Anti aging: US-Canada Research Reveals Two-Week Mobile Internet Break Improves Mental Health and Sustained Attention

In an era dominated by hyper-connectivity, taking a break from constant smartphone use might offer more benefits than just a moment of peace. A recent landmark study conducted by researchers from the US and Canada has shown that blocking mobile internet access on smartphones for a period of two weeks can significantly enhance mental health, subjective well-being, and sustained attention.

US-Canada Research Reveals Two-Week Mobile Internet Break Improves Mental Health and Sustained Attention

The study, titled “Blocking Mobile Internet on Smartphones Improves Sustained Attention, Mental Health, and Subjective Well-being” and published in PNAS Nexus, involved a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 467 participants from the United States and Canada. The participants were divided into two groups: the Intervention Group (IG) and the Control Group (CG), also referred to as the Delayed Intervention Group.

Smartphone Detox Boosts Well-Being, Study Finds

For those in the Intervention Group, the researchers installed an app on their smartphones that blocked mobile internet access—including both WiFi and mobile data—for two consecutive weeks. Importantly, the participants could still use their phones for essential functions such as making calls, sending and receiving text messages, and even accessing the internet through desktops or laptops. This selective disconnection was designed to test the effects of reducing constant online engagement without completely isolating individuals from necessary communication channels.

Adrian F. Ward, one of the lead researchers and a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, commented on the study’s results during an interview with NPR:

"What we found was that people had better mental health, better subjective well-being, and better-sustained attention."

These findings underscore the psychological benefits of a smartphone detox. In a world where mobile internet is deeply integrated into work, education, shopping, entertainment, and social interactions, the study suggests that even a brief period away from digital connectivity can provide a mental reset.

Moreover, the research indicates that such a break can potentially slow down the ageing process by reducing mental fatigue and stress—factors often exacerbated by constant online activity. With 91 percent of respondents reporting an improvement in their well-being after the two-week detox, the implications of this study are significant.

This study adds to a growing body of evidence that encourages individuals to occasionally disconnect from the digital world, providing a timely reminder that modern technology, while beneficial, can also have its drawbacks when used excessively. As people seek to balance connectivity with well-being, a strategic smartphone break might just be the perfect solution.