Positive Psychology
II Semester
Group Assignment Submission on the Partial Fulfilment of
Master’s Degree in Psychology
Focused Group Discussion titled “Impact of Digital Detox on College Students”
Group Members Names with USN No.
Deepti VP 24MSRPS075
Esha Kanoj 24MSRPS097
Ranjani V 24MSRPS082
Rithika V 24MSRPS126
Subiksha Bharati S 24MSRPS091
Submitted to
Dr Mamatha
Asst. Professor
Dept. of Psychology
School of Sciences
Jain (Deemed-to-be-University)
Introduction
In today's hyper-connected society, digital technology and ongoing online engagement
have become such a big part of young adults' lives, especially among university students. While
these digital media have many benefits—access to learning material, potential of social
networking, and opportunities for entertainment—these also come with severe psychological
costs. Terms like "Zoom fatigue," "social media burnout," and "digital addiction" have become
trendy, and the growing concern for the psychological burden of excessive screen time is
evident. Consequently, the term of digital detox has also become popular as a possible
intervention to restore balance and promote psychological well-being.
Digital detox is a time of voluntary abstention from digital technology, including
smartphones, tablets, laptops, and social media platforms, with the objectives of lowering stress
levels, enhancing concentration, and encouraging greater mental wellbeing. Although temporary
in nature, detoxifications are seen to enable individuals to reconnect with themselves, nature, and
their immediate social milieu in an unbroken stream, undisturbed by the distraction of
notifications, emails, and internet-based diversions.
College students are particularly vulnerable to digital overwhelm. With education, social
life, and entertainment often involving screens, their exposure to digital realms is high and often
continuous. This repeated exposure has been linked with increased anxiety, poor sleep habits,
lower self-esteem, and even depression. Students tend to feel comparison, FOMO, and an
inability to focus—all signs linked to overuse of digital technology.
Conversely, research indicates that frequent digital detoxes can have significant positive
effects on mental clarity, emotional health, and overall well-being. Digital detoxing as a practice
promotes mindfulness, allows for more substantial interactions in the real world, and fosters a
deeper appreciation for the present moment—characteristics in line with the values of positive
psychology. Digital detox is not about abandoning technology but embracing it more
responsibly, with an understanding of its influence, and developing healthier digital habits.
The present study attempts to investigate the attitude and experience of university
students towards digital detox and its effects on their mental health. By using the method of
Focus Group Discussions (FGD), the present study analyzes the emotional, cognitive, and
behavioral changes noticed among students indulging in digital detox, though in a temporary
manner.
Target Population
The target population for this study includes university students aged 18 to 25 years.
These individuals are selected due to their high dependence on digital devices for both academic
and personal purposes. The sample includes students from various disciplines to ensure diverse
perspectives and experiences regarding digital detox.
Review of Literature
Syvertsen, T., and Enli, G. (2020). Digital detox: Media resistance and the promise of
authenticity.
This research analyzes digital detox as a behavior of resistance to digital overload in the
interest of authenticity and greater mental well-being. Participants who engaged themselves in
detox activities were found to have improved self-awareness, emotional well-being, and less
anxiety. The research verified that digital detox is not akin to total avoidance but is utilizing
digital media consciously and intentionally.
Kushlev, K., Dwyer, R. J., & Dunn, E. W. (2019). The social price of constant connectivity:
Smartphones reduce face-to-face social interactions and increase stress. This laboratory
experiment illustrated how the presence of smartphones alone can reduce the quality of face-to-
face communication and increase levels of tension. Individuals who were asked to restrict the use
of phones in social interactions reported higher pleasure, higher focus, and more intimate
emotional connections. These results present empirical evidence of the psychological benefits of
digital detox.
Method of FGD
The Focus Group Discussion was conducted semi-structured with eight participants.
Every participant had subjected themselves to digital detox earlier. The session lasted almost 25
minutes and was taken in the presence of a facilitator who monitored ensuring equal
participation.
Roles and Responsibilities
The discussion was moderated and allowed every participant to have a chance to contribute.
The note-taker documented the session.
Time-Keeper: Maintained time management during the discussion. Members shared honest
personal anecdotes related to the digital detox.
Thematic Analysis
Emotional Recalibration
Participant RV: “I felt a sense of emotional freedom. Not being online
constantly helped me reconnect with myself.”
Participant SS: “It was surprising how my mood lifted when I was not glued
to my phone. I felt more aware and alive.”
Participant MS: “Without social media, I stopped comparing my life to
others. I felt more content and grounded.”
Improved Focus and Productivity
Participant TS: “I got more done in a day than I usually do in three. I was
more focused, less distracted.”
Participant DN: “I finally finished that book I started two months ago. It felt
great to concentrate fully.”
Participant KL: “I managed my time better and even started planning my
week. My productivity went up.”
Social Reconnection
Participant KV: “We cooked and played board games at home. I felt closer to
my family.”
Participant PK: “It felt good to talk without screens in between. The
conversations were more meaningful.”
Participant RV: “I remembered how nice it was to laugh with friends without
everyone staring at a screen.”
Initial Withdrawal and Anxiety
Participant MS: “The first few hours were horrible. I felt lost and
disconnected without my phone.”
Participant KL: “I kept checking my pockets like I’d lost something. The
urge to scroll was real.”
Participant PK: “I was anxious at first, but then it became a learning
experience. I realized I needed this.”
Graphical Representation
The following bar chart visualizes the number of participants who strongly
resonated with each identified them:
Conclusion
The digital detox experience provided profound insights into the psychological impacts
of constant digital engagement. Students reported improved emotional states, enhanced focus,
stronger social bonds, and increased self-awareness after detaching from screens. However,
initial challenges such as withdrawal symptoms and anxiety underscore the addictive nature of
digital media. These findings highlight the need for structured digital wellness initiatives in
academic settings.
Learning Outcome
From a positive psychology perspective, the digital detox contributed to key components
such as mindfulness, positive emotion, engagement, and social connection. Participants
experienced greater presence in their daily lives and formed deeper interpersonal relationships.
The activity aligns with Seligman’s PERMA model, especially enhancing well-being through
'Positive Emotion', 'Engagement', and 'Relationships'.
References
Dhir, A., Yossatorn, Y., Kaur, P., & Chen, S. (2018). Online social media fatigue and
psychological well-being—A study of compulsive use, fear of missing out, and social
media fatigue among youth. International Journal of Information Management, 40, 141-
152.
Roberts, J. A., & David, M. E. (2016). My life has become a major distraction from my cell
phone: Partner phubbing and relationship satisfaction among romantic partners.
Computers in Human Behavior, 54, 134-141.
