SOCIAL media plays a significant role in our society today. Many people use it to communicate, socialise with friends and family, and stay updated on global news. Personally, I use social media daily and often find myself scrolling through TikTok. However, recently, I realised I needed a break. Last week, I tried to reduce my screen time because I felt my productivity was declining. I avoided certain apps, limited my time on others, and even turned off my phone when necessary. Surprisingly, I was still functioning and alive after my social media break.
We’re all burnt out through various mediums of life, including social media and digital screens. “Digital burnout” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a serious form of burnout that can have psychological and physical impacts on our health. It’s the collective exhaustion of a society that’s always online, always reachable, and always “just checking one more thing.” The anxiety and stress that follow digital burnout aren’t isolated feelings; many people experience them daily, but they’re often not discussed.
Recent studies suggest that adults spend more than seven hours a day on their digital devices, excluding socialising or work. In hindsight, we spend more time on our phones than engaging with others. This constant digital stimulation eventually takes a toll on our brains and mental capacities. Some people may become irritable, feel overwhelmed, and their brains may feel “overheated”. As a remedy for digital burnout, the concept of a “tech sabbath” is slowly being introduced. Inspired by traditional sabbaths that promote rest and meditation, “tech sabbaths” encourage individuals to unwind from digital distractions and unplug from all devices for about 24 hours.
“Tech sabbaths” are meant to reclaim the power over your mind and attention span that technology seemingly took away. It is not an anti-technology approach—it simply means to slow down and refocus on your life for a bit without a digital screen. In my own personal experience, I reclaimed my physical strength by doing more physical activities. I was able to physically read the newspapers—not an e-copy. I was able to find new inspiration for my writing through the outdoors —hence this column piece being written— and I was also able to feel like time slowed down for a bit. Our lives are enormously tied to these small screens whether we like that idea or not. As such, it can be difficult to spend time away from a screen because our work, connections, and worldwide updates can all be found in a device that fits into the palm of our hands.
Nevertheless, I urge you all to think of a “tech sabbath” as a way to give your mind rest and peace. Too much of anything can eventually take a toll on our health, and that includes our screen time. You can start small by reducing your time daily from 7 hours to 6 hours, and eventually, as time progresses, challenge yourself to a day of tech-free productivity. Just one day—if you—without a screen, just your thoughts and emotions in the open, and your attention refocused on the physicality of life in front of you. The possibilities of what you can accomplish without technology are also endless. After all, many civilisations were built without the use of modern technology. Can you challenge yourself to do the same, even for a day?