unplugging

Unplugging is the act of disengaging from electronic devices and digital networks. It describes deliberate withdrawal from constant connectivity to reduce stress, improve attention, or restore balance. It can be undertaken as a personal practice, a retreat from work, or a lifestyle choice.

It has grown with the rise of smartphones, social media, and always-on work culture. People may unplug to escape information overload, sleep disruption, or social pressure, and to reconnect with offline activities, nature, or in-person relationships.

Common practices include setting designated "tech-free" times or zones, turning off nonessential notifications, placing devices out of reach, using grayscale modes, or engaging in analog hobbies such as reading, walking, cooking. Some programs structure unplugging as a digital detox or retreat lasting hours, days, or longer.

Reported benefits include improved sleep quality and concentration, reduced anxiety, greater mindfulness, and stronger interpersonal connections. Critics note that unplugging may be impractical in some jobs or communities, and that it does not address underlying systemic issues such as work demands or accessibility gaps. Overly rigid unplugging can also lead to FOMO or social disconnection.

Practical considerations include planning, starting gradually, and communicating boundaries to others. Privacy and safety concerns may arise if important information cannot be accessed. It is often presented as one component of a broader approach to digital well-being.

See also digital detox, technostress, digital well-being, mindfulness.