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Examining the Impact of Digital Detox Interventions on Anxiety and Depression Levels Among Young Adults

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With increasing reliance on digital devices, concerns about their impact on mental health have grown, particularly among young adults. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a digital detox intervention on reducing anxiety and depression among young adults across diverse demographic backgrounds. METHODS: A pre-test, followed by a digital detox intervention, and a post-test using an online survey was carried out. The sample comprised 467 participants (51.6% males, 48.4% females) aged 18-30 years, with varied employment statuses. Participants' anxiety and depression levels were assessed before and after a two-week-long digital detox intervention, which encouraged reduced digital device usage. Data were analyzed using ANOVA to examine differences in mental health outcomes across demographic groups. RESULTS: Findings indicated statistically significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores post-intervention, with p-values < .0001 for all comparisons. Anxiety scores for males dropped from a mean of 12.50 (variance = 11.08) to 6.58 (6.20), while females showed a decrease from 14.74 (8.92) to 8.29 (6.45). Similarly, depression scores significantly declined from moderate to mild levels across gender, age, and occupational categories. For example, full-time employees' depression scores decreased from 13.47 (10.44) to 6.80 (5.71), and unemployed participants' scores dropped from 13.95 (11.61) to 7.13 (6.43). Participants reported varied impacts of anxiety and depression on daily responsibilities, with nearly half finding these tasks "Somewhat difficult." CONCLUSION: Digital detox can significantly reduce anxiety and depression symptoms across young adult demographics, underscoring its potential as a non-clinical intervention for mental health. These findings support the inclusion of structured digital disengagement periods in mental health management strategies in educational and occupational settings.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.75625