Exploring the digital detox journey among generation Y Instagram users

dc.contributor.authorScheppe, Matiena Marie
dc.contributor.authorSeiffen, Anna Luise
dc.contributor.authorBerndt, Adele
dc.date.accessioned2025-07-04T09:55:10Z
dc.date.available2025-07-04T09:55:10Z
dc.date.issued2025-07
dc.description.abstractPURPOSE : Social media (SM) provides a range of positive and negative benefits to users, and an SM detox has been suggested as a way to deal with its negative effects. Instagram (IG) is one of Generation Y’s most widely used SM platforms, noted for its addictive potential. Using a journey perspective, the purpose of this research is to map and describe the experiences in the various stages of a detox journey among Generation Y IG users. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Using an inductive and qualitative approach, empirical data were collected over the stages of the journey using focus groups, self-completion diaries and interviews. The data were coded, analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis. FINDINGS : The findings of the study show two main motivations for undertaking a detox, namely gaining back control and self-reformation. During the detox, five themes were identified, specifically mood and satisfaction, technological craving, mental well-being, physical well-being and social relationships. Three post-detox behaviours were noted, namely the boomerang effect, conscious consumption and a re-evaluation towards the platform, which impacts future IG use. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : By following one group of participants throughout an IG detox journey, the study highlights the detox experiences in each journey stage. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : The positive benefits of a detox were experienced by the participants, encouraging future detox and actions by platforms to aid in future detoxes. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This study accompanies one group of participants throughout their detox journey. This enabled the researchers to obtain insights into the detox experience in all phases of the journey. This was undertaken using diverse qualitative methods.
dc.description.departmentGordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
dc.description.librarianhj2025
dc.description.sdgSDG-03: Good health and well-being
dc.description.urihttps://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/0959-3845
dc.identifier.citationScheppe, M.M., Seiffen, A.L. and Berndt, A. (2025), "Exploring the digital detox journey among generation Y Instagram users", Information Technology & People, Vol. 38 No. 8, pp. 119-139. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-07-2023-0721.
dc.identifier.issn0959-3845 (print)
dc.identifier.issn1758-5813 (online)
dc.identifier.other10.1108/ITP-07-2023-0721
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/103186
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherEmerald
dc.rights© 2025, Matiena Marie Scheppe, Anna Luise Seiffen and Adele Berndt. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence.
dc.subjectIndividual
dc.subjectInternet addiction
dc.subjectTechnology adoption
dc.subjectInterview
dc.subjectConsumer behaviour
dc.subjectSocial media
dc.subjectEnd users
dc.subjectInterpretivist research
dc.titleExploring the digital detox journey among generation Y Instagram users
dc.typeArticle

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