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Discussion on: Unplugging to Recharge: Have You Tried a Digital Detox Day?

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Nicolas Leblanc

I've been working towards digital detox for almost the past 6 years. Earlier this year there's been a breakthrough in my life; For the first time, I was able to disconnect truthfully for a whole week. In the past, I was able to completely disconnect for over a week, but it cost me great effort and constant determination. After a while of completely fighting my "addiction", I would become too tired to continue the fight, and I would succumb back to binge watching youtube.

However, I've finally learned to accept the discomfort that came with disconnecting, and I was able to face my emotion. The result was absolutely destabilizing to me; Whereas I thought that I would be feeling better when I would disconnect (IE: less stressed, more happy), I found out I was greatly depressed... It turns out I was addicted to digital information because I was using such high stimulus to numb my thoughts and feelings.

So, in conclusion, I've been 50 days without a relapse now, and it's getting better all the time, but it truly is a test of my mental and emotional strength. For me, the problem is not technology, it is what ever unpleasant part(s) of my life I am avoiding by numbing myself WITH technology (similar to how an alcoholics drinks to forget about their problems). So yeah a digital detox is great for your health, but it's not a magic solution to all your problems.