TikTok and other social media sites are advocating for dopamine detoxes. While definitions vary, a dopamine detox often involves taking a break from social media, streaming services, and video games for a set amount of time. Is this the best way to make yourself feel more comfortable with your own thoughts for a while? Here’s what to know about how to take a dopamine detox and what benefits these breaks may offer.
What Is a Dopamine Detox?
Although the exact rules can vary from person to person, a dopamine detox generally involves refraining from social media use, streaming music or television shows, video games, and most other habit-forming technology. It's essentially a way to use technology more mindfully, instead of relying on your phone, computer, or tablet for constant content.
As TikTokkers like maritza.artola explain, the break from constant notifications and other distractions can help your brain essentially reset—allowing you to focus on other tasks or activities. If tech use is interfering with your productivity, or it's simply a habit you're having trouble breaking, then refraining from these activities for a set amount of time can be beneficial.
As it turns out, many people are curious about this idea, as the endless videos on TikTok—and plenty of Instagram posts—prove. But do you need to take a dopamine detox?
Does a Dopamine Detox Work?
In general, the term dopamine detox is a bit misleading. A person’s dopamine levels do not decrease by avoiding stimulating habits, according to Harvard Health Publishing. As a type of neurotransmitter, dopamine does play a role in the body's reward responses, but avoiding social media for a few days will not lower it.
For the most part, the idea of a dopamine detox is not backed by scientific research, according to Medical News Today. Again, changing activities will not stop your brain's dopamine production.
When to Take a Break From Tech
Although the specific concept of a dopamine detox is a bit misinformed, there may be some mental and emotional benefits to unplugging from social media, smartphones, and more tech in general. For instance, decreasing or temporarily pausing your tech use may help with symptoms of depression, according to Mobile Media & Communication.
On an anecdotal level, many people enjoy taking a break from social media to focus on other activities, as well as stop the habit of endlessly scrolling. Because there are some potential negative effects of social media, such as increased anxiety and unrealistic expectations, stepping away for a bit can be a healthy decision.
As it turns out, some people take a similar approach to dopamine detoxes under a different name. For instance, TikTokker thegirlwithgoals took on the challenge of living a "boring" life by avoiding phones, television, and video games for 30 days—with positive results.
Although it may not change your dopamine levels, unplugging for a bit can offer you peace of mind, as well as freeing up the time to pursue other interests.
Take a Tech Break to Decrease Stress
While dopamine detoxes may not work exactly the way some social media users portray them, taking a step back from tech for a few days can offer some mental and emotional benefits. If you're curious about this idea, then set your own parameters and see how you feel after a few hours or days with decreased tech use.