Digital Detox - Self-regulating their digital usage behavior

Abstract

The presence of digital devices has become an enclosure in contemporary society, evolving frommere tools of communication to multifaceted information sources providing a multiplicity of possibilities for user engagement. Mobile engagement has become an important part of our daily lives,as it even starts to overshadow face-to-face engagement with people in our physical presence. This study analyzed how digital device usage affects our everyday lives and how well-chosen digital detox strategies could be used to improve our general health by limiting the amount of digital device interference[s during daily activities.To investigate the pervasive impact of digital devices, this study began with an exploration of the theoretical notions of addiction, mental diseases linked to addiction and persuasion technologies.Drawing from this theoretical framework, the study conducted user research that involved exploring the usage patterns and detox attempts within the specified demographic.Online surveys testified the severity of the issue and assessed the necessity and implementation for digital detox strategies. Two expert interviews were furthermore conducted within the relevant field to gain critical insights from professionals. Subsequently, drawing from these results, a digital detox prototype was developed, with its primary aim of assisting users to maintain and establish effective digital detox routines.This study concluded with active experimentation of such a prototype in evaluationg the efficacy inproviding insights on its potential impact on social relations, well-being, and interactions.This research findings indicated that a digital detox assistant has the potential to significantly influence and regulate users' screentime behaviors in providing practical solutions in navigating these challenges. Participants exhibited notable reductions in their average screentime and increased engagement with the locking feature, signifying the prototype's efficacy in promoting mindful technology usage.