User:Ncollingwood/sandbox

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= Digital Detox =

Scope and definition
Digital detox is a self motivational period of time in which a person chooses to abstain from using electronic devices. Although a digital detox may have the implication of only referring to a social media cleanse, the general definition of a digital detox refers to technological devices as opposed to platforms. That being said, social media is one of the primary motivations for doing a digital detox as social media use is at around 24 hours per week for the average American, with the top five social media platforms accounting for 14 of these hours. Other motivations include gaming addiction, in which 1% to 9% of gamers experience addiction, or cell phone addiction as mobile devices account for 65% of total digital media.

Motivations
People may choose to undergo a digital detox for a variety of reasons  including concerns about developing addictive behavior, aiming to reduce stress, wanting to prioritize offline social interactions, reconnecting with the natural world or to increase mindfulness. Devices are making serious impacts on user’s learning ability due to the devices’ inherent nature of multitasking which has been shown to only involve short term memory. Using multiple connected devices as a learning platform is therefore not beneficial, as a reduction of information choices enables the brain to focus more on the quality of the information, rather than the hastiness of it.

Physiological Effects
The extended overuse of technology has been found to reduce quality of sleep, cause eye strain and vision problems, as well as lead to the increased occurence of migraine headaches. A previous research survey of over 7,000 participants found that approximately 70% of those who use technology with screens have experienced "digital eye strain as a result of the growing use of [screen possessing technological devices]".

The effects popular technological devices such as cellphones and computers have on our sleep have been well documented. The light emitted from screens has been shown to suppress the production of the hormone melatonin, an important regulatory biochemical that controls the duration and character of sleep cycles. Furthermore, cellphones and other technological devices can act as distractions that prevent us from getting sleep. It is suggested that the presence of a cellphone or tablet within the bedroom at night is responsible for up to an hour of time being distracted that could have been used for sleep.

Psychological Effects
The overuse of technology has been shown to have negative effects on psychological health. A study published in The Journal of The American Medical Association reported that teens and young adults who frequently used digital media were more than twice as likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, other publications have found that technology-addicted teenagers have significantly higher scores when being evaluated for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and impulsive behaviour.

Effects on Relationships
Overuse of technology has been shown to have an adverse effect on the relationships shared between people. A study of 145 adults suggested that the act of snubbing a partner in favor of using a cellphone lowered marital satisfaction. In addition to lowering satisfaction, those who had snubbed their partners before for their cell phone also tested higher for depression and reported lower satisfaction with life.

Another study suggested that the visible presence of mobile devices during conversations had a limiting effect on the sense of connection felt between those involved in the conversation as well as the overall quality of the conversation. These findings suggest that the abundant presence of technology in our everyday lives may act as a limiting factor to the deepness of relationships we are able to form, thus negatively impacting the health of our relationships.

Social Media Detoxification
A subset of a digital detox is a social media detox, in which an individual voluntarily keeps off of social media platforms. Motivations for performing only a subset of a digital detox could be attributed to the total time spent on social media platforms and the related psychological effects. The use of social media can lead to internet addiction and decrease productivity which is why celebrities such as Ed Sheeran and Kendall Jenner have undergone a social media detox and influenced others to do one as well. Comedian Ari Shaffir gained attention for refusing to use a smartphone after concerns about spending too much time on it, especially on social media .A study found that the average user will spend 5 years and 4 months on social media, which is second only to watching T.V. ,which is at 7 years and 8 months. Many social media users will also visit their platforms multiple times per day, with 68% of snapchat users and 50% of Facebook users doing so. Based on a 2019 Pew Research Center study, 73% of adults in the United States use YouTube, 37% use Instagram and 69% use Facebook with around 60% of Facebook users making an effort to undergo a social media detoxification.

Other Miscellaneous Methods
Most experts agree that moderation is a much more effective method of detoxification than fully forgoing technology. One way of curbing overuse of digital devices is to allocate some of the uses of a smartphone to non-digital means. Google is launching a "paper phone" which can contain daily agendas, directions, and other uses so that people rely less on their smartphone. In addition, designated 'sacred spaces' wherein smartphone usage is strictly prohibited can help.

There are also retreats designed to reconnect one with nature and eliminate dependence on digital devices.

Criticism
Over the past decade technology and social media have become an integral aspect of everyday life, and thus the decision to refrain from using technology or social media has become a conscious lifestyle choice reflecting the desire for selective and reversible disconnection. In the digital age, social media plays a vital role in building social capital, maintaining connections, and managing impressions. Scholars have argued for the importance of maintaining a certain level of distraction that social media can provide for a balanced state of body and mind, and some scholars have even argued that social media is necessary and should not be completely cut out. That being said, many scholars believe that the moderation of social media is essential, primarily due to social media platforms’ goal of encouraging constant use with likes, notifications, and infinite scrolling. To lessen the effects of these addictive features social media platforms such as Instagram have begun to explore alternative methods, such as making likes on a user’s post invisible to the user, to shift the focus away from constant notifications and likes.

Some companies have even launched movements against technology addiction. For example, In October 2019 Google released Paper Phone, a google product consisting of a printed piece of paper folded into eighths that contains relevant information to your day much like a daily planner. The motive behind the project was to provide the utility of a smartphone in a simplistic and less dynamic delivery. Some critics disagree with Google’s approach to the digital detox phenomenon, however, and instead argue that harmony between technology use and well-being can be achieved. These critics suggest that the best way to digitally detox is to be mindful of the amount of time that is being spent on a digital device.

______________________________________________ Sources

10/30/19: I fixed the formatting a bit - up to Section 4. Good job with your cites. They need to be placed in appropriate headings. In case you have questions about cites, please see training and also: No original research

11/1/19: Google is proposing a "paper phone" as a means of digital detox: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/614669/googles-big-plan-to-fight-tech-addiction-a-piece-of-paper/?utm_medium=tr_social&utm_campaign=site_visitor.unpaid.engagement&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1572638679