digital abstinence

[/ˈdɪdʒɪtəl æbˈstɪnəns/]
nounpl: digital abstinences
abstinência digital
1. The practice of voluntarily refraining from or significantly reducing the use of digital devices, internet, social media, and electronic technology for a period of time
She practiced digital abstinence for a month to reconnect with her family and improve her mental health.
Ela praticou abstinência digital por um mês para se reconectar com sua família e melhorar sua saúde mental.
2. A deliberate lifestyle choice to limit or eliminate engagement with digital technologies and screens
Digital abstinence has become increasingly popular among people seeking to reduce screen time and technology addiction.
A abstinência digital tornou-se cada vez mais popular entre pessoas que buscam reduzir o tempo de tela e a dependência de tecnologia.
In Brazil, digital abstinence has grown as a wellness trend, particularly among young professionals and parents concerned about technology's impact on family life and mental health. The concept reflects broader global movements toward mindfulness and work-life balance. In the USA, the practice is often associated with Silicon Valley workers and tech entrepreneurs paradoxically promoting 'digital wellness' despite working in the tech industry. The term gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when screen time increased dramatically, leading to renewed interest in periodic digital detoxes.
NYC Slang
going dark; taking a digital break; unplugging
Synonyms / Sinônimos
digital detoxtechnology fastscreen detoxinternet abstinencetech break
Antonyms / Antônimos
digital addictioninternet addictiontechnology dependencescreen addiction

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
abstinência digital
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese; also used in advertising and wellness contexts
São Paulo
desintoxicação digital
Alternative term emphasizing the detoxification aspect, popular in urban wellness communities
Portugal
abstenção digital
European Portuguese variant; less commonly used than Brazilian variant
General Brazilian
jejum digital
Literal translation meaning 'digital fast'; increasingly used in wellness and mindfulness contexts

Related Words

digital wellnessmindfulnessunpluggingoffline livingtech-freescreen timedigital minimalism

Related Idioms & Phrases

pull the plug on digital devices
go offline
disconnect from the grid
take a technology timeout
unplug from the matrix
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