Digital Detox and Psychological Well-Being among College Students: A Systematic Review of Evidence and Implications

The widespread integration of digital technologies into everyday life has significantly influenced the psychological well-being of college students. While digital devices such as smartphones, laptops, and social media platforms provide numerous benefits, excessive usage has been linked to negative mental health outcomes, including stress, anxiety, depression, and reduced life satisfaction. In response to these concerns, digital detox—defined as a voluntary and temporary reduction or abstinence from digital device usage—has emerged as a potential intervention for improving psychological well-being. This review paper synthesizes existing literature on the effects of digital detox among college students, focusing on its impact on mental health, sleep quality, self-awareness, and social relationships. The findings suggest that digital detox contributes to improved emotional regulation, reduced psychological distress, enhanced mindfulness, and better interpersonal connections. However, challenges such as fear of missing out (FOMO), withdrawal symptoms, and academic dependency on digital tools may limit its effectiveness. The review highlights the need for structured and sustainable digital detox strategies and calls for further research to examine long-term outcomes.