Toxic Phone: Why digital detoxification is booming more than ever

Whether in a lecture, on a shopping trip with friends or in the evening before bed – the smartphone has become a constant companion for many. That this constant digital presence does not only bring positive aspects has been clear for a long time. A counter-movement has been fighting this development for many years and is on everyone's lips these days – "Digital Detox". But what is behind the concept and where does this trend actually come from?

Not without reason. More than a third of Germans who otherwise regularly use digital devices or applications wanted to do a Digital Detox in 2025, according to a survey by the industry association Bitkom – and not without good reason. After all, constant availability poses considerable health risks. This is supported, among other things, by a survey by Pronova BKK from 2023. 24% of respondents say they perceive constant availability through digital devices as a stress factor. This development often begins early: negative consequences are already evident in childhood and adolescence. A 2017 study by DAK shows that 13 per cent of surveyed young people could not stop using social networks despite being advised to do so. Additionally, 34% said they used digital media consumption to suppress negative thoughts.

A PARTNER PROJECT

Digital Detox originated with two childhood friends in the USA: Levi Felix and Forest Bronzan. The two have known each other since elementary school and play together in a band. Contact is lost over the years and Felix moves to Los Angeles after finishing college in 2007. There he meets his old school friend Brooke Dean, who becomes his life partner two years later. At this time he works as a Creative Director of a startup. However, this profession also brings considerable stress. As a result, he suffers a burnout. Brooke and he then both quit their jobs and embark on a two-and-a-half-year world trip. Through the impressions and experiences gained here, the idea for Digital Detox is born in 2012 in Cambodia, which aims to encourage a healthier approach to technology. The two quickly put the idea into practice and found a retreat for adults called "Camp Grounded" in 2012.

For the first test run, they invite a total of 10 people, including Forest Bronzan. Since then, these anti-digital camps have become increasingly popular worldwide and have been awarded multiple times. Levi Felix dies in 2017 at the age of only 32 as a result of a brain tumour. However, the project continues to be carried forward by his friends to this day and has grown into a successful enterprise.

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES OF DIGITAL DETOX

The figures speak for themselves. In a current study by the University of Krems from 2025, in which study participants limited their digital media use to a maximum of two hours per day over three weeks, these effects were evident: depressive symptoms decreased by 27 per cent. Perceived stress also reduced by 16 per cent. In addition, sleep quality improved by 18 per cent and overall well-being by 14 per cent.

ANALOGUE AS A MINDSET

Particularly due to the increasing use of digital media in studies, it can often be difficult to reduce usage time. So here are some concrete tips on how it might still be possible:

1. ESTABLISH PHONE-FREE ZONES

Instead of charging your phone right next to your bed, try plugging it in at the other end of the room or in another room. This significantly reduces the temptation to reach for your smartphone immediately before going to bed or immediately after waking up.

2. USE BUILT-IN FEATURES

Various preset settings such as focus function or do-not-disturb mode help to keep the flood of messages under control. Time windows in which you consciously devote yourself to other things, such as reading a book or taking a short walk, can also be extremely helpful and soothing.

3. FOCUS APPS

It may sound contradictory at first glance, but the selection of apps that promise to increase workflow is now quite large and diverse. A concrete and quite popular example is "Forest". In this you plant plants and sculptures in your own virtual garden. However, these only grow when you are not using your smartphone.

It is important to emphasise that digital media of course also have many positive effects and the research situation is often unclear. Digital Detox is certainly not a cure-all. But in times when young people in particular have to cope with ever more challenges and psychological strain, we should find a more mindful and responsible approach to our media consumption. After all, Digital Detox is ultimately nothing more than self-care.