The Digital Paradox: Why Smartphones Haven’t Made Us Happier And What to Do About It

Some researchers have argued that smartphones and social media have ruined an entire generation, while others have concluded that the effect of digital media on well-being is about as negligible as eating potatoes. But unlike potatoes, our pervasive connection to the internet affords us convenient access to unlimited information, entertainment, and social connection. Why on earth, then, isn’t the ubiquitous access to digital media making us happier (than potatoes)? In this talk, I will examine how and why smartphones and social media affect well-being and mental health in both adolescents and adults. Drawing on my own research, I will argue that considering the opportunity costs of digital media is key to understanding why our amazingly useful digital devices have failed to make us happier. Finally, I will explore how we can improve our digital well-being by presenting emerging evidence on the efficacy of digital detox interventions. This exploration of digital media’s impact on well-being will provide insights into creating a healthier relationship with technology and optimizing its benefits while mitigating its negative effects.