The average person scrolls the height of Everest in one year. That's 8,848m. High screen time and phone addiction has been connected to increased anxiety, weaker cognitive function and poor sleep quality. Social media in particular has been shown to worsen our emotional wellbeing - causing comparison, low self esteem and lack of empathy.
Digital Detox Day raises awareness of the impact social media has on our mental wellbeing by switching OFF for the day. A social media detox should leave you feeling less anxious, more present and happier in general.
Digital Detox Day is on Saturday 3rd September 2022
Digital Detox Day is on Sunday 3rd September 2022. It's a day when we all commit to not using any social media or digital devices for 24 hours - no Instagram, no TikTok, no Twitter.
Digital Detox Day by I Am Whole was founded by Jordan Stephens and Spirit Media to help young people reach out for help with their mental health, and raise awareness of the damaging effects of social media. Celebrities such as Rita Ora, Ed Sheeran and Little Mix have taken part in previous years.
Digital Detox Day raises awareness of the impact social media anxiety
Digital Detox Day is a day to raise awareness of the impact social media has on our mental health. It's important to be aware of the pressures of modern life and its effects on mental health, especially when it comes to social media; studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression with feelings of isolation and comparing yourself to others. This year, the focus is around FOMO, overthinking, online relationships, and social vs reality.
How to participate in Digital Detox Day 2022
Celebrities and social media influencers such as Zoella, Rita Ora and Saffron Barker have taken part - this is how you can get involved:
- Set an ‘out of office’ by sharing a post on social media using the campaign symbol (circle with OFF inside) on Friday 2nd September
- Include your hashtag to be part of the movement with #DigitalDetoxDay
- Take a digital detox from your devices for 24 hours
The whole team at Unplugged, and our own social accounts will be offline on Saturday and we’d love you to join us.
Re-evaluate your relationship with your devices
66% of the population shows signs of nomophobia which is the fear of being without your phone. Yes, that’s a thing. It’s not news that being on our phones a lot is having a bad effect on our physical and mental health. Reduced memory, weaker critical thinking and lower productivity to name a few.
Try replacing your screen time with something a little more wholesome: take a walk, read a book, listen to a podcast or cook up a storm in the kitchen. Take the space to do whatever helps put things into perspective and brings calmness into your life.
If you’re looking for some other ways to improve the relationship with your phone, check out our 7 tips on how to unplug from the constant noise notifications .
