One of the side effects of social media's omnipresence is so-called Net addiction. In response, some people are making a conscious effort to take a break from the digital world.
"Digital fasting" — an attempt to stay off the Internet for a set time — first became a trend in the United States and elsewhere a few years ago. Also known as "digital detox," the idea is now catching on in Japan.
Koji Takanashi, 32, works for Allied Architects, Inc., an Internet-related company in Tokyo. Since last year, he's been Net fasting on weekends. He often goes to the seaside not far from Tokyo with a colleague.
In late July, he went to a deserted island in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, where he gave stand-up paddleboarding a try. His job keeps him glued to a computer on weekdays. "That's why I try to spend my weekends in nature," he said.
Koji Takanashi on his paddleboard- Photo: Yomiuri Shimbun
Immersed in a whole new environment, he comes up with new, effective ideas for work, Takanashi said.
Other people start their digital detox when they begin raising children. Ryuka Okubo, a company employee in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, stopped opening her laptop on weekends last year when she returned to work from maternity leave. When she takes her infant son out for a walk, she sometimes leaves her smartphone at home.
"I have closer relationship with my child [without my smartphone around]. It's a breath of fresh air," Okubo, 29, said.
The ubiquity of digital media makes it easier to make social connections — but at the cost of feeling bound to those connections at all times. Moreover, because such media are an incomplete substitute for face-to-face communication, people can develop fatigue or stress from use.
According to a study conducted last year by Tokyo-based Neo Marketing, about 30 percent of respondents in their 30s say they need a vacation from social media. Among those in their 20s, the figure was 40 percent. The results reflect widespread fatigue from digital lifestyles.
In November, a 45-year-old company employee took a six-day, five-night vacation to the Kansai region's Ise and Shima areas. During the trip, he unplugged from the Internet and switched off his smartphone. In his spare time, he re-read some of his favorite novels.
The man said he ordinarily spends every single day entangled in a wired lifestyle, whether sending e-mails from a company computer or connecting to social networks via smartphone after work.
"I've gotten tired of this suffocating lifestyle where it's impossible to get away from the Internet," he said. "On my recent trip, I relaxed and enjoyed myself in a way that I hadn't in years."
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Fri Aug 30 2013
Koji Takanashi on his paddleboard- Photo: Yomiuri Shimbun
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.