The conscious break from screens, popularly called a ‘digital detox’, is becoming more than just a trend. It reflects a growing realisation that the endless scroll of reels, notifications, and online updates is reshaping how people live, think, and even rest. This understanding that constant connectivity is taking a toll did not arrive overnight. Youngsters, often perceived as the biggest consumers of digital media, are now at the forefront to question their own habits. Sneha Yadav, a post-graduate student, explained, “Youngsters know the addictive pull better than anyone, and some are also realising why it is becoming important to pause.” Digital detoxing, however, is not just about switching off social media apps. Many youngsters are experimenting with lifestyle changes, going for walks without phones, returning to old hobbies, practicing meditation, engaging in offline activities, and even installing apps that temporarily transform smartphones into ‘basic phones’ with only necessary features.

 

It is suggested that the best way to stick to a digital detox is not by simply restricting phone use, but by actively replacing it with fulfilling offline activities. Reading a physical book, learning a musical instrument, gardening, painting, cooking a new dish, playing games, or even volunteering in the community are among activities that help. The key is to find pursuits that are enjoyable enough to remove the urge to constantly reach for the phone. “When people truly enjoy what they are doing, the phone becomes secondary,” Sneha added. Some people set ‘no-phone zones’ at home, such as dining tables or bedrooms, while others designate a fixed time in the day as a screen-free period. Interestingly, in some households, youngsters are nudging parents to rethink their screen time too. Twenty-five-year-old Aditi Kulkarni recalled how she spoke with her parents about their habit of scrolling through reels for hours. “One evening, I pointed out that they were on their phones more than me. I sternly told them the long-term impact of such usage like sleep disruption, poor focus, even mood changes,” she noted. It is easy to assume that screen exposure equals social media addiction, but psychiatrists caution against this oversimplification.

 

Dr Swati Dharmadhikari, Clinical Psychologist and Officiating Principal of Tirpude College of Social Work, explained, “A person may not be using social media platforms yet still clock ten hours of screen time through work, binge-watching series, or reading e-books.” Another noticeable consequence of screen-heavy living is the ‘shrinking of patience’. Short-form video content, designed to deliver a complete story arc in 15 to 60 seconds, has rewired attention spans. Books, blogs, even detailed articles increasingly feel ‘too long’.

 

“The urge to know the ending immediately is real. When I start a book or a series, I catch myself looking up summaries or video explainers because I just cannot wait. It is like my brain is always looking for a shortcut,” said 27-year-old Rohan Mahure. Psychiatrists underlined that detoxing does not mean rejecting technology altogether, but creating mindful usage. Dr Sudhir Bhave, a psychiatrist, stated that although only a small number of people are realising the importance of digital detox, it is encouraging when youngsters take the lead. “Excessive reels and rapidly changing images have a long-term impact on the brain. If one wants to improve focus, start small, read for 15 to 25 minutes at a time. Plan phone usage beforehand, and if possible, schedule time for checking mails or messages. Slowly increase offline activities,” he suggested.