Lucknow: Students were advised to keep rising screen time and overuse of social media in check with simple habits for digital detox, psychologist Ashutosh Srivastava said at the education and career fair. Srivastava stated that digital detox begins with disciplined phone routines, advising people to avoid using phones for an hour before going to sleep and one hour after waking up. He explained that this practice can improve mental peace and sleep quality.
Assessing Digital Consumption Trade-offs
Srivastava also asked students to assess the trade-offs of their digital consumption, warning that excessive screen time often comes at the cost of physical movement, fitness, social relationships, and personal goals. He emphasized the importance of being mindful of these sacrifices to maintain a healthy balance.
Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
On the impact of social media on mental health, Srivastava said users should be mindful of the content they consume and stop engaging with anything that triggers feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth. He recommended replacing such content with positive and meaningful digital engagement to foster a healthier online experience.
Purposeful Phone Usage
Srivastava recommended that phones should be used with purpose, citing a study that people pick up their phones nearly 125 times a day largely out of habit. He called for curbing unnecessary usage to achieve an effective digital detox, urging students to be intentional about their screen time.
