![\"Is](\"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/files\/2025\/08\/iStock-1288088581-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Phones, tablets, and computers keep us connected, productive, and informed. But when digital devices start interfering with sleep, mood, relationships, or attention span, it may be time to pause and reset.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Para leer en Espa\u00f1ol, por favor haga clic aqu\u00ed<\/a><\/p>\n A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that more than 70% of adults check their phones within 10 minutes of waking up. And it\u2019s not just social media \u2013 banking, shopping, email, news alerts, games, and streaming platforms all contribute to digital overload.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Social media use isn\u2019t just a habit \u2013 it taps into the brain\u2019s reward system in powerful ways.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSmartphones trigger dopamine release \u2013 a neurotransmitter tied to mood, motivation, and pleasure,\u201d says <\/span>Natasha Chase, MD<\/span><\/a>, a family medicine obstetrician at Cooper University Health Care<\/a>. \u201cThe brain craves that rewarding feeling, especially with social media. When users see a new notification, dopamine spikes, reinforcing the urge to keep checking. But when there\u2019s nothing there, dopamine drops, creating a negative feedback loop. Over time, this constant cycle can leave you feeling distracted, drained, and anxious.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But how do we unplug when so much of our life relies on technology?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A digital detox is an intentional break from digital devices \u2013 especially phones, tablets, and social media \u2013 for a set period. It could be for a few hours, a weekend, a few days on vacation, or longer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cA digital detox doesn\u2019t have to mean going offline forever,\u201d Dr. Chase says. \u201cIt simply means creating space to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and your surroundings.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Yes. Age influences how screen time affects the body and mind.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Children and Teens<\/span><\/b> Adults<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many adults spend 7 to 10+ hours a day on screens. This can lead to eye strain, poor sleep, more sedentary time, and increased stress.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Older Adults (60+)<\/span><\/b> \u201cScreen time should be intentional and enriching,\u201d Dr. Chase says. \u201cChoose content that boosts connection and cognitive health. Choose to follow social media accounts that post informative and positive content.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Social media platforms and smartphones are designed to capture and keep your attention. This addictive cycle can affect mental and physical health in several ways.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Mental Health Impacts:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Physical Health Impacts:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A 2023 study from the National Institute of Mental Health found that individuals who limited social media use to 30 minutes a day reported significant decreases in anxiety and depression symptoms after just three weeks.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSocial media isn\u2019t inherently harmful, but excessive use can have real consequences,\u201d Dr. Chase says. \u201cRecognizing these effects and setting healthy boundaries can help protect your overall well-being.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Technology is fantastic in so many ways, enriching our lives for the better. But even too much of a good thing can affect your well-being. Ask yourself:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If any of the above items apply to you, you\u2019re not alone\u2014and there are ways to take control.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThink of a digital detox as a way to reset your relationship with technology,\u201d Dr. Chase says. \u201cEven small changes, like putting your phone down an hour before bed or turning off notifications during meals, can help you feel more present and decrease stress levels.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are a few ideas to help you start:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most of us are probably spending more time than we\u2019d like on our phones, tablets, or laptops and there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all solution. It\u2019s especially challenging in a world where many employers expect us to be \u201calways on,\u201d even outside traditional work hours.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cScreens can be tremendously beneficial in both our personal and professional lives,\u201d says Dr. Chase. \u201cBut being more intentional \u2013 about when, how, and why we use them \u2013 can make a real difference in how we feel.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Talk with your primary care professional about how screen time may affect your health. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To schedule an appointment with a Cooper\u202fprimary care\u202fprofessional, call <\/span>800.8.COOPER<\/span><\/a>\u202f(<\/span>800.826.6737<\/span><\/a>) or use our online <\/span>appointment request form<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>\u202f<\/span>\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/a> Los tel\u00e9fonos, tabletas y computadoras nos mantienen conectados, productivos e informados. Pero cuando los dispositivos digitales empiezan a interferir con el sue\u00f1o, el estado de \u00e1nimo, las relaciones o la capacidad de atenci\u00f3n, puede que sea hora de hacer una pausa y reiniciar.<\/p>\n Un estudio reciente del Pew Research Center revel\u00f3 que m\u00e1s del 70 % de los adultos revisan sus tel\u00e9fonos en los 10 minutos siguientes a despertarse. Y no se trata solo de las redes sociales: la banca, las compras, el correo electr\u00f3nico, las alertas de noticias, los juegos y las plataformas de streaming contribuyen a la sobrecarga digital.<\/p>\n El uso de las redes sociales no es solo un h\u00e1bito, sino que estimula el sistema de recompensa del cerebro de forma poderosa.<\/p>\n \u201cLos tel\u00e9fonos inteligentes desencadenan la liberaci\u00f3n de dopamina, un neurotransmisor vinculado al estado de \u00e1nimo, la motivaci\u00f3n y el placer\u201d, afirma la Natasha Chase, MD<\/span><\/a>, obstetra de medicina familiar en Cooper University Health Care<\/a><\/span>. El cerebro anhela esa sensaci\u00f3n de satisfacci\u00f3n, especialmente con las redes sociales. Cuando los usuarios ven una nueva notificaci\u00f3n, la dopamina se dispara, reforzando la necesidad de seguir revis\u00e1ndola. Pero cuando no hay nada, la dopamina disminuye, creando un c\u00edrculo vicioso. Con el tiempo, este ciclo constante puede hacer que te sientas distra\u00eddo, agotado y ansioso.<\/p>\n Pero \u00bfc\u00f3mo nos desconectamos cuando gran parte de nuestra vida depende de la tecnolog\u00eda?<\/p>\n \u00bfQu\u00e9 es una desintoxicaci\u00f3n digital?<\/strong><\/p>\n Una desintoxicaci\u00f3n digital es un descanso intencional de los dispositivos digitales, especialmente tel\u00e9fonos, tabletas y redes sociales, durante un per\u00edodo determinado. Puede ser unas horas, un fin de semana, unos d\u00edas de vacaciones o m\u00e1s.<\/p>\n \u201cUna desintoxicaci\u00f3n digital no tiene por qu\u00e9 significar desconectarse para siempre\u201d, afirma el Dr. Chase. \u201cSimplemente significa crear un espacio para reconectar contigo mismo, con tus seres queridos y con tu entorno\u201d.<\/p>\n \u00bfImporta la edad en cuanto al tiempo frente a la pantalla?<\/strong><\/p>\n S\u00ed. La edad influye en c\u00f3mo el tiempo frente a la pantalla afecta el cuerpo y la mente.<\/p>\n Ni\u00f1os y adolescentes<\/strong> Adultos<\/strong><\/p>\n Muchos adultos pasan de 7 a 10 horas al d\u00eda frente a pantallas. Esto puede provocar fatiga visual, falta de sue\u00f1o, m\u00e1s tiempo sedentario y mayor estr\u00e9s.<\/p>\n Adultos mayores (60+)<\/strong> \u201cEl tiempo frente a pantallas debe ser intencional y enriquecedor\u201d, afirma el Dr. Chase. \u201cElija contenido que fomente la conexi\u00f3n y la salud cognitiva. Siga las cuentas de redes sociales que publiquen contenido informativo y positivo\u201d.<\/p>\n C\u00f3mo las redes sociales afectan tu salud<\/strong><\/p>\n Las plataformas de redes sociales y los tel\u00e9fonos inteligentes est\u00e1n dise\u00f1ados para captar y mantener tu atenci\u00f3n. Este ciclo adictivo puede afectar la salud mental y f\u00edsica de diversas maneras.<\/p>\n Impactos en la salud mental:<\/strong><\/p>\n Impactos en la salud f\u00edsica:<\/strong><\/p>\n Un estudio de 2023 del Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental descubri\u00f3 que las personas que limitaron el uso de redes sociales a 30 minutos al d\u00eda informaron una disminuci\u00f3n significativa de los s\u00edntomas de ansiedad y depresi\u00f3n despu\u00e9s de tan solo tres semanas.<\/p>\n \u201cLas redes sociales no son intr\u00ednsecamente da\u00f1inas, pero su uso excesivo puede tener consecuencias reales\u201d, afirma el Dr. Chase. \u201cReconocer estos efectos y establecer l\u00edmites saludables puede ayudar a proteger el bienestar general\u201d.<\/p>\n Se\u00f1ales de que podr\u00edas necesitar una desintoxicaci\u00f3n digital<\/strong><\/p>\n La tecnolog\u00eda es fant\u00e1stica en muchos sentidos, ya que enriquece nuestras vidas para mejor. Pero incluso el exceso de algo bueno puede afectar tu bienestar. Preg\u00fantate:<\/p>\n Si alguna de estas situaciones te suena familiar, no est\u00e1s solo\/a, y hay maneras de tomar el control.<\/p>\nWhat Is a Digital Detox?<\/h3>\n
Does Age Matter When It Comes to Screen Time?<\/h3>\n
\nYoung brains are especially sensitive to excess screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\nUsed wisely, screens can help older adults stay connected, learn new things, and support memory. But too much can lead to isolation, inactivity, and disrupted sleep.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow Social Media Affects Your Health<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Signs You Might Need a Digital Detox<\/h3>\n
\n
Tips to Get Started<\/h3>\n
\n
Find the Right Balance for You<\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\n\u00bfEs hora de una desintoxicaci\u00f3n digital?<\/h2>\n
\nLos cerebros j\u00f3venes son especialmente sensibles al exceso de tiempo frente a la pantalla. La Academia Americana de Pediatr\u00eda recomienda:<\/p>\n\n
\nSi se usan con prudencia, las pantallas pueden ayudar a los adultos mayores a mantenerse conectados, aprender cosas nuevas y mejorar la memoria. Sin embargo, el exceso puede provocar aislamiento, inactividad e interrupci\u00f3n del sue\u00f1o.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n