Digital well-being: what is known about restricting mobile internet
A review of an experimental study and a way to observe your own digital workload thoughtfully.
A Sinqly editorial review. Updated September 27, 2026. Sources are listed below; research findings are distinguished from editorial suggestions.
What the experiment tested
In a paper by Castelo and colleagues (PNAS Nexus, 2025), researchers tested restricting mobile internet on smartphones for two weeks. They assessed attention, subjective well-being and measures of mental health. Under the conditions studied, the authors found improvements in these measures.
What does not follow from this
Following the restriction was difficult for a substantial proportion of participants; the paper discusses adherence separately. This was not a survey of Russians, evidence that all screen time is harmful or a clinical test of Sinqly. We cannot promise every reader the same result or equate a digital experiment with treatment.
How to observe your own habits
The following are editorial ideas for everyday observation, not a replication of the research protocol. Distinguish necessary phone use from automatic checking. Consider access to important calls and work services before changing settings.
Practical observation steps
- See which apps and situations most often interrupt your chosen activity.
- Choose one reversible change, such as disabling nonessential notifications.
- Note whether working and communicating became easier; adjust the setting if needed.
Sources and limits of the findings
This review is not new research. The cited studies do not test Sinqly’s effectiveness. For personal notes, you can use paper or a habit tracker; choosing a tool does not by itself guarantee a result.