In a world where technology is deeply embedded in nearly every aspect of our lives, it appears that people across the planet are bucking the trend and seeking a healthier relationship with screens and devices. A recent study by Wisetek Market EU has placed Ireland second globally for digital detox efforts, showing that the Irish are attempting to prioritise mindfulness and mental health over their online presence.
Detoxing Explained - Dumb Phones, Screen Time Reduction & The Right to Disconnect
Dumb Phones
One of the more popular detoxing methods is the adoption of 'dumb phones' and considering that Google searches for 'dumb phones' has ballooned 1328.57% since January 2020, it's definitely not just a fad.
But what is it? Effectively, a "dumb phone" is a simple, stripped-back mobile device designed to offer only the essential functions of calling, texting and in some cases, the ability to download a few basic apps. Unlike modern smartphones which are filled to the brim with distraction, a dumb phone helps reduce phone addiction by providing a more focused, minimalist experience. It offers a nod to the simpler days of the late nineties and early 2000s, think along the lines of the iconic Nokia 3310. This return to simplicity allows individuals to stay connected without succumbing to the barrage of notifications and distractions modern smartphones present.
Screen Time
A dumb phone may be an extreme shift for certain people, so before making the large leap of trading your iPhone for a more stripped-back unit, you should take a look at reducing your screen time.
If you're looking to actually cut down on screen time, start by setting some boundaries. Try tracking your usage, schedule regular screen-free breaks, and, most importantly, keep your devices out of the bedroom! It's not about ditching technology entirely, but finding a better balance to improve your health and reconnect with life beyond the screen.
If you’re using an iPhone, you can easily manage your usage by going to Settings > Screen Time to set limits. For Android users, just head to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls to track usage and set focus options. Both platforms make it super easy to take control of your digital habits.
The Right to Disconnect
In simple terms, this means your right to switch off from work communications and also plays directly into those wishing to embark on a digital detox.
In late 2024, the Australian government passed a law that gives employees the right to ignore work calls or messages outside of their working hours—without fear of any consequences. This is expected to improve work-life balance by giving workers the freedom to fully disengage from work when they’re off the clock. However, what's interesting is that Ireland has already taken a similar step with the Right to Disconnect legislation introduced in 2021. This code of practice allows Irish employees to ignore work-related emails, calls, or messages after hours, without facing any penalties. It's been a proactive move that promotes mental health and well-being, and it fits perfectly with the wider digital detox movement gaining momentum across the country.
The Global Digital Detox Movement: What Countries are Leading the Way?
Wisetek Market EU has examined online search trends over the past five years in order to determine which countries appear to be the most serious about their own digital detoxes – The good news is that Ireland is actually one of the globes leading lights when it comes to scaling back in an increasingly ever-online world.
The top 10 countries leading the digital detox charge are:
- Australia – 446 points
- Ireland – 381 points
- Singapore – 374 points
- New Zealand – 312 points
- Canada – 308 points
- United Kingdom – 269 points
- Philippines – 256 points
- United States – 249 points
- Nepal – 216 points
- United Arab Emirates – 204 points
While most global trends point towards increasing reliance on digital devices in our everyday lives, Ireland appears to be railing against the narrative, desiring to unplug and check-out for more prolonged periods of time.
Ireland’s second-place ranking in the study does signify a growing movement amongst the general population to take control of technology habits. People in Ireland are increasingly prioritising their mental health which is at the core of digital detoxing. This shift goes beyond being just a trend—it’s becoming a lifestyle change. As technology continues to dominate many aspects of our lives, the research highlights Ireland’s desire to take a step back and unplug, seeking a more balanced, mindful relationship with the digital world.
A Sustainable Solution for Digital Detoxers
As Ireland continues to embrace the digital detox movement, sustainability is becoming an important consideration. Wisetek Market EU is offering Irish consumers a way to balance their tech needs while reducing their environmental impact.
As more and more of us take a more sustainable approach towards our everyday lives, we at Wisetek Market encourage everyone to think about the environmental impact of their tech choices. Opting for refurbished devices not only aligns with the minimalist ethos of the digital detox movement but also helps reduce e-waste and promote the circular economy. By extending the life of electronics, we can all take a step toward a more sustainable future while maintaining balance in our tech use. A win-win situation!
The Methodology of the Study
Data for this study was gathered by Wisetek Market EU using a comprehensive analysis of online search trends from January 2020 to January 2025. The study focused on seven key search terms related to digital wellbeing and digital detoxing, including: ‘screentime’ ‘dumb phone’ ‘digital detox’ ‘digital wellbeing’ ‘right to disconnect’ ‘disconnect’ ‘how to reduce screen time’
Using Google Trends, Wisetek Market EU tracked the global interest in these terms across various countries. The scores represent the relative level of search interest in each country, normalised on a scale from 0 to 700, with 700 being the maximum possible search interest over the five-year period. The scores were derived by combining the search volume data for each of the seven terms to calculate an overall score for each country. The ranking is based on this composite score, which reflects the country's relative interest in these digital detox-related topics.