Abstract

Digital diet and detox can be defined as strategies to balance technology use and mitigate the adverse effects of digital dependency. These concepts are designed to reduce negative impacts such as stress, insomnia, and social isolation, which can result from excessive reliance on technology and prolonged screen exposure. In recent years, digital addiction has been increasingly recognized as a growing concern, particularly among young people, underscoring the escalating importance of these interventions. This study conducts a comprehensive meta-analysis of academic research on digital diets and digital detox conducted between 2008 and 2023, emphasizing the growing prevalence and significance of these concepts in alleviating the detrimental effects of digital technology use. The analysis encompasses a total of 144 studies, detailing the number of studies conducted, their distribution, and providing an in-depth examination of these studies by year, type, and primary topics. Notably, the analysis highlights a significant surge in research during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, corresponding with an increase in digital device use due to changes in educational practices and increased remote connectivity. These studies aim to draw attention to issues of digital addiction and constant connectivity, fostering societal awareness regarding healthy technology use.

Key words: Digital detox, digital diet, meta-analysis, technology, digital addiction.