New apps help excessive Internet users disconnect

Global Business

A new analysis of tweets released by Twitter revealed that a desire to disconnect from technology is among the top New Year’s resolutions along with quitting smoking and working out. Experts said switching off is not always easy and many need help — ironically in the form of other technology. CCTV America’s Karina Huber reported on the difficulties of a digital detox from New York City.

The new app Digital Detach is just one of many new mobile apps that have emerged that help people detox from their e-addictions. Developers have said demand for these apps is booming.

New apps help excessive Internet users disconnect

A new analysis of tweets released by Twitter revealed that a desire to disconnect from technology is among the top New Year's resolutions along with quitting smoking and working out. Experts said switching off is not always easy and many need help -- ironically in the form of other technology. CCTV America's Karina Huber reported on the difficulties of a digital detox from New York City.

New media expert and Slifka Fellow at Fordham University Evan Leatherwood said we’ve reached a tipping point in our relationship with our devices.

“I think we’ve lived with this new technology long enough that we’re beginning to contemplate what its side-effects are,” Leatherwood said.

Eder Holguin, CEO of the digital marketing company Ideal Media, said and while he has made his living staying connected, he has resolved this year to disconnect.

“It’s very easy to get caught up on texting, emailing, posting on social media, and being connected 24-hours a day, but then your lack of sleep — it takes an effect on your body,” Holguin said.

A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that 95 percent of Americans use their e-devices an hour before bedtime.

“That’s bad because the artificial light is stimulating our brains to keep us awake, and also we need that hour to relax and de-stress if we want to get deep sleep,” Leatherwood explained.

For many, being constantly connected is also having a negative effect on their interpersonal relationships.

“My wife is always saying that I pay more attention to my phone, than I pay to her, so sometimes she is jealous of my phone and she made it very clear,” Holguin said.

Leatherwood suggested that those hoping to limit their time on their e-devices do it in groups. This means getting friends or family to disconnect with you at the same time.