The Digital Detox: Why More Young People Are Choosing the Outdoors Over Screens
Are Young People Really Detoxing from Technology?
In a world where technology is everywhere, young people are starting to push back. Gen Z and Millennials have grown up surrounded by screens, but now many are choosing to step away. Digital detoxing - the act of cutting back on technology use, is becoming a movement with more young people spending time outdoors, unplugging from their devices, and reconnecting with nature.
How Much Screen Time Are We Really Using?
The average screen time for young people has skyrocketed in the past decade. Studies show that:
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Teens spend an average of 7-9 hours per day on screens, including social media, gaming, and streaming (Common Sense Media, 2023).
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Children aged 8-12 spend about 5 hours daily on screens (Common Sense Media, 2023).
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60% of young people say they feel addicted to their phones (Pew Research, 2023).
- A 2024 survey found that 95% of U.S. teenagers have access to smartphones, with 97% going online daily and 48% reporting being online "almost constantly"
With so much time spent online, the negative effects are becoming clearer: increased anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and lack of real-world social interactions. This has led many young people to look for healthier alternatives - and the outdoors is their answer.
The Rise of Outdoor Activities Among Youth
Instead of scrolling through social media for hours, many young people are finding new ways to spend their time. The outdoor industry is seeing a massive increase in youth participation in activities such as:
Digital Detox Trends:
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In 2024, searches for "digital detox" more than tripled compared to 2023, indicating a growing interest among individuals, including young people, in reducing screen time.
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Hiking and Camping - National parks have reported a 15% increase in youth visitors in the last five years (National Park Service, 2023).
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Surfing, Kayaking, and Water Sports - Outdoor water activities have grown by 20% among young people since 2020 (Outdoor Industry Association, 2023).
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Cycling and Running - Bike sales increased 45% in 2020 and continue to be popular among Gen Z (Bicycle Retailer, 2023).
Why Are Young People Unplugging?
Several factors are driving this shift:
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Mental Health Awareness - More young people recognize the impact of too much screen time on their mental well-being.
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Desire for Real-World Experiences - The pandemic made many appreciate the importance of real-life connections and nature.
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Social Media Fatigue - Over 55% of Gen Z say they need a break from social media and digital life (Digital Wellbeing Report, 2023).
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Increased Outdoor Influencers - Adventure influencers and outdoor brands promoting nature have made outdoor activities trendy again.
The Science Behind Nature and Well-Being
Nature isn’t just fun - it has proven mental and physical health benefits:
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Spending just 20 minutes outside can lower stress levels by 16% (University of Michigan, 2023).
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Young people who spend time outdoors report feeling 30% happier than those who don’t (Nature & Mental Health Study, 2023).
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Regular outdoor activity improves sleep quality by 50% (Sleep Foundation, 2023).
How to Start a Digital Detox
If you're thinking about cutting back on screen time and spending more time outdoors, here are some tips:
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Set screen limits - Use app blockers or set “no phone” times during the day.
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Plan outdoor adventures - Schedule a hike, camping trip, or a simple park visit.
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Join outdoor groups - Find local hiking or cycling communities to make it social.
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Try mindfulness activities - Yoga, meditation, and journaling outdoors can help with the transition.
Is the Digital Detox Trend Here to Stay?
As more young people embrace the benefits of unplugging, the digital detox movement is only growing. With increasing awareness of mental health and the impact of screen time, spending time outdoors is becoming the new normal.
