Digital Detox? A Mixed-Method Examination of Hedonic IT Abstinence Maintenance and its Effects on Productivity and Moderation of Use
Isaac Vaghefi, Ofir Turel
This study investigates the factors that help people successfully maintain a temporary break from using enjoyable technologies like social media, often called a "digital detox". Using a mixed-method approach, researchers first developed a theoretical framework, refined it through a qualitative study with individuals abstaining from social networking sites (SNS), and then tested the resulting model with a quantitative survey.
Problem
Excessive use of technologies like social media is linked to negative outcomes such as reduced well-being, lower performance, and increased stress. While many people attempt a "digital detox" to mitigate these harms, there is limited understanding of what factors actually help them sustain this break from technology, as prior research has focused more on permanent quitting rather than temporary abstinence.
Outcome
- A person's belief in their own ability to abstain (self-efficacy) is a key predictor of successfully maintaining a digital detox. - Pre-existing, automatic habits of using technology make it harder to abstain, but successfully abstaining helps form a new counter-habit that supports the detox. - Peer pressure from one's social circle to use technology significantly hinders the ability to maintain a break. - Successfully maintaining a digital detox leads to increased self-reported productivity and a stronger intention to moderate technology use in the future.
Host: Welcome to A.I.S. Insights, powered by Living Knowledge. I’m your host, Anna Ivy Summers, and with me today is our expert analyst, Alex Ian Sutherland. Host: Alex, today we're diving into a topic many of us can relate to: the digital detox. We’re looking at a fascinating study titled, "Digital Detox? A Mixed-Method Examination of Hedonic IT Abstinence Maintenance and its Effects on Productivity and Moderation of Use." Host: In simple terms, the study looks at what helps people successfully take a temporary break from things like social media. Expert: That's right, Anna. It’s not about quitting forever, but about understanding how to successfully maintain a short-term break. Host: So let's start with the big problem. We all know that spending too much time on these platforms can be an issue. Expert: It’s a huge issue. The study highlights that excessive use of what they call 'hedonic IT'—basically, tech we use for fun—is linked to some serious negative outcomes. We're talking about diminished well-being, lower performance at work or school, and increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. Host: And many people try to fight this by taking a "digital detox," but often fail. What’s the gap in our understanding that this study tries to fill? Expert: The problem is that most previous research focused on why people decide to *quit permanently*. But in reality, most of us don't want to leave these platforms forever; we just want to take a break. This study is one of the first to really dig into what helps people *maintain* that temporary break, because as many of us know, starting a detox is very different from actually sticking with it. Host: So how did the researchers figure this out? What was their approach? Expert: They used a really clever mixed-method approach. First, they conducted a qualitative study. They asked 281 students to take a break from their most-used social media site for up to a week and describe their experience. This allowed them to hear directly from users about their struggles and successes. Expert: Based on those personal stories, they built a model of what factors seemed most important. Then, they tested that model in a larger quantitative study with over 300 people, comparing a group who took a break to a control group who didn't. This two-step process makes the findings really robust. Host: That sounds very thorough. So, let’s get to the results. What are the key factors that determine if someone can successfully maintain a digital detox? Expert: The single biggest predictor of success was something called self-efficacy. Basically, it’s your own belief in your ability to abstain. If you go into it with confidence that you can stick with it, you are far more likely to succeed. Host: Confidence is key. But what gets in the way? What makes people relapse? Expert: The biggest obstacle is existing habit. That automatic, unconscious reach for your phone to open an app. The study found this is incredibly powerful and makes it very difficult to maintain a break. One participant described it as tapping the app logo "involuntarily... like it was ingrained in my muscle memory." Host: I think we've all been there. Expert: But there's good news on that front. The study also found that as people persisted with their detox, they started to form a new "abstinence habit"—the habit of *not* checking. So, while old habits are a hurdle, you can replace them with new, healthier ones. The first few days are the hardest. Host: So it's a battle of habits. What else makes it difficult? Expert: The other major factor is peer pressure. Friends and family asking why you’re offline, tagging you in posts, or just the general fear of missing out. That social pressure from your network significantly hinders your ability to stay away. Host: And if you do manage to stick with it, what are the payoffs? Expert: The study found two very clear, positive outcomes. First, a significant increase in self-reported productivity. People felt they got more done. And it's no wonder—the participants in the study saved, on average, three hours and 34 minutes per day by staying off social media. Host: Wow, that's a huge amount of time. What was the second outcome? Expert: The second outcome is that it changes your future behavior. People who successfully completed the detox showed a much stronger intention to moderate their technology use moving forward. The break forces you to pause and reflect on your habits, leading to a more mindful and balanced relationship with technology later on. Host: This is the crucial part for our listeners. What does this all mean for business professionals and leaders? Expert: For any individual professional, this provides a clear roadmap for boosting focus and productivity. If you're feeling distracted or burned out, a short, structured break can have real benefits. The key is to be intentional: build your confidence, be mindful of breaking the automatic-checking habit, and maybe even tell your colleagues you’re taking a break to manage the social pressure. Host: And for managers or team leaders? Expert: This is a powerful, low-cost tool for employee well-being. Burnout is a massive issue, and this study links it directly to our tech habits. Organizations could support voluntary detox challenges as part of their wellness programs. It's not about being anti-technology; it's about fostering a culture of digital health that empowers employees to take control. Expert: Ultimately, an employee who has a healthier relationship with technology is more focused, less stressed, and more productive. This is a direct investment in the organization's human capital. Host: Fantastic insights, Alex. So, to summarize for our listeners: a successful digital detox isn't just about willpower. Host: It's driven by your belief that you can do it, the conscious effort to break old habits while building new ones, and managing the social expectations of being constantly online. Host: The rewards for business professionals are clear: a tangible boost in productivity and the foundation for a more balanced relationship with technology long-term. Host: Alex Ian Sutherland, thank you for making this complex study so accessible. Expert: It was my pleasure, Anna. Host: And to our audience, thank you for tuning into A.I.S. Insights. Join us next time as we continue to explore the intersection of business and technology.
Digital Detox, Abstinence, Behavior Maintenance, Social Networking Site, Hedonic IT, Productivity, Self-control
