nappuse

Nappuse is a term used in digital wellness discourse to describe the intentional abstention from using smartphone applications for a defined period, with aims including improved attention, enhanced face-to-face interaction, and reduced digital stress. The term combines the idea of “no app use” with a pause, and has appeared in online forums, wellness blogs, and program materials since the late 2010s. Its exact etymology remains informal and not standardized.

In practice, nappuse can be scheduled (such as a weekend nappuse) or spontaneous, and can be undertaken individually, with friends, or within organized groups. Common approaches accompany nappuse with activities like mindfulness exercises, outdoor time, or conversations, and may involve practical steps such as turning off notifications, leaving devices in another room, or restricting device use to essential functions only.

Evidence for nappuse is largely anecdotal, with proponents reporting benefits such as greater attention, more meaningful social interactions, and lower perceived stress. Critics caution about potential social friction, especially in contexts where connectivity is required, and note that reduced screen time is not a universal remedy. Systematic research is limited, and more rigorous studies are needed to evaluate its effects across different populations and settings.

See also: digital detox, mindfulness, screen time, technology use.