Cutting off mobile internet for just two weeks could significantly boost mental wellbeing and attention span, with effects comparable to reversing a decade of brain aging, new research shows.
The study, which was published in 2025 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that excessive smartphone use does not lead to permanent brain damage, because short rest breaks help people regain their mental abilities.
Researchers have long warned that excessive screen time can negatively impact the brain. Research studies show that passive scrolling increases the risk of dementia, while heavy phone use leads to cortical thinning, which affects memory and decision-making skills.
The researchers used 467 participants with an average age of 32 years to test whether these effects could be reversed. They used an app that blocked access to mobile internet, turning smartphones into basic devices that could only call and text.
The researchers examined the reversal of these effects through their study of 467 participants with an average age of 32 years.
The researchers used an application that prevented mobile Internet access to create basic smartphones that could only call and text.
Participants reduced their daily screen time from 314 minutes to 161 minutes after two weeks of research.
The changes improved mental health outcomes, including reduced anxiety and depression levels. The study found that these benefits were even greater than those typically seen with antidepressants.
Participants reported experiencing higher levels of subjective well-being because they felt happier and more satisfied throughout their lives.
The researchers found that sustained attention showed significant improvement that matched the cognitive skills of people 10 years younger than their actual age.
The participants experienced improved attention skills due to three different factors, including better sleep patterns, more opportunities to socialize and better self-regulation skills.
The study found that participants did not have to meet all study requirements to achieve results. The study found that participants who did not fully meet the internet blocking requirements experienced less improvement than those who met all requirements.
The findings suggest that a full digital detox may not be necessary. The research shows that online time reduction delivers measurable benefits for users.
Researchers believe that people need to find the right way to balance the benefits of smartphones with its potential negative effects because smartphones have become essential for their daily activities.
