DIGITAL DETOX TECHNOLOGIES: DESIGNING INFORMATION SYSTEMS THAT PROMOTE USER WELL-BEING IN THE AGE OF OVERLOAD

Abstract

This research examines elements that influence self-regulation of digital device engagement with five predictors in mind; Digital Addiction (DA), Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), Habit Development (HAB), Health Severity (HLTH), and Social Isolation (ISO). A total of 250 respondents completed the structured survey for the current analysis measuring all five constructs. The descriptive analysis indicated that respondents engaged with digital behaviours mostly between moderate and very high ... digital engagement correlates with levels of addiction and habit development. Reliability estimates indicated that all constructs had acceptable internal consistency. The correlation analysis results indicated that self-regulation was significantly, but negatively related to both digital addiction and habit development and that social isolation was significantly but very modestly related. There were no significant correlations between FOMO and health severity with self-regulation (in the expected direction). The regression analysis illustrated that to have the most significant negative impact on self-regulation was digital addiction; social isolation indicated a positive (non-negatively related) that is limited based on the mean value and std deviation of self-regulation when combined with all respondents results. FOMO had a modest (approaching significance) relationship, and health severity was not significantly related to self-regulation. The overall model showed a statistically significant relationship explaining 11.6% of the variance in self-regulation. The results indicate that efforts to improve digital self-control should address compulsive and habitual patterns of use, promote sightful habits around technology, and assist individuals who are socially withdrawing to engage in reflective processes. The study promotes a behaviourally informed understanding of digital self-regulation and contributes to the existing perspective on future research and potential practical digital wellbeing programmes.