“Wait—open what I just sent you.”
I close the FaceTime app and open the message where a link directing me to a third-party platform awaits. The hyperlink’s blue deepens and expands into a visual preview with a haptic and satisfying pop. As the browser buffers, I find myself falling into an open, white rabbit hole and—like Alice—I watch as the screen before me gives way to a wonderland of sorts, rife with synthetic images, manufactured curations and unnatural dreams.
I come face to face with another meme—the fourth shared in the last minute—except this is the best so far this evening. It’s an Instagram gallery post: I scroll through choices from a visual carousel of ultimate girl guides, seasonal aesthetics from trending media, and overused behavioral archetypes. What it asks of me is innocent: choose an option from the colors, movies, characters, objects, and things compiled into carefully curated identities, so it can tell me who I am.
Over the past century, there have been major changes; electric cars became mainstream, the solar system lost a planet, and digital advancements in technology and devices became the most important thing to us. Datareportal estimates that more than two-thirds of the global population today use mobile phones, with 87% of them being smart devices.
Prolonged internet use has been commonly linked to increased stress, low productivity, and poor emotional well-being. Our daily presence online, social media pursuits, and growing digital culture have birthed a new social order. It has also created a climate of comparison, making it hard for people to develop unique identities due to the pressure to measure against idealised images.
On the phone, my friend’s conversation comes to an expectant pause, carrying in its consonants the baritones of contemplation.
“Well?” She insists. “Who are you?”
The digital wonderland
In the modern world, human beings can be sure of three things—life, death, and smartphones. From hospital meetings and PTA evenings to funeral rows and the back of toilet cubicles, access to technology is everywhere.
For Gen-Z audiences, born and coddled at the turn of the technological century, the internet is a birthright, and they are its digital citizens. This pervasive nature of digital technology has led to a lifestyle punctuated by constant notifications, messages, and updates.
The growth of endless digital engagement has led to profound implications for mental health, highlighted by widespread news about our perpetual distraction, shrinking attention spans, and physical disconnection as we juggle multiple streams of information. The constant need to be connected also fosters a culture of instant gratification and impatience, which affects our ability to focus and engage deeply with tasks.
The modern social order is heavily influenced by the curated lives we see online. Many people find themselves crafting digital personas that align with societal expectations, often at the expense of their true selves.
However, amidst the digital chaos, more people are recognizing the importance of digital well-being and seeking ways to reclaim their time and mental health. The rise of digital detoxes reflects a growing awareness of the need for balance. Celebrities like Tom Holland and Selena Gomez have publicly shared their own social media breaks, emphasising the importance of protecting their personal well-being.
This ongoing trend also indicates a broader cultural shift toward protecting mental health and finding equilibrium in an unpredictable digital landscape.
The real world
Digital detox retreats have become increasingly popular, offering immersive experiences where participants can unplug from their devices and reconnect with the world and themselves. While these retreats often provide structured environments with digital-free zones for mindfulness and relaxation, many people are also adopting personal detox practices within their everyday lives, and creating the digital wellbeing practice from the comfort of their homes.
Alongside these retreats, numerous apps like Forest and Moment help users monitor screen time, set usage limits, and encourage breaks, promoting healthier digital habits. Research supports the benefits of digital detoxing, with studies showing that breaks from social media can lead to lower levels of anxiety and depression, as well as improvements in emotional well-being and cognitive function.
At the heart of the problem, social media platforms are designed to encourage constant engagement, creating a feedback loop of validation through likes, comments, and shares. This cycle can obscure the impact of digital life on personal identity, as users often view their online personas as extensions of their real selves.
The addictive nature of social media can lead to a diminished sense of individuality. When individuals base their self-worth on virtual approval, it can create a fragmented sense of identity. Users may start to emulate trends and personas that they perceive as more socially acceptable, rather than developing their own unique characteristics.
Moreover, the constant bombardment of idealized lifestyles and behaviors can lead to a form of identity dilution. People might alter their interests, values, and behaviors to fit in with popular trends or to gain approval, rather than pursuing what truly resonates with them.
The new vacation
Summer has long been synonymous with relaxation, adventure, and a break from routine, making it an ideal period for a digital detox. As vacation season arrives, the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse oneself in the present moment becomes more appealing.
The break from the structured demands of daily life provides a unique opportunity to evaluate one’s relationship with technology and to make conscious choices about digital consumption. Many, including me, have used the summer holidays as an ideal time to invest in their mental and emotional well-being. My digital sabbatical commenced after that eye-opening conversation on the phone, during the curious period of summertime (think Lana Del Rey’s “hot summer nights mid-July”) that warrants mischief as much as it does adventure.
Stepping away from the constant influx of online content and notifications made it evident how deeply technology influences our daily lives and identities. The summer season, with its unique allure of longer days and liberal freedom, aligned perfectly with the principles of the movement.
The digital realm often takes on a life of its own, with social media and constant connectivity shaping our perceptions and interactions in ways that are both profound and pervasive. It is only when we move away that we begin to gain clarity on the ways our sense of self intertwines with our online presence. By embracing moments of solitude and investing in real-world connections, we aim to get some of it back.
Ultimately, the experience reinforced the need for intentional disconnection for a more authentic sense of self. Finding the balance between our digital and real lives is the only chance for life beyond the screens and notifications.
