Digital Detox Movement in the Tourism Industry: Traveler Perspective

2. The Idea Behind Digital Detox

According to its etymology, the word “detox” refers to a procedure to reduce the levels of dangerous drugs (Ayyagari et al., 2011). Although it has been around for more than ten years, the Oxford Dictionary first listed digital detox in 2013, defining it as “A period during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world” (Oxford Dictionary, 2013). On the other hand, in contrast to abstinence, which is recommended to recover from drug misuse, a digital detox is a temporary “cleaning.” A situation in which a person stops or suspends the use of digital tools for social interactions and activities, as defined by the Technology Dictionary, is referred to as a digital detox (Syvertsen, 2023). Because of this, the individual can alleviate the stress and worry brought on by excessive use of ICTs. Detoxification from technology occurs when an individual stops using all digital devices (Al-Fudail & Mellar, 2008). The current usage of information and communication technologies is assumed to be risky and harmful under these standards. Oxford (2013) and the Technology Dictionary define a digital detox as an opportunity to improve mental well-being by minimizing dependency or fixation with information and communication technologies (ICTs) and appreciating the real world. Because of this, the word is included in an extensive collection of metaphors about health that media critics utilize. To complete a digital detox, it is necessary to power off all forms of information and communication technology (ICT), including mobile devices, telephones, tablets, and laptops (Brown & Kuss, 2020). A detox from digital technology entails cutting out all other forms of media consumption, such as watching television or using work-related computer tools and programming, as well as cutting out all forms of online media and gaming (Brown & Kuss, 2020).