Unplugged: Exploring the costs and benefits of constant connection

Computer-mediated-communication (CMC) is a ubiquitous part of people's lives, yet little research has investigated attitudes about unplugging, also known as media refusal. In this large-scale lifespan study we surveyed 446 participants ages 14-79 about their feelings and attitudes toward unplugging from CMC for 24 h. We also probed their actual recent experiences of unplugging. We were particularly interested in age differences. As predicted, younger people reported more negative feelings about unplugging, and people who reported higher scores on a loneliness survey also expressed more negative feelings. However, contrary to our hypothesis, there were no significant age differences in the length of time participants typically spent unplugged. Open-ended responses revealed that participants felt a mix of emotions about unplugging from CMC and were ambivalent about its use for connection; “connecting with family and friends” was listed as both a loss and a gain of unplugging. In addition, prior experience unplugging predicted less anxiety about a future anticipated unplugging experience. We discuss age-related themes that emerged about costs and benefits to unplugging, anticipated unplugging activities, reasons for unplugging, and the inherent complexity of retreating from the web of digital technology and its pull of readily available community, connection, and information.