Digital Detox: Distancing Oneself From Basic Rights And Luxury

Disconnecting is becoming a luxury as the dangers of excessive digital use become more apparent.

Is it going to be expensive for only a few people to disconnect from the internet?

The average screen time is increasing, reaching over five hours per day, which is concerning researchers, civil society, and more recently, policymakers.

Beyond the general discomfort that comes from feeling like we’re living through a screen, a real awareness has started to take shape.

Larger platforms these days strive to keep users addicted for as long as possible,sometimes at the cost of their well-being.

The negative impacts of too much screen time are now widely recognized and documented – heightened anxiety, worsened sleep issues, and diminished focus.

Excessive screen time is linked to a rise in youth suicides.

The digital minimalism market faced with these issues, a new disconnection economy has popped up.

Influencer videos about their “digital detox” frequently receive over a million views on YouTube.

Phone-free wellness-focused “digital detox” retreats are becoming more popular in the travel industry, though they can be expensive.

These are marketed to a particular crowd of executives, creatives, and freelancers – individuals who have the time, cultural knowledge, and means to “disconnect.”

The visuals used highlight focus, productivity, and a sense of intellectual or spiritual satisfaction.

However, without taking a collective look at how digital technology functions in our society, this approach stays personal-protecting oneself.

The “right to disconnect” frequently becomes a luxury for those who can afford it. Avoiding screens has become almost impossible for most people.

Two-factor authentication for banking, administrative tasks, and online education platforms make smartphones essential.

Current solutions depend on individual accountability and, ultimately, on each person’s financial and cultural assets.

Changing disconnection from a luxury to a shared right – at the intersection of democracy, education, and public health. This is a crucial issue to make sure that private organizations aren’t the only ones responsible for regaining our focus and independence.

2 responses to “Digital Detox: Distancing Oneself From Basic Rights And Luxury”

Marcus Chen

January 27, 2026

I’ve been trying to cut down my screen time, but it’s hard when everything is online – do you think digital detox is only for those who can afford it? 🤔

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Eric Foltin

November 18, 2025

I dropped all social media a few weeks ago. Don’t miss it at all!

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