Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Digital Detox May Slow Aging, Study Finds
A recent study found that taking a two-week break from mobile internet can make people feel better and improve their attention spans.
The study involved 467 people who were not allowed to use mobile internet for two weeks, but could still text, call, and use desktop computers.
After the break, 91% of participants felt better in at least one way, such as having better mental health or feeling happier.
The researchers found that people who took the break spent more time socializing in person, exercising, and being in nature, which helped them feel better.
The improvements in attention were so significant that it was like the participants had become 10 years younger.
This study suggests that taking a break from constant internet use can have big benefits for our well-being.
Participants who spent two weeks without mobile internet showed attention spans comparable to someone a decade younger.
91% of participants felt better after blocking the internet, with 71% reporting better mental health and 73% reporting better subjective well-being.
The study found that participants spent more time socializing in person, exercising, and being in nature during the detox period.
The improvements in attention were larger than anticipated, equivalent to becoming 10 years younger.
The study was conducted with 467 participants aged between 18 to 74 and was aimed at testing the theory that constant internet connection has unintended consequences.
- Who
- 467 participants aged 18 to 74
- What
- A study on the effects of a two-week digital detox
- When
- Published earlier this year
- Where
- University of Texas at Austin and University of Alberta in Canada
- Why
- To test the theory that constant internet connection has unintended consequences
- Study Participants
- 467 people aged 18 to 74
- Duration of Detox
- Two weeks without mobile internet
- Improvement in Attention
- Comparable to someone a decade younger
- Mental Health Improvement
- 71% reported better mental health
- Subjective Well-being Improvement
- 73% reported better subjective well-being
- Overall Improvement
- 91% improved on at least one outcome