A recent study published on February 18 by University of Texas professor Adrian Ward reveals that taking a two-week break from mobile internet can significantly improve mental health, well-being, and sustained attention. The study, conducted using an app designed to block internet access on smartphones, allowed participants to use only calls and text messages during the experiment.
The findings suggest that participants who disconnected from mobile internet for two weeks reported significant improvements in their mental health, comparable to the effects of antidepressant treatments. According to Ward, an associate professor of marketing at UT’s McCombs School of Business, participants felt “better about life” overall after the break.
“When people blocked the internet, they consumed less media and spent more time on activities that support mental health,” Ward said. “Instead of replacing their phones with television, participants engaged in more physical activity, socializing, and pursuing hobbies—activities they otherwise wouldn’t have time for.”
The study also revealed that cutting off mobile internet encouraged healthier habits, such as spending more time outdoors and connecting with friends in person.
However, the process was not easy for all participants. Some dropped out before completing the full two-week break, finding it difficult to disconnect from their phones. Yet, Ward noted that even those who didn’t fully succeed still experienced benefits. He emphasized that any effort to reduce mobile internet usage, even if incomplete, could contribute to positive outcomes.
“Participants who managed to block mobile internet for the entire two weeks saw the greatest benefits,” Ward said. “But even attempting to cut back on usage is helpful.”
Brittany O’Malley, Associate Director for Prevention and Well-Being at the Longhorn Wellness Center, echoed these sentiments, urging students to reflect on their technology use and its impact on their mental health.
“It’s important to assess where you’re at with your phone usage, decide if changes would be beneficial, and find realistic ways to implement them,” O’Malley said. “Building healthier habits takes time and should be a gradual process.”
Arianna Nevarez, co-founder of the Unplugged club, shared her positive experience with disconnecting. The club encourages its members to spend an hour each week without phones during meetings, fostering more meaningful connections.
“Being without our phones definitely helps us be more present and attentive. We connect on a deeper level when we don’t have our devices in hand,” Nevarez said.
While Ward acknowledges that social media and technology use can have positive aspects, such as content creation or sharing, he cautioned that the overuse of mobile internet and constant connectivity can have harmful effects on well-being.
“The takeaway here isn’t that blocking mobile internet for two weeks will make you happier,” Ward said. “Rather, it’s about examining the effects of constant connectivity on our lives. We need to understand what this always-on culture is doing to us.”
The study encourages individuals to reflect on their digital habits and consider periodic breaks from mobile internet as a potential tool for improving mental health and enhancing quality of life.
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