digital detox

Meaning

A period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and social media. It is typically done to reduce stress, reconnect with the physical world, and improve mental well-being.

Examples

• I'm planning a digital detox this weekend, so I won't be checking my emails.

  I'm planning a digital detox this weekend, so I won't be checking my emails.

• After spending ten hours a day on Zoom, she desperately needed a digital detox.

  After spending ten hours a day on Zoom, she desperately needed a digital detox.

• Going on a camping trip is the perfect excuse for a complete digital detox.

  Going on a camping trip is the perfect excuse for a complete digital detox.

• He noticed his sleep improved significantly after just a three-day digital detox.

  He noticed his sleep improved significantly after just a three-day digital detox.

• I try to do a mini digital detox every Sunday by leaving my phone in another room.

  I try to do a mini digital detox every Sunday by leaving my phone in another room.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am going to make a digital detox next week.

  ✓ I am going to do a digital detox next week.

  Collocation error. You do not 'make' a detox; you 'do' a detox or 'go on' a detox.

• ✗ She is on a digital detoxing right now.

  ✓ She is on a digital detox right now.

  'Detox' is used as a noun in this phrase, not the gerund 'detoxing'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I highly recommend going on a ___ if you feel overwhelmed by social media.

  💡 A period spent away from screens and electronic devices.

  Show answer

  digital detox

• During my weekend ___, I read two books and went for long walks in the park.

  💡 A noun phrase describing a temporary break from technology.

  Show answer

  digital detox