Going on a digital detox will definitely make you feel better, but it won't actually help you get more work done or focus any better.
March 25, 2026
Original Paper
Do Disconnection Strategies Improve Well-Being and Productivity? A Two-Wave Panel Study Over One Month
PsyArXiv · 27n3w_v1
The Takeaway
The study found that while intentional disconnection makes us feel better emotionally, it doesn't stop us from being distracted or help us get more work done. Our productivity issues seem to be independent of whether we are currently using our devices.
From the abstract
The self-regulation of mobile media use through digital disconnection is frequently proposed as an option to avoid undesirable outcomes of constant connectivity, such as reduced well-being, lower productivity and more distraction. Based on models of digital well-being and self-regulation, this study investigates whether using digital disconnection strategies can be an effective way to increase well-being and productivity and reduce distractions. We address this question in a two-wave panel study