Exploring the Impact of the Affordances of Digital Detox Applications on Users’ Absorption in Learning

An increasing number of digital detox applications have become important tools for helping users to maintain focus and enhance productivity. Although prior research has extensively explored users’ motivations, processes and outcomes for digital detox, the influence of the technological features of digital detox applications on users’ focused learning remains unclear. Drawing on the affordance perspective and control–value theory, we developed a research model. The proposed hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling with data from 332 valid survey responses. The results indicate that users’ absorption in learning is significantly predicted by their control appraisals and value appraisals. Specifically, the goal setting, recordability, and social comparison affordances of digital detox applications are significantly positively associated with learners’ value appraisals. In addition, goal setting and recordability are positively related to learners’ control appraisals, whereas social comparison shows no significant association with control appraisals. This study deepens our understanding of the affordances of digital detox applications and their underlying mechanisms, offering practical implications for designers to promote learners’ absorption in learning.