Digital Silence and Mental Health

Digital Silence and Mental Health: The Effects of a Digital Detox Intervention on Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Sleep Quality, and Emotion Regulation in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Social media use has been linked to negative mental health outcomes, including increased anxiety, depression, stress, poor sleep quality, and difficulties in emotion regulation. Digital detox interventions, which involve reducing or temporarily eliminating digital engagement, have emerged as a strategy to mitigate these effects. However, current evidence regarding their effectiveness is mixed and limited by short-term follow-ups and methodological variability. This study aims to examine the impact of a digital detox intervention on depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, and emotion regulation in young adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Owning a smartphone
• Using social media for ≥ 8 hours per day
• Not having a diagnosis related to anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, or emotional regulation
• Living in an environment with internet access
• Providing voluntary informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a history of psychiatric diagnosis
• Currently using psychiatric medication
• Having received psychological counseling in the past 6 months
• Having a diagnosis of sleep disorder