A recent study published in PNAS Nexus found that blocking mobile internet from smartphones for just two weeks can significantly improve three dimensions of psychological functioning: mental health, subjective well-being, and attention span.
According to the research, 91% of Americans own a cellphone with internet access, but this has raised concerns about the negative effects of chronic online behavior. A Gallup poll in 2022 found that 58% of smartphone users worry they use their devices too much, especially those under 30 years old.
Conducted by an interdisciplinary team of experts, the study involved 467 participants who installed an app on their smartphones that blocked all internet access, except for calls and text messages. The results showed that participants who blocked mobile internet experienced notable improvements in mental health, subjective well-being, and sustained attention.
In fact, 71% of participants reported better mental health after the internet break, with an average degree of improvement comparable to that achieved by antidepressant medications. Attention spans improved by an amount equivalent to reversing 10 years of age-related cognitive decline.
The researchers suggest that the benefits of blocking mobile internet can be explained by the increased time spent in offline activities, such as hobbies, socializing face-to-face, or spending more time in nature. This led to better sleep, feelings of social connection, and greater control over one’s decisions.
The study’s findings have implications for marketers, employers, and individuals alike. Marketers can develop technologies that stimulate less and reduce online consumption. Employers can offer apps to help employees improve their happiness and productivity by cutting back on mobile internet use. However, workers should be given the option to install such apps voluntarily, as only 57% of participants in the study chose to do so.
Source: https://www.miragenews.com/want-to-be-happier-unplug-on-vacation-1410507