Improving Well-Being Through Digital Detoxification Among Social Media Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Digital detoxification is a conscious disconnection from all smartphone activities for a certain period of time, which has been undertaken as effective by researchers to improve well-being, but studies found inconsistent results, with a primary focus on negative well-being, thus necessitating a need to focus on the positive aspect. As a result, the current study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess digital detoxification and its influence on users subjective and psychological well-being (PWB). A comprehensive search (up to November 19, 2023) across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Pro-Quest, and Google Search yielded a total of 26 eligible studies (18 for meta-analysis) comprising 8,147 participants (Mage = 25.20 years). The Studies' quality was assessed using Cochrane's updated Risk of Bias Tool, and statistical analysis was performed in R Studio. Digital detoxification was found to be effective in improving subjective well-being (SWB) (Standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.34; p < 0.01, I2 = 73.6%, n = 14 papers), as well as PWB (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.46; p < 0.05; I2 = 0.0%, n = 4 papers). Notably, we detected no publication bias but addressed funnel plot asymmetry using Trim & Fill. Moderation analysis revealed the impact of internet coverage, developmental status, location, intervention effectiveness, and risk of bias on the estimated effect size for SWB. Meta-regression highlighted the significant influence of mean age, and although no potential outliers were identified, influential plots are provided for transparency. Our findings consolidate the efficacy of digital detoxification, emphasizing the need for nuanced consideration of study factors. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital well-being, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.