Episode 61: Social media detox - why and when do we need it?

Tallinn University Student Podcast

Welcome to our panel discussion on an increasingly relevant topic in today's digital age: social media detox.

Joining us are project members Hans Jürgen Teras, Anano Ghibradze, Hyo Jeong Chang, Ksenija Jaanika Kurn, Sarthak C. Gautam, and Francis Akunwanne, who are passionate about exploring the why and when behind this vital practice.

We'll delve into the impact of social media misuse, highlighting signs indicating the need for a detox. Then, we'll explore the transformative benefits of stepping away from the digital whirlwind, discussing activities and practices to engage in during a detox period.

Our conversation will also touch on the duration of an optimal detox and various strategies and tips for a successful experience. How do we know when we're truly ready to reintegrate into the social media sphere? We'll uncover the indicators.

As a special treat, we have a short interview with the insightful YouTuber Gvantsa Svani, known professionally as Gwen Svani, who will share her perspective on social media detox and its influence on personal well-being and creativity.

So, grab a seat and join us as we embark on an enlightening journey into the world of social media detox — why we need it, when it's essential, and how to navigate the road back to a healthier online presence.

Special thanks to Terry McDonald and Yee Ting Aires Chung!

References:

Radtke, T., Apel, T., Schenkel, K., Keller, J., & von Lindern, E. (2022). Digital detox: An effective solution in the smartphone era? A systematic literature review. Mobile Media & Communication, 10(2), 190-215. https://doi.org/10.1177/20501579211028647

Masood, A., Luqman, A., Feng, Y., & Shahzad, F. (2022). Untangling the Adverse Effect of SNS Stressors on Academic Performance and Its Impact on Students’ Social Media Discontinuation Intention: The Moderating Role of Guilt. SAGE Open, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221079905

Karim, F., Oyewande, A. A., Abdalla, L. F., Chaudhry Ehsanullah, R., & Khan, S. (2020). Social Media Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 12(6), e8627. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8627

Lepik, K., & Murumaa-Mengel, M. (2019). Students on a Social Media Detox: Disrupting the Everyday Practices of Social Media Use. İçinde S.Kurbanoğlu, S. Spiranec, Ü. Yurdagül, J. Boustany, E. Grassian, D. Mizrachi, & L.Roy (Ed.), Infomation Literacy in Everyday Life (ss. 60-69). Springer.

Taking a One-Week Break from Social Media Improves Well-Being, Depression, and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled TrialJeffrey Lambert, George Barnstable, Eleanor Minter, Jemima Cooper, and Desmond McEwan Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 2022 25:5, 287-29325+ Benefits of a Social Media Detox - UpJourney https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-digital-detox ‘I didn’t realise how badly it affected me until I was off it’: what it’s like to have a social media detox | Social media | The Guardian