The Department of Information and Knowledge Technologies at the College of Arts / University of Basrah organized a panel discussion entitled “Digital Fasting to Recover from Digital Addiction”.

The panel discussion, which was presented by instructor Abdulnabi Shanta Farag, aims to detox digitally by reducing the use of technology - such as turning off notifications, turning off your phone while working, and setting limits on the amount of time you spend using technology devices.

Professor Abdulnabi stated that “although detoxing is a great thing and I support using these techniques daily, I also recommend a digital speed - taking long breaks from using any kind of technology gadget, you will not only get a digital detox but also benefit from digital fasting”.

Fasting of any kind is good for you – it teaches you to go out of your house without a smartphone and how to be happy even without it. Fasting can be an incredibly spiritual practice.

This can be said about anything - burdening your body with anything will stifle your soul whether that thing is food, alcohol, technology, or work.  We of course need to take meaningful breaks from everything, from work, from food, from operating technology to see health and psychological benefits.

This practice can give you a lot of clarity and will enable you to see what is really going on in your body and mind.