Your Guide to the Digital Detox

In today’s hyper-digital age, we often wake up to the magnetic pull of Instagram’s picture-perfect stories and the irresistible allure of TikTok trends. Our feeds bombard us with meticulously curated snapshots of other people’s lives. Every time you scroll through sun-kissed images of peers at parties or study groups, a subtle pang hits: “Why wasn’t I invited?” or “Why am I not achieving as much?” With each swipe, the whispers of self-doubt grow louder. But as the familiar wave of self-criticism threatens to peak, we console ourselves, thinking, “One more scroll, maybe I’ll find something that makes me feel better.” Yet, more often than not, we find ourselves in another loop of our digital cycle of self-comparison.

The average college student juggles more than just academics. They’re managing a digital persona, and the weight of that can sometimes be overwhelming. Our days start with alarm apps and end with a final scroll through feeds. Our success, popularity and self-worth begin to hinge on the number of notifications we wake up to and from whom. Somewhere, amidst the relentless hustle of maintaining this virtual self, the real you—with tangible experiences, physical interactions and sincere emotions—gets overshadowed.

But what if there’s a way out of this digital maze?

Understanding the Digital Detox

A digital detox is all about intentional screen time reduction. Forget the myths—it’s not about deserting all devices or declaring tech the enemy. It’s about mindfulness, giving yourself permission to pause and a chance to prioritize your mental wellness. Consider it a recalibration of sorts; a chance to hit refresh on your connection to the real world.

So, are you ready to embark on this journey? Well, I still have your attention, so…

Let’s run through our checklist real quick: Wallet? Check. Keys? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Chapstick? Duh. Phone? Che-…wait a minute. What if just this once, we leave that screen behind?

Digital Detox in Action

Embarking on a digital detox doesn’t mean moving to the woods, especially when you’re in a town as vibrant as ours. Here are some ideas to spice things up while you’re away from your screen:

• Old School Planning: Ditch the texts and stories. Hunt for events on local bulletin boards, bathroom stalls and wooden poles. Find an interesting event? Rush to note it down the traditional way—with pen and paper. You might look crazy but in a good way. People might think you’re having a Eureka moment.

• Polk Place Lounging: Yes, “touch grass” has become an internet jibe, but there’s merit in it. Grab a blanket, enjoy nature’s carpet and soak up the sun. Reconnecting with nature, even in simple ways, has been shown to reduce stress and boost well-being.

• Blind Thrifting: Instead of searching with a specific item in mind, embrace the mystery. Swap Pinterest for real pins and patches, and dive into the unique pieces at Rumors or another local thrift store. Just as a blind date brings surprise, let yourself discover without intent. Every thrifted item has a rich background, and who knows, maybe you’ll find one that speaks its story to you.

• Community Gardening: Dive into UNC-Chapel Hill’s community garden and volunteer. Not only will you be doing something beneficial for Carolina, but good luck reaching for that phone when you’re knee-deep in the dirt with gardening gloves on.

• Live Performances: Seek out local comedy or drag shows. There’s something magical about watching a performance live, feeling the energy of the room and being a part of the moment in real-time—something a screen just can’t replicate.

• No Headphones: Dive into Carrboro’s music scene in person. Instead of streaming, feel the live bass with a drink in hand. At UNC, explore the free-form radio station in the Student Union and flip through their record collection. Take a moment to sit in for recitals at the Kenan Music Building. For a hands-on experience, mess around with the CDJs and synthesizers in the Beat Lab.

• Chalking: Whether it’s a quote, a doodle or a masterpiece, let the brick pathways on campus be your canvas for the day. Creative expressions like chalking can be therapeutic, allowing us to channel emotions and thoughts in a tangible form.

• Instant Photography: Rediscover the charm of instant cameras. Capture moments spontaneously—raw and unfiltered.

These are some lighthearted activities that have made a difference for me, but I understand they might not click with everyone. Figuring out what we really want to do isn’t easy, and it’s even harder when we’re dealing with sensory overload. It can feel impossible to process anything when every beep, buzz and chirp demands our full attention. 

In my experience, I can never go wrong by setting my phone down when I’m stressed. Whenever I intentionally set it aside, close my eyes and try to quiet my mind, it’s like opening an old album, rediscovering parts of myself that almost felt lost. This is the essence of digital detoxing.

Today, I’ve tapped back into a cherished part of me: my passion for street photography. Through digital detoxing, I’ve dusted off that old lens, both metaphorically and literally, and recovered the joy and freedom I once felt being behind my DSLR. Perhaps a digital detox might help you reconnect with something you once cherished too. You are so much more than what’s showcased on your profiles; no collection of social media posts or stories could ever truly capture the boundless beauty and wonder that is you. While your feed and for-you page might have limits, the magic inside you knows none. Sometimes you’ve just got to take a moment to see it.

Detoxing isn’t just about putting away our screens; it’s about finding balance. It’s a journey back to moments like sharing a laugh with a new friend, discovering a hidden spot on campus or feeling the thrill of unexpected reunions. Real, genuine moments are out there waiting for us. So every now and then, let’s promise to look up and experience life offline.

P.S. If you liked this guide, well, you could share it on your favorite app… But maybe after that detox, okay? 😸