A recent study found that blocking mobile internet access for just two weeks can lead to significant improvements in mental health, focus, and well-being. Researchers from multiple universities conducted a month-long experiment involving 467 iPhone users, who were asked to install an app that blocked their mobile internet while still allowing calls and texts.
The results showed that participants who spent time without constant internet access reported feeling happier and more satisfied with their lives, improved mental health, and better sustained attention. They also performed better on attention tests, comparable to reversing 10 years of age-related cognitive decline.
The study design included a crossover, where the groups switched roles halfway through, which strengthened the evidence that the improvements were caused by reduced mobile internet access rather than other factors.
Interestingly, even those who only reduced their phone use showed improvements. Only about 25% of participants fully maintained the two-week block, but even they retained some benefits after regaining internet access. The researchers suggest that a less extreme approach, such as limiting access during certain times or restricting specific apps, might be more sustainable while still providing benefits.
This study provides valuable insights into the impact of constant mobile internet access on our psychological functioning and highlights the importance of finding ways to limit excessive connectivity to optimize its benefits for well-being.
Source: https://studyfinds.org/digital-detox-keeping-phone-internet-off-wellbeing-focus-sleep