Digital devices are increasingly dominating our lives these days. Many, if not most us are addicted to them. New studies emerge alarming frequency the dangers to our physical and mental health being glued to our small screens. Children are not exercising; people are worrying their body image because online pressure from "perfect body" sites; and people are being bullied (or worse) cyber-criminals. In a study of 1,000 adults in Japan, researchers discovered that nearly 50 per cent the participants were addicted to their smartphones, but were unaware of their smartphone dependence. The study is one many clarion calls for "digital detox" to become part our lives.
The practice digital detox involves switching from the Internet to enjoy something called "real life". This involves the bygone custom conversing with people face to face and "doing everyday stuff". The organisation Digital Detox Japan said: "We want detox to be a catalyst people to rethink their distance their devices...to set aside time to get ample rest." People need to rely less on devices to avoid the new phenomenon of "nomophobia" - NO MObile PHOBIA. Psychologist Dr Kia-Rai Prewitt warned the dangers of being too absorbed in smartphones. She wrote: "If you ignore responsibilities home or work because the amount time you spend online, then consider a digital detox."
