Digital wellbeing is a term used to describe the impact of technologies and digital services on people's mental, physical, social and emotional health.
Digital wellbeing - the impact of technologies and digital services on people's mental, physical and emotional health.
It is a complex concept that can be viewed from a variety of perspectives and across different contexts and situations:
- Individual perspective: personal, learning and work contexts: this involves identifying and understanding the positive benefits and any potential negative aspects of engaging with digital activities and being aware of ways to manage and control these to improve wellbeing
- Societal or organisational perspective: providers of digital systems, services and content have a responsibility for ensuring that these are well managed, supported, accessible and equitable. They also need to empower and build capability in users so that all who engage with them are equipped to do so in a way that supports and/or improves their wellbeing.
- How to improve digital well-being?
- Set boundaries
- Limit the amount of time spent on social media
- Take a break from technology at meal times
- Use a focus mode
- Practice a digital detox by voluntarily abstaining from technology
Benefits of digital well-being?
- Employees can be more engaged and productive
- Employees can lead healthier lives
- Employees can experience less exhaustion and distraction
- Google developed the Digital Wellbeing app for Android
- The app tracks how much time a user spends on each app
- The app helps users learn how to balance their digital lives
- Five steps to healthy digital habits
- Take breaks. It seems obvious, but time away from a screen can help you to refocus and boost your energy.
- Switch off distractions.
- Turn off all screens an hour before bedtime.
- Be mindful.
- Monitor the impact of activities on your mood.
