Kylie Flament was taken aback when she discovered the true extent of her phone usage. Despite believing she was not a heavy user, her statistics told a different story: she opened her phone 87 times a day, with even more frequent usage on weekends, and her screen time averaged 29 hours per week.
The realization came amidst growing discussions about the impact of social media on children, as a ban on social media for minors was set to take effect in early December. This prompted Kylie to reflect on her own relationship with technology.
Understanding the Digital Dependency
Research has long suggested that social media can be inherently anti-social, designed to create dependency through dopamine-driven engagement. Kylie compared this to the way smokers understand the dangers of cigarettes yet continue to smoke. She recognized that her scrolling habit, though detrimental, was hard to break.
As she consumed opinion pieces about the benefits of life without social media for children—more time for real-world interactions, sports, and nature—Kylie realized she craved the same freedom.
The Turning Point
A conversation with her partner highlighted the issue. When discussing her desire to take up a sport, she struggled to account for her time outside of work and sleep. This led her to question if her spare time was being consumed by incessant scrolling through emails, news, and social media.
Delving into her phone’s screen time statistics was a revelation. Kylie found she averaged 87 “pickups” a day, with a staggering 135 on Saturdays. Her screen time amounted to nearly a full-time job, and she received 115 notifications daily, despite limiting these to messaging apps.
Embarking on a Digital Detox
Determined to reclaim her time, Kylie set herself a challenge: if a generation of children could abstain from social media, she could undertake a serious digital reset. She resolved to check emails, news, and social media only during work hours.
The initial days were challenging. Kylie was surprised by how often she instinctively reached for her phone. Screentime settings helped create barriers, but she felt anxious and untethered, similar to when she gave up coffee.
The Rewards of Real Life
Gradually, Kylie began to reap the benefits of her digital detox. She reconnected with old friends, engaged in meaningful conversations, and spent quality time with her family. A nighttime walk on the beach offered her a profound sense of connection to the world.
Her partner, inspired by her journey, joined in, leading to unexpected joys like waking up to find him cleaning the windows. Kylie realized that while devices are designed to keep us online, the richness of real life awaits offline.
Reflections and Future Steps
Kylie’s journey underscores a broader societal issue: the pervasive influence of digital devices on our lives. Her experience serves as a reminder that while technology offers convenience and connectivity, it can also consume our most valuable resource—time.
As Kylie continues her digital detox, she hopes to inspire others to evaluate their own tech habits. In a world where time is finite, she advocates for spending it meaningfully, away from screens.
Kylie Flament is the CEO of the Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA), and her personal journey reflects a growing movement towards digital mindfulness.
