Can taking a Break from Digital Devices Truly Alleviate Anxiety and Depression among Young Adults in Today's Hyper Connected World? "A Investigative Study on the Impact of Digital Detox on Mental Health in Young Adults"

In light of the high dependence on digital devices among the young adult population, anxiety and depression have risen as well. Despite this, few studies have ventured into the positive impacts of digital detoxing—a temporary disengagement from the screen—on mental health. This study investigates the effects of a two-week digital detox on anxiety and depression levels in young adults aged 18 to 30. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative measurements using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales, along with qualitative interviews to capture participants' personal experiences. The quantitative data showed that there was a significant decrease in anxiety and depression scores after the digital detox period. On average, participants decreased their anxiety scores by 6.3 points and their depression scores by 5 points. Qualitative feedback included improvements in participants' emotional well-being, such as reduced stress, improved sleep quality, and greater emotional stability. Many participants reported feeling more present in their daily lives, with increased productivity and less distraction. This study suggests that a short-term decrease in the use of digital devices can positively impact mental health, especially in terms of symptom reduction for anxiety and depression. The results contribute to the expanding literature on the effects of digital media on the psychological well-being of young adults and highlight the potential of digital detoxes as a simple, accessible intervention for improving mental health. Future studies may examine longer detox periods and the long-term effects of digital disengagement on mental health.