Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

It’s a symptom of our times that in our hyperconnected world, many people still feel less connected than ever. With our always-on mentality and our smartphones now acting as an extension of our limbs, is it any wonder the population as a whole is heading towards a mass global burnout? From that first morning scroll through social media to that after-hours Teams’ chat from your boss, or the dopamine hit of your late-night shopping spree, our days are defined by near-constant access to digital technology. Experts have long told us that excessive internet use can lead to disturbed sleep, anxiety, depression, and poor health due to reduced physical activity. We know too much screen time is bad for us, but just how do we start to address this dependency? There’s a collective need to refocus on what it means to live a full and productive life, prioritising mindfulness, mental health, and authentic connections away from the screen.

Digital dependency in UAE

Here in the UAE, we are voracious internet consumers. According to a report by Global Media Insight, UAE residents are online for 7 hours and 29 minutes per day, with mobile phones accounting for 65.11 percent of internet use. If you’re wondering how that stacks up internationally, GSMA puts it into perspective, reporting that the UAE and Saudi Arabia share the 11th spot globally for mobile phone usage. Digital detox calls for “reviving the art of personal connection.” It is about encouraging people to return to the lost art of writing a letter or sending a postcard, the physicality of which requires us to slow down and tune into the world and the people around us. It’s a practice that’s been lost in our rush to post every moment to Instagram or endlessly scrolling through overly manipulated feeds. By reassessing our reliance on the internet, we can live more fully in the moment.

Tips for reducing digital dependency

Start small. Few of us can afford to escape to deserted island for a complete digital detox. Instead, make an effort to reduce your online hours, and delete apps that have become your digital default. Set parameters around social media use. Try to limit it to a set period once or twice a day. Put your phone in another room for meal times. Relish the conversations and connections with those at the dinner table, and savour each bite rather than eating mindlessly. Keep screens out of your bedroom. Set a time when you switch off for the night, then charge your screens in a separate room so you’re not tempted. Embrace real-world pursuits. Repurpose those wasted online hours by finding a hobby, reading, going for a walk, and appreciating life away from the screen. Do a digital cleanse. Follow only those accounts that add meaning and joy to your life. This article also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition Magazine. About the author: Karl Escritt is the CEO of Like Digital & Partners
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page