Guides & tips
Digital Wellbeing: Finding Balance in the Digital Age
In a hyperconnected world where notifications never stop buzzing and social media occupies a central place in our daily lives, preserving our digital wellbeing has become a major challenge. For young people engaged in international mobility and volunteering, this question takes on even greater importance: how do we stay connected with loved ones, manage our missions, and share our experience without falling into digital overload?
What is Digital Wellbeing?
Digital wellbeing refers to the ability to use technology consciously, in a balanced way that benefits our mental and physical health. It’s not about rejecting digital technology, but about developing a healthy relationship with our digital tools. This is particularly crucial for young volunteers who must juggle remote communication, documenting their experience, and authentic immersion in their mission.
The Challenges of Digital in International Mobility
When embarking on a mission abroad, technologies become both a lifeline and a potential trap:
- The connection paradox: Wanting to stay in constant contact with loved ones can prevent us from fully immersing ourselves in our new host culture.
- The pressure to document: The desire to share every moment on social media can transform the experience into a content race rather than genuine learning.
- Social comparison: Seeing the “perfect” experiences of other volunteers online can generate stress and feelings of inadequacy.
- Cognitive fatigue: Managing multiple time zones, applications, and communication channels can be mentally exhausting.
Strategies for Balanced Digital Use
At NCI, we encourage our volunteers to adopt healthy practices from the start of their mission:
1. Set Disconnection Times
Establish moments in the day when you turn off your notifications and put away your phone. Morning upon waking and the hour before bed are precious screen-free moments for refocusing.
2. Practice Intentional Communication
Rather than compulsively checking your messages, schedule regular calls with loved ones at set times. This maintains the connection while preserving your presence in the moment.
3. Cultivate Digital Mindfulness
Before opening an app, ask yourself: “Why am I doing this now? Is this a response to a real need or an automatic habit?” This simple question can transform your relationship with digital technology.
4. Create an Offline Journal
Instead of sharing everything in real-time on social media, keep a personal journal where you record your reflections, emotions, and discoveries. You can then consciously choose what you wish to share.
“During my mission in Benin, I decided to limit my phone use to evenings. This simple rule transformed my experience: I was truly present with the young people in the community, and our exchanges became so much more authentic.”
The Benefits of a Conscious Approach
Adopting a balanced approach to digital technology brings many concrete benefits:
- Better mental health: Reduced stress, anxiety, and improved sleep quality.
- Deeper relationships: By being fully present during interactions, you create more authentic bonds with the people you meet.
- Enriched learning: Without the constant distraction of screens, you better absorb new skills and cultural teachings.
- Increased creativity: Moments of “emptiness” without digital stimulation are essential for new ideas and reflections to emerge.
- More memorable experience: You actually live your mission instead of watching it through your phone screen.
Tools in Service of Wellbeing
Paradoxically, certain technologies can help us better manage our digital use:
- Screen time tracking apps: They allow you to become aware of your actual habits (often very different from what we imagine).
- “Focus” or “do not disturb” modes: Configure them to limit interruptions during your important activities.
- Browser extensions: Temporarily block access to sites that distract you during your work or study periods.
- Physical timers: Use them to clearly delineate your social media or email checking sessions.
A Collective Responsibility
Digital wellbeing is not just an individual matter. As an organization, NCI is committed to creating environments that promote healthy use of technology. During our training sessions and youth exchanges, we include workshops on this theme and encourage collective screen-free moments to strengthen direct human bonds.
We also invite participants to reflect on their digital footprint: what image do they present of themselves online? Do their posts authentically reflect their experience or an idealized version? These questions are essential for developing a coherent and healthy digital identity.
“The future belongs to those who can master technology rather than be mastered by it. It’s a skill as important as knowing how to read or count.”
Conclusion: A Balance to Build Day by Day
Digital wellbeing is not a destination but a journey. It requires attention, experimentation, and constant adjustment. Each person must find their own balance according to their needs, mission, and context.
What is certain is that taking care of our relationship with digital technology has become an essential 21st-century skill. As young citizens engaged in building a more just and supportive world, cultivating our digital wellbeing allows us to be more present, more effective, and more fulfilled in our actions.
So, ready to take back control and make digital technology an ally rather than a source of stress? Your adventure begins with a simple gesture: perhaps putting down your phone… now.
