The technology was created to fill the needs and wants of human beings and it was supposed to be revolving around them, but somehow this has changed down the road. Now day’s technology has intervened in every aspect of human life, and it is affecting not just the day to day operations of but has negatively impacted their human health too. Studies and evidence suggest that increased reliance on technologies such as mobile and internet has decreased the human attention span by 12 to 8 %, which is much shorter than that of a goldfish. Furthermore, (Stanovsek, 2019) research also indicates that human dependency on technological tools can be compared with that of substance abuse, and with such dependency, human efficiency, joy, creativity, and mental health have greatly been reduced.
Considering the adverse impact of technology on human health, the phenomena of “digital detoxification” was introduced. Digital detox refers to a period of time when an individual willingly detains themselves from using technological tools such as the smartphone, laptops, computer, or social media platforms. According to (Goodin, 2017)the practice of digital detoxification allows individuals to network communally in the physical world by abstaining from the electronic devices temporarily, and therefore, combating the symptoms of exhaustion, loss of attentiveness, and continuous distraction.
Doctors and psychologists believe that practicing digital detoxification the social, emotional, and cognitive abilities of a human being can be benefitted. Therefore, it is vital to conduct thorough research on the impact of digital detoxification on human health. This research will not just introduce the terminology of digital detoxification and its impact on human health, but it will also highlight the means through which it can be achieved and sustained. Many researchers and doctors throughout the world have made an attempt to explain the link between digital detox and human health. Furthermore, many clinicians are working with parents to find the adverse impact of screen media activity on their children, so it can be related to digital detoxification. These researches would then help human beings in safeguarding their mental and physical health from the adverse impact of technology and technological addiction. Moreover, such measures would also facilitate the use and development of safer technology for future generations.
Procedure:
Considering the significance of this topic, there are numerous resources available with different perspectives. For data collection and compilation, I am going to begin my research by employing the extensive database of researchgate.net as it contains several research articles and publications on digital detoxification. Though the reliability and authenticity of the publication or articles need to be crosschecked, most of the articles that are being presented on digital detoxification have valid information. This specific research engine is user-friendly, as through filters it allows in skimming the research articles, making it more convenient and time-efficient. The research engine has categorized the articles based on the alphabets and their respective fields. Other internet articles will also be checked for data, but before using that data in our research, its validity and authenticity will be tested.
Furthermore, the qualitative data would be collected through a past survey whose authenticity has been approved through real-life examples. Moreover, the quantitative data will be collected through medical researches that have been conducted on sample groups. As, digital detoxification impacts human health is a vast topic, the effect on mental health will be highlighted in the research. To support and to authenticate the findings of my report, the issue will be checked and compared with the finding of some of the well-known psychologists and medical experts such as Dr. Kimberley Young, who was among the first psychologist and experts on “internet addiction disorder”. Furthermore, sources that offer information regarding the impact of different technological tools on human health will also be included, as understanding the negative impact will better allow proving that digital detoxification is significant for every human being.
For analyzing the qualitative data gathered through interviews, and surveys the narrative analysis would be employed, as it will help in examining the responses of participants regarding digital detoxification in their lives. Moreover, the quantitative data gathered through medical researchers will be analyzed through descriptive statistics, which will identify the percentage of participants who experience positive health changes after practicing digital detoxification.
For evaluation of the feasibility of digital detoxification on human health, I will use medical data as evidence that how practicing digital detoxification can really help an individual mental and physical health, and also how it improves the quality of life. In order to stress the importance of digital detoxification, my research will first highlight the negative impact of technological tools and then will focus on the health benefit offered by digital detoxification. The medical changes and the mental experience of participants while practicing digital detox will be recorded and presented as evidence. Furthermore, I will analyze and put forward the method and procedure through which digital detoxification can be practiced.
Qualification:
Being a student of chemical and biological engineering, I was always intrigued by the idea that technology has evolved human health and nature. Besides being a student, I too was a technology freak and didn’t spend a second without my gadgets, but after experiencing some stressful mental and physical changes in my health, I became concerned and started excavating the reason for these changes. It was in 2018 when I came across the book “Breaking Free of the Web” by Kimberly Young, which opened my mind toward the possibility of web addiction and how it might be affecting my own health. I started taking interest in the subject and read how technology brings about chemical and biological changes in the human body. Though, I am undergraduate engineer student but insight into the field of chemical and biology helped me in understanding the topic better.
The source that has inspired me to initiate this research is the “Breaking Free of the Web” as it highlights that the web is an addiction and individuals who are in such addiction should seek help. The next source that will create a foundation for digital detoxification is the “Time for digital detox” From information obesity to information dieting”.
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