Mindful consumption in a Hyper-connected world: Digital detox as a moderator of consumer behavior

The modern consumer ecosystem is portrayed by constant connectivity, algorithmic personalization, and digital action among various platforms. Although digital technologies have transmuted consumer involvements by cumulative convenience, information availability, and personalized communications, hyper-connectivity has instantaneously contributed to cognitive burden, compulsive consumption pattern, digital exhaustion, and reduced cognizant decision-making. In these circumstances, mindful consumption has surfaced as an essential context for understanding intentional and value-driven consumption behaviors. Mindful consumption lays emphasis on perception, intentional, and importance of the broader consequences of consumption decisions on individuals, society, and the environment. Contemporary research implies that consumers gradually obtain profound and stable consumption experiences that associate with psychological well-being and sustainability goals [1]. Digital detox, defined as the intended decline or temporary detachment from digital devices and social media platforms, has obtained attention as a behavioral intrusion capable of rebuilding cognitive and emotional equilibrium. Evolving evidence reveals that digital detox practices can enhance psychological well-being, lower information overload, and boost self-regulation among consumers [2]. This chapter observes the association linking mindful consumption and consumer behavior in a hyper-connected environment and intends digital detox as a moderating mechanism that controls consumer decision-making processes. Particularly, the chapter investigates how decreased digital exposure can modify impulsive purchasing trends, boost conscious assessment of consumption substitutes, and stimulate sustainable behavioral consequences. The chapter incorporates theoretical perspectives from mindfulness theory, self-regulation theory, and the stimulus–organism–response framework to describe developing consumer behavior patterns in digital environments. Additionally, it links future research directions and managerial implications for organizations pursuing to expand ethical and consumer-centric digital stratagems. Recognizing the role of digital detox in determining consumer behavior impacts to both academic literature and practical approaches for encouraging beneficial and farther sustainable consumption practices.