#DigitalDetox

In an era dominated by scrolling, posting, and the intoxicating chase for likes, a growing body of psychology research suggests that those who still keep private journals possess five distinct psychological qualities rarely found in the average social media user. As digital sharing becomes almost obligatory for many—whether for meals, milestones, or even moments of grief—the decision to reach for a notebook instead of a smartphone says far more about the mind than simple nostalgia.

Groundbreaking psychological research demonstrates that individuals who maintain private journals develop five distinct mental attributes that set them apart from typical social media users, offering crucial insights for Thailand’s digitally saturated society where online connectivity rates rank among the world’s highest yet mental health concerns continue escalating. As digital sharing becomes increasingly compulsive for meals, milestones, and personal moments, the conscious choice to write privately rather than post publicly reveals profound psychological differences that impact emotional resilience, authentic self-expression, and long-term wellbeing in ways that challenge contemporary assumptions about digital communication benefits.

A new wave of research supported by global education experts highlights that adopting a handful of straightforward daily habits can significantly enhance a child’s academic performance. The evidence-backed practices—ranging from consistent study routines and distraction-free environments to balanced sleep and nutrition—are gaining traction among educators, parents, and health professionals alike. As Thailand prepares for another academic year, these actionable insights offer fresh direction for families eager to help children reach their full educational potential.

A wave of recent research from global education experts shows that a few simple daily habits can meaningfully boost learning outcomes. Solid study routines, distraction-free spaces, and balanced sleep and nutrition are gaining traction among teachers, parents, and health professionals. As Thailand begins a new school year, these actionable insights offer fresh guidance for families seeking sustainable academic growth.

In Thailand, where academic excellence is often tied to long hours and extensive tutoring, these findings offer a hopeful balance. Many Thai students feel pressure from families and cultural expectations, sometimes leading to stress and burnout. The emphasis on practical daily habits provides a science-backed, attainable framework that complements traditional study practices.

A growing global movement urges families to unplug during summer. Recent recommendations from the UK’s Raising the Nation Play Commission support the idea that a phone-free break can curb digital overuse while boosting resilience, happiness, and social skills. In many households, experts warn that excessive smartphone use is linked to lower well-being, especially for children who spend long hours online.

For Thai families and educators, this trend aligns with local concerns about children’s screen habits. Thai and international studies indicate that high screen time can relate to behavioral and emotional challenges. As routines shift toward digital engagement, parents, schools, and policymakers in Thailand are seeking practical ways to restore balanced childhood experiences and healthy social development.

As concerns about children’s mental health and screen dependency rise globally, the call to “rewild” children—allowing them to spend summer away from smartphones—has become a powerful trend. Drawing inspiration from recent recommendations by the Raising the Nation Play Commission in the UK, new evidence suggests that a phone-free summer might not only curb digital overuse but also foster resilience, happiness, and social skills in young people. This movement comes at a crucial time as research and parent anecdotes paint a portrait of a generation described as “sedentary, scrolling and alone,” with smartphone use implicated in declining childhood wellbeing (The Times).

A growing global trend points to travelers longing to unplug from relentless digital interruptions, political turmoil, and everyday drama. According to a recent Booking.com survey, more than half of global travelers—56 percent—are now seeking “off the beaten path” getaways, opting for seclusion and tranquility over crowds and connectivity, as recently reported by The New York Times (nytimes.com). From wood-fired hot tubs on the glacial shores of Lake Superior to starlit beds on remote Swedish islands, new research and industry reports reveal how a desire for peace, personal reconnection, and even a touch of adventure are driving the boom in “off-the-grid” resorts worldwide.

A global surge in digital detox travel is reshaping how people vacation. A recent Booking.com survey shows 56% of travelers now prefer off-the-beaten-path getaways that prioritize seclusion and tranquility over crowded, highly connected destinations. From wood-fired hot tubs beside remote lakes to starlit beds on secluded islands, the trend signals a desire for personal renewal, lighter screens, and gentle adventure.

The shift resonates strongly with Thai readers who face rising digital overload and urban stress. Thailand’s tourism sector is exploring unplugged experiences that align with the country’s deep respect for nature and traditional healing practices found in places like Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi. Local operators are reimagining offerings to attract both domestic and international visitors seeking nature-based wellness.

In a digital world flooded with wellness advice, new research and expert opinion reveal that so-called “quick fixes” widely promoted on social media are unlikely to have any real effect on our body’s principal stress hormone, cortisol—a chemical that, while critical to health, can pose risks if chronically elevated. As Thai society faces rising mental health challenges amid work, family, and financial pressures, understanding what really works to manage stress has never been more important.

A growing wave of social media wellness tips promises fast relief from stress, but new research shows these tricks rarely change the body’s main stress hormone, cortisol. For Thailand’s workers, students, and families under pressure, understanding what actually helps is more important than ever.

Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands during stress. It supports metabolism, blood pressure, and immune responses, but chronically high levels can contribute to weight gain, sleep disruption, and health problems. In Thailand, workplace demands, academic pressure, and financial worries fuel interest in quick online remedies such as “cortisol cocktails” or over-the-counter supplements.

A sweeping wave of digital fatigue and internet burnout has set the tone for summer 2025, as online life feels more overwhelming and less enjoyable than ever before, pushing millions worldwide—and in Thailand—to seek solace offline. Recent essays and fresh research highlight not only a cultural turning point but a crucial mental health inflection: the internet as we knew it is over, and going outside is the new imperative for personal and collective well-being (Slate).

A growing wave of internet fatigue is reshaping summer 2025, with online life feeling heavier and less enjoyable. In Thailand, millions are seeking relief offline as experts urge a shift from scrolling to real-world engagement. New essays and research point to a cultural inflection: the era of constant online overload may be giving way to a “log off, reconnect” mindset that prioritizes direct human connection.

Once a hub of joy and community, the internet now often delivers floods of distressing news and competing voices. Experts describe a pervasive sense of mental fatigue and anxiety, prompting many to pursue authentic in-person experiences. The message is clear: touching grass is not just a meme but a practical step toward better well-being.

In a time when mental health challenges loom large for the youngest generation of adults, emerging research—and the experiences of a select group of American “Zoomers”—suggests that saying “yes” to religion and family, while putting limits on social media, may be the keys to a happier life. According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, young Americans aged 18 to 29 ranked just 62nd in overall wellbeing out of 140 countries surveyed for self-reported life satisfaction—significantly lower than the broader U.S. adult population, which placed 24th. However, interviews with young adults who defy this downward trend highlight a set of unexpectedly traditional solutions: nurturing spiritual ties, investing in close familial relationships, and unplugging from the social media treadmill (NY Post).

New research and real-life stories from young adults suggest a simple path to well-being: lean on faith and family, while placing finite limits on social media. The 2025 World Happiness Report shows U.S. 18–29-year-olds ranking 62nd in life satisfaction, far behind the national adult average at 24th. Yet a subset of Gen Z individuals report higher happiness by embracing traditional supports and unplugging from constant online content.

This matters for Thai readers. Youth in Thailand are among Southeast Asia’s most active social media users, spending hours daily on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. At the same time, worries about anxiety, depression, and meaninglessness are rising, mirroring global trends. With Buddhism, strong family values, and a dynamic youth culture, Thailand has both the resources and the need to explore practical, culturally resonant solutions.

In an age where busy schedules and digital distractions are the norm, a rising number of millennial parents are embracing the concept of the “kitchen table family”—a household practice in which family members consistently gather to share meals and meaningful conversations away from screens and outside pressures. This renewed intention to carve out daily or weekly moments of togetherness, highlighted in a recent POPSUGAR feature, is being lauded by mental health experts as a simple but effective way to strengthen family bonds and foster emotional well-being, especially among children.

A growing number of millennial parents are reviving the idea of a kitchen table family—daily or weekly gatherings where meals and conversations happen away from screens. Mental health experts praise this simple practice as a powerful way to strengthen family bonds and support children’s emotional well-being.

The kitchen table symbolize an intentional space where every member, young or old, feels seen and heard. An adolescent mental health clinician notes that families who eat together regularly tend to have stronger relationships, clearer communication, and healthier coping strategies. These rituals go beyond food; they provide a dependable rhythm of connection and stability for children.

A growing body of research, highlighted in a new report by NPR, reveals that retraining your brain to crave movement instead of scrolling social media is possible—and may be essential for long-term mental and physical health. This article, based on insights from clinical psychologist and movement specialist authors of the book “I Know I Should Exercise But…”, dives into their latest recommendations for breaking the scrolling cycle and embracing more active habits—a message with powerful implications for Thais grappling with lifestyle changes in the digital era (NPR, 2025).

A growing body of research suggests that the brain can be retrained to crave movement instead of endless scrolling. In a new briefing inspired by experts who co-authored a book on exercise motivation, scientists outline practical strategies to break the scrolling cycle and embrace more active habits. For Thai readers, these insights offer a timely blueprint as digital habits grip daily life in urban centers.

In today’s fast-paced environment, stress and fatigue push many toward phone use as a comforting distraction. Yet frequent screen time often leads to heightened anxiety, reduced physical activity, and mood dips. In Thailand, where many youths report long daily screen hours, these habits pose concerning health risks, including rising obesity and mental health challenges noted by health authorities and academic work.

Creativity may thrive when we allow ourselves to feel bored. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, championed this counterintuitive idea, and recent neuroscience supports it. A growing body of research suggests that brief periods of boredom can boost problem-solving and spark innovative thinking. This challenges the common belief that downtime is wasted time.

In today’s hyper-connected world, many people in Bangkok and other Thai cities rarely experience true quiet. Smartphones and constant notifications fill gaps that once encouraged reflection. The idea of welcoming boredom may feel foreign, but it’s precisely what many Thai professionals and students need to unlock deeper creativity.

A remarkable insight into the world of creativity comes from none other than Steve Jobs, the legendary co-founder of Apple Inc., who championed an unexpected yet profound approach: embracing boredom. According to a recent article from Inc.com source, supported by burgeoning neuroscience research, spending more time feeling bored can significantly contribute to creativity and productivity. This notion challenges the conventional view that idle time is wasted time. Instead, it suggests that a little boredom might enhance our ability to solve problems and generate innovative insights.

A recent study has captured widespread attention by highlighting the significant impact of using screens before bedtime on sleep quality. According to the study, engaging in screen time before bed can increase your risk of insomnia by an alarming 59% while also reducing overall sleep time by approximately 24 minutes. These findings emphasize the urgent need for awareness regarding nighttime habits that could be subtly undermining sleep health.

This research is particularly relevant as the global population becomes increasingly dependent on digital devices for both work and leisure. In Thailand, the widespread usage of smartphones and tablets, especially among the younger generation, aligns with global trends. However, this study’s findings are a reminder of the potential consequences of such habits, sparking concerns that might resonate with tech-savvy Thais who have embraced digital lifestyles extensively.