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How would you feel if you couldn't use the internet on your phone for two weeks?
Surprisingly, some people felt better after doing just that! New research suggests that turning off your smartphone's internet can improve your mental health, your ability to focus, and your sense of well - being.
A group of researchers in the United States and Canada wanted to know how disconnecting the smartphones would influence people's feelings. They studied 467 people aged between 18 and 74. These people used a special app to block the internet on their phones for two weeks. They could still make calls and text messages.
The researchers asked the people questions about their feelings and tested how well they could focus. The results were very interesting! About 91% of them felt better in at least one area—either their mood, their focus, or their overall happiness. About 71% said they had better mental health after the two weeks, and 73% said they had improved well - being. The people also did better on focus tests—like they were 10 years younger!
Looking more deeply into the reasons for these changes, the researchers found that when people weren't using the internet, they spent more time outside, got more exercise, and met and talked to others.
It was hard for many people to stay offline for two full weeks. In fact, only 25% actually did so! However, even those who only blocked the internet for part of the time showed improvements. Some people kept using their phones less even after the two weeks.
Although completely blocking the internet from our smartphones might be difficult, the study shows that using it less—like spending less time on some apps—can help us feel better too.
理解
1. How many people interviewed said blocking the internet had improved their happiness?
73% of them.
2. Are you willing to keep your smartphone off for two weeks? Why?
I think it would be very difficult, but I would be willing to try. The main reason is that I often get distracted by short videos when I should be studying or talking with my family. Without my phone, I would probably read more books, get better sleep, and spend more quality time with friends face - to - face.
