In today’s world, our smartphones are a huge part of our daily lives. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Like most people, you probably check your phone. Then, you start your day interacting with your phone from dawn to dusk.
Many people are looking for a healthier relationship with their phones and prioritizing their mental health, leading to a trend in digital detox. A study by Wisetek Market EU looked at online search trends over five years to see which countries are serious about their digital health. The findings placed Australia in first place, followed by Ireland.
For Ireland, this is a great leap forward, considering most Irish people were struggling to unplug from their phones a couple of years ago. Social media took the most time, and platforms like mobile and casino games were also popular. While casino gaming can be fun, online casinos in Ireland encourage responsible gaming so players can stay entertained without compromise. The most important thing is balancing your free time and disconnecting from screens.
In Ireland and other parts of the world, consumers evaluate their screen time and adopt these measures to unplug.
Dumb Phones
A “dumb phone” is a simple mobile device designed to offer a minimalistic experience with basic functions like calling, texting, and, in some cases, the option to download only a few apps. Gen Xers and millennials can vividly remember the popular phones in the late nineties and early 2000s.
Unlike modern smartphones, phones like the iconic Nokia 3310 or Motorola Razr V3 and Siemens S55 kept users connected without the barrage of popup notifications and distractions. Since January 2020, Google searches for ‘dumb phones’ have increased exponentially by over 1,000%, showing interest in such phones.
A simple popup notification is all it takes to reel you back into your phone, where you might spend hours, and old-model phones are alternatives people are considering.
Reduced Screen Time
Ditching your iPhone for a stripped-back phone might be extreme for some people, so you can start by reducing your screen time. If you have an iPhone, go to Settings>Screen Time; if you have an Android, go to Settings>Digital Well Being & Parental Control. These two options will let you see your phone usage and show which apps take most of your time. You can set limits and take control of your digital habits.
Beyond tracking your usage, you can schedule screen-free breaks and try to keep your phone away when going for walks, going to sleep, or doing any other activity. The goal is not to completely go off-grid but to reconnect with life beyond our phones.
Managing Work
While social media and entertainment regularly keep us on our screens, the truth is work also plays a big role in reeling us back to our smartphones and laptops. It’s always a quick email or work call that takes you from your digital break and into work mode, even when you’re off the clock.
In Australia, the government passed a law giving employees the right not to respond to work messages or calls outside their working hours without any consequences. That law passed in 2024, was to encourage a work-life balance where both parties respect each other’s time.
Ireland also has something similar with the Right to Disconnect legislation. The code of practice gives employees the right to disengage from work and not respond to emails, calls or messages after work hours.
Best Way to Unplug
Rather than thinking of digital detox as a sprint, think of it as a marathon with checkpoints. Pulling the plug from all your devices might be difficult, so start small, like decluttering your phone. Delete apps you don’t use and try reducing the time you spend on your phone.
Set screen-free breaks and go outside, take a walk and meet people. After a while, evaluate your progress and add measures to reduce screen time. You’ll notice that your mental health will improve over time.