Digital disconnection : the impact on portuguese adolescents’ well-being

Abstract

Digital disconnection behaviours emerge due to the overwhelming presence of digital technologies in people’s lives. The constant pressure to be online and connected has led individuals to reflect on their digital media practices and to search for healthier habits that do not include being in front of a screen. Hence, reducing or withdrawing from digital devices or social networks has become a growing trend in recent years, as well as a subject of interest for several researchers. However, studies on the potential outcomes of engaging in digital disconnection experiences are scarce. The present dissertation explores the digital disconnection journeys of Portuguese adolescents in depth,starting by comprehending the motivations that lead to one’s urge to unplug from the digital world and then exploring the strategies implemented to conduct this new behaviour. Through this analysis, the final purpose is to assess whether digital disconnection experiences impact young individuals' well being. This exploratory research follows a qualitative methodology, with interviews conducted to 20 Portuguese adolescents aged between 15 to 18 years old. The results have demonstrated important findings that enrich the research field of digital disconnection. According to the participants, the urge to better use their time, the harmful social pressure related to social media, as well as their toxic environment are the main motivators to withdraw from social networks and reduce screen time. Moreover, three predominant behaviours were identified regarding the digital disconnection approaches –drastic disconnection, progressive disconnection, and self regulation.In conclusion, when analysing the outcomes of embracing this new behaviour, the results have shown that,although the immediate effect may be negative, one’s ability to overcome these challenges results in surprisingly beneficial outcomes for their well being in the long run. Adolescents described building healthier routines, improving their friendships, surpassing personal in securities, and sharing a feeling of self accomplishment and discovery.

Date of Award	15 Feb 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Dias (Supervisor)