Exploring Themes in Digital Detox Research: Insights from a Literature Review

Marietta Forster (), Fabian J. Stangl () and René Riedl ()
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Marietta Forster: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Digital Business Institute, School of Business and Management
Fabian J. Stangl: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Digital Business Institute, School of Business and Management
René Riedl: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Digital Business Institute, School of Business and Management

A chapter in Shaping the Digital Future Through Innovation and Practice, 2026, pp 213-237 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract In modern society, digital technologies have become essential tools for individuals and organizations, offering unprecedented opportunities for communication and collaboration. However, concerns about the negative effects of digital technology use, such as declined well-being or reduced work productivity, have led to the emergence of digital detoxing as a promising strategy to counteract adverse effects. Digital detoxing refers to the temporary or complete disengagement from digital technologies, including actions such as abstaining from social networking sites and taking breaks during computer work. To guide future research, we conducted a literature review with a focus on empirical research dealing with the voluntary, limited abstinence from use of digital technologies. Thematic analysis of the 61 identified studies revealed eight major themes, including behavioral change, experience, health, motivation, social interaction, strategy, stress perception, and work. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the digital detox research field.

Keywords: Digital detoxing; Digital stress; Literature review; Thematic; Analysis; Technostress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-08489-7_16

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