Better than Scrolling: Digital Detox in the Search for the Ideal Self
Article
Article Title | Better than Scrolling: Digital Detox in the Search for the Ideal Self |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 214009 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Vialle, Stephanie J., Machin, Tanya and Abel, Susan |
Journal Title | Psychology of Popular Media |
Number of Pages | 9 |
Year | 2023 |
Publisher | American Psychological Association |
Place of Publication | United States |
ISSN | 2160-4134 |
2160-4142 | |
2689-6567 | |
2689-6575 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000496 |
Web Address (URL) | https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fppm0000496 |
Abstract | Many popular press articles promote the benefits of undergoing a digital detox for people who believe screen-based digital media is detrimental to their well-being. This qualitative study aimed to better understand the experiences of people who undertake digital detoxes. Semistructured interviews were conducted with five women and two men. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data generated two themes: (a) resisting temptation: the digital diet and (b) in search of the perfect self: actual versus ideal. The motivations to undertake a digital detox focus on a discrepancy between an individual’s ideal self and how they perceive themselves when using digital technology. Here, digital technology, especially smartphones and social media, is seen as a threat to values, self-regulation, and self-esteem. While the undertaking a digital detox is viewed as a way of reducing self-discrepancy, many people consider their digital technologies vital tools to manage their work and social lives. Individuals experiencing self-discrepancy may benefit from greater exposure to research articulating the benefits of digital technology to shift their perception of abstinence being ideal when some consumption is almost inevitable in modern life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) |
Keywords | digital detox, social media detox, digital technology, self-determination theory, thematic analysis |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 529999. Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
441016. Urban sociology and community studies | |
Public Notes | File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author. |
Byline Affiliations | School of Psychology and Wellbeing |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z0zqq/better-than-scrolling-digital-detox-in-the-search-for-the-ideal-self
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