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Abstract
This think piece reflects on the pervasiveness of smartphones—and the constant connection to information, entertainment, and social connections through the internet—in our lives and the implications for this in leisure. While the benefits of smartphones are well-established, and it seems we are well-served by them, the nuanced, cumulative negative consequences of smartphone use have become apparent. Building from these concerns and employing the theoretical framework of digital well-being, this think piece explores the role, value, and functionality of digital disconnection to enhance meaningful leisure. Further, it explores the notion of digital consciousness, which describes not only self-control of technology use, but also the role of personal choice and agency in deciding where technology should exist within one’s life and their leisure.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 Also notable is that percentage of individuals who own a smartphone varies by age group: 96% of 18–29 years, 95% of 30–49 years, 83% of 50–64 years, and 61% of 60+ years own a smartphone, supporting the idea of increasing normalization of smartphone culture by generation (Pew Research Center, Citation2021).