all day. This affects our ability to focus and engage meaningfully. Research says that a person checks their phone at least 96 times a day. Moreover, the mere presence of smartphones reduces cognitive performance and memory.
But the rise of technology doesn’t need to be the death of our focus. The choice is still in our hands to choose how we can make proper use of technology. Students who control the technology instead of being controlled by it, use technology to keep their focus on studies during exams by the use of focus-enhancing apps, and online exam help to maintain a learning schedule.
Technology for Self-Confidence
When we have a binocular to peek into other people’s lives through the internet and social media, it makes us easily vulnerable to the thought that others have all those things that I don’t. This thought takes a toll on our self-worth and affects our mental health negatively, which interferes with our study plans.
The constant criticism can evoke feelings of depression, anxiety, shame, and irritation. The lack of self-esteem and confidence can lead to the feeling of being unworthy of love and affection, which disrupts the relationships and support system of the students.
Sometimes, for some people, it works differently and makes people set unrealistic expectations from their partners and themselves, which definitely results in a disaster. Such students are hardly able to focus on their studies, and that’s why we suggest that instead of scrolling through social media, use helpful applications and sites to ask, “Do my assignment.”
Technology for Sleep
Technology is never good for sleep. Electronic devices emit blue light, which disrupts the working of the natural sleep hormone called melatonin, which controls our circadian rhythm. Nowadays, not a single person goes to sleep without checking their phones, even though using phones delays our sleep, causing sleep reduction, which makes the students act like zombies the next day.
The reason behind this is sometimes FOMO (fear of missing out). Nobody wants to go to sleep without knowing what’s coming next. This fear of missing out keeps people awake and scrolling much more than intended. Not only this, but the use of technology before sleep also means poor memory, according to the research.
Some of the students use technology all night long, especially when they are preparing for exams or writing their dissertations. Although it’s a good use of technology, sleep is still being compromised. But online student support for assignment and dissertation writing services UK values students’ well-being and takes full responsibility for helping them while they rest.
Technology for Detox
Technology detox doesn’t always mean no phone at all. A balanced and limited use of technology also comes into the category of digital detox. Setting up a schedule for screen time is what we call a digital detox. During exams or at the burnout phase, students often detox from their use of technology by:
- Setting screen time limits
- Logging out temporarily from social media for a week or two.
- Switching off the notifications.
- Leaving phones on charge before sleep
- Studying without phones at the side.
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Some students seek out detox programs at universities, which these days are also promoting digital wellbeing through awareness campaigns about screen time, workshops on managing tech time, and the integration of mindfulness techniques among students.
Final Thoughts
Technology itself is not evil. It is not trying to bring unproductivity to you. At the end of the day, the choice is all yours. It’s up to you how you’re dealing with the distractions, which can be non-digital as well.
We understand how technology can play a part in distraction an all, but shifting the blame on the technology for your mistakes is not the right way. The easiest way to deal is by making a study schedule and rewarding yourself with an hour of Instagram. But remember, this hour shouldn’t be the hour before sleep.