Disconnect to reconnect: moderating digital media usage to improve well-being
Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University
880686-M-3: RS: Research Interview (Fall)
December 9, 2024
3069 words
, Introduction
Modern society is characterized by the rapid adoption and integration of digital media, in
particular mobile technology, significantly transforming our daily life, and the way we
interact with others. Digital media encompasses internet-based communication technologies,
including both devices like smartphones and applications like social media and messaging
platforms, that facilitate social interaction, information sharing, commercial transactions, and
entertainment (Nguyen, et al., 2022).
These developments have fostered a culture of constant connectivity, where individuals
are always connected, available and continually exposed to digital media (Vorderer et al.,
2017). While this constant connectivity offers substantial benefits, such as social
connectedness and enhanced autonomy, since it gives individuals to control when, where, and
how they engage with information and others (Reinecke et al., 2022). However, it also creates
new pressures related to the decision of when and whether to connect or disconnect (Vanden
Abeele, 2021). Consequently, individuals may experience social pressure, feelings of
exclusion, and increased stress (Reinecke et al., 2022; Vanden Abeele, 2021), as well as
lower-quality face-to-face interactions (Horwood & Anglim, 2019; Rotondi et al., 2017;
Rauch, 2014). This underscores the complexity of using digital media in a society where
constant connectivity is the norm.
The problem of overusing digital media is often described as an addiction, with dopamine
creating a loop akin to that seen in drug addiction (Syvertsen & Enli, 2019). Additionally, this
addiction is often fueled by Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), a pervasive anxiety about missing
rewarding experiences while others engage in them (Formica, 2015). As a result, the concept
of "digital well-being" has emerged as a significant area of research, focusing on individuals'
subjective well-being, a self-assessment of the quality of their lives, in a society where digital
media are omnipresent (Büchi, 2021). This field specifically examines how continuous
exposure to digital media affects emotional states, satisfaction across various life domains
(such as relationships and work), and overall life satisfaction (Büchi, 2021). When
individuals perceive their digital media use as "non-meaningful and unsatisfying," this is
referred to as perceived digital overuse (Fasoli, 2021), which can create a sense of imbalance
and negatively affect overall well-being (Vanden Abeele, 2021). For instance, feeling
compelled to respond immediately to every notification, even during moments meant for
relaxation or focus. Therefore, finding a balance between the benefits and downsides of
mobile connectivity remains a complex regulatory challenge, requiring robust self-regulation
and self-control to manage its potential risks and opportunities (Reinecke et al., 2022).
, Consequently, it has become quite common for individuals to moderate their digital media
use, sometimes opting for a “digital detox” by temporarily disconnecting from digital media
to improve their general well-being (Nguyen, et al., 2022). A "digital detox" refers to the
intentional disconnection from digital media for a certain period, along with efforts to limit
the usage of smartphone and digital tools. Its primary goal is to restore balance and reduce
the negative impact of digital media on well-being. The growing prevalence of digital
detoxing reflects broader societal expectations for self-regulation, where individuals are
urged to take personal responsibility for managing the risks and pressures linked to constant
connectivity (Syvertsen & Enli, 2019).
Prior research has shown that perceived digital overuse can undermine well-being and
mental health by fostering anxiety, negative emotions, and compulsive behaviors (Horwood
& Anglim, 2019; Jacobson et al., 2016). Millennials, in particular, may be vulnerable to these
effects. The individuals in this generation, born between 1980 and 2000, are often referred to
as digital natives, growing up with the rapid rise of social media, smartphones, and constant
connectivity (Kim & Park, 2019). As a result, millennials are often skilled at navigating the
challenges of balancing digital interaction and well-being. Research suggests that many use
social media as a coping mechanism to address anxieties related to social inclusion, financial
pressures, and societal expectations (Dwivedi & Lewis, 2020). This behavior may also reflect
an attempt to avoid having to confront their emotions directly (Syvertsen & Enli, 2019).
According to Horwood and Anglim (2019), a simple yet effective approach to improving
overall well-being is to target smartphone use, with digital media consumption being a key
component, as an adaptable behavior. Building on this premise, Brown and Kuss (2020)
demonstrated that intentionally refraining from digital media, including smartphone use, for a
period of time can lead to significant improvements in well-being. Specifically, participants
reported reduced Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and increased well-being (MWB) and social
connectedness (SC). The study also found a decrease in daily smartphone use during the
social media abstinence period. Additionally, it revealed that social media use often stemmed
from coping mechanisms, habit, or to combat boredom. Participants’ sense of connectivity
varied; some felt less connected to online peers, while others reported a greater appreciation
for offline relationships during their time offline.
However, while existing quantitative research predominantly investigates the impact of
constant connectivity on individuals’ wellbeing, there is limited research in exploring
potential solutions to these challenges as to what individuals perceive as the right balance of
using digital media and when it is considered as ‘digital overuse’. Additionally, it will
Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University
880686-M-3: RS: Research Interview (Fall)
December 9, 2024
3069 words
, Introduction
Modern society is characterized by the rapid adoption and integration of digital media, in
particular mobile technology, significantly transforming our daily life, and the way we
interact with others. Digital media encompasses internet-based communication technologies,
including both devices like smartphones and applications like social media and messaging
platforms, that facilitate social interaction, information sharing, commercial transactions, and
entertainment (Nguyen, et al., 2022).
These developments have fostered a culture of constant connectivity, where individuals
are always connected, available and continually exposed to digital media (Vorderer et al.,
2017). While this constant connectivity offers substantial benefits, such as social
connectedness and enhanced autonomy, since it gives individuals to control when, where, and
how they engage with information and others (Reinecke et al., 2022). However, it also creates
new pressures related to the decision of when and whether to connect or disconnect (Vanden
Abeele, 2021). Consequently, individuals may experience social pressure, feelings of
exclusion, and increased stress (Reinecke et al., 2022; Vanden Abeele, 2021), as well as
lower-quality face-to-face interactions (Horwood & Anglim, 2019; Rotondi et al., 2017;
Rauch, 2014). This underscores the complexity of using digital media in a society where
constant connectivity is the norm.
The problem of overusing digital media is often described as an addiction, with dopamine
creating a loop akin to that seen in drug addiction (Syvertsen & Enli, 2019). Additionally, this
addiction is often fueled by Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), a pervasive anxiety about missing
rewarding experiences while others engage in them (Formica, 2015). As a result, the concept
of "digital well-being" has emerged as a significant area of research, focusing on individuals'
subjective well-being, a self-assessment of the quality of their lives, in a society where digital
media are omnipresent (Büchi, 2021). This field specifically examines how continuous
exposure to digital media affects emotional states, satisfaction across various life domains
(such as relationships and work), and overall life satisfaction (Büchi, 2021). When
individuals perceive their digital media use as "non-meaningful and unsatisfying," this is
referred to as perceived digital overuse (Fasoli, 2021), which can create a sense of imbalance
and negatively affect overall well-being (Vanden Abeele, 2021). For instance, feeling
compelled to respond immediately to every notification, even during moments meant for
relaxation or focus. Therefore, finding a balance between the benefits and downsides of
mobile connectivity remains a complex regulatory challenge, requiring robust self-regulation
and self-control to manage its potential risks and opportunities (Reinecke et al., 2022).
, Consequently, it has become quite common for individuals to moderate their digital media
use, sometimes opting for a “digital detox” by temporarily disconnecting from digital media
to improve their general well-being (Nguyen, et al., 2022). A "digital detox" refers to the
intentional disconnection from digital media for a certain period, along with efforts to limit
the usage of smartphone and digital tools. Its primary goal is to restore balance and reduce
the negative impact of digital media on well-being. The growing prevalence of digital
detoxing reflects broader societal expectations for self-regulation, where individuals are
urged to take personal responsibility for managing the risks and pressures linked to constant
connectivity (Syvertsen & Enli, 2019).
Prior research has shown that perceived digital overuse can undermine well-being and
mental health by fostering anxiety, negative emotions, and compulsive behaviors (Horwood
& Anglim, 2019; Jacobson et al., 2016). Millennials, in particular, may be vulnerable to these
effects. The individuals in this generation, born between 1980 and 2000, are often referred to
as digital natives, growing up with the rapid rise of social media, smartphones, and constant
connectivity (Kim & Park, 2019). As a result, millennials are often skilled at navigating the
challenges of balancing digital interaction and well-being. Research suggests that many use
social media as a coping mechanism to address anxieties related to social inclusion, financial
pressures, and societal expectations (Dwivedi & Lewis, 2020). This behavior may also reflect
an attempt to avoid having to confront their emotions directly (Syvertsen & Enli, 2019).
According to Horwood and Anglim (2019), a simple yet effective approach to improving
overall well-being is to target smartphone use, with digital media consumption being a key
component, as an adaptable behavior. Building on this premise, Brown and Kuss (2020)
demonstrated that intentionally refraining from digital media, including smartphone use, for a
period of time can lead to significant improvements in well-being. Specifically, participants
reported reduced Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and increased well-being (MWB) and social
connectedness (SC). The study also found a decrease in daily smartphone use during the
social media abstinence period. Additionally, it revealed that social media use often stemmed
from coping mechanisms, habit, or to combat boredom. Participants’ sense of connectivity
varied; some felt less connected to online peers, while others reported a greater appreciation
for offline relationships during their time offline.
However, while existing quantitative research predominantly investigates the impact of
constant connectivity on individuals’ wellbeing, there is limited research in exploring
potential solutions to these challenges as to what individuals perceive as the right balance of
using digital media and when it is considered as ‘digital overuse’. Additionally, it will
