Digital Wellbeing: A New Approach to Technology and Mental Health
In an increasingly connected world, digital well-being emerges as an essential pillar in the sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategies of companies. This concept, which integrates digital ecology and mental health in the use of technologies, has gained relevance on the agendas of many companies, highlighting the need for a more conscious approach to the digital environment. In this context, ING has launched the Digital Wellbeing Study, a project that seeks to measure the impact on the Spanish population of the use made of the Internet and technology.
The study will be carried out in four waves over two years.
ING’s Commitment to Digital Wellbeing
As part of its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, ING has developed a new communication territory called Digital Wellbeing. The main objective of the study, which will be carried out in four waves over two years, is to evaluate how this territory can influence the perceptions and behaviors of the population. It focuses on measuring key aspects such as awareness, perceived importance, intention to change, and effective changes in habits related to digital well-being.
Wave 1 Findings: Insights into Digital Habits
The first wave of this study, conducted between May and June 2024, has revealed significant data on the current situation and future opportunities in this field. The study was carried out through 1,000 interviews with individuals between 18 and 65 years old, with an average duration of 7 minutes per interview and an open question to collect qualitative impressions. The sample was distributed to reflect the demographic diversity of Spain with quotas controlled by sex, age, social class, and geographical area.
Behaviors and Attitudes Towards Digital Wellbeing
According to the study data, only 10% of Spaniards consider that they have digital well-being, and more than 54% indicate that it would be important to have a work disconnection protocol. 63% believe it is essential to turn off the cell phone at key moments, but only 39% do it regularly.
On the other hand, only 5.6% of those surveyed have in-depth knowledge about the pollution generated by the Internet. Furthermore, the participants’ self-assessment of digital well-being shows that not many feel that their digital well-being is “good”, and recognize that they have room for improvement. In particular, 28.2% rated their digital well-being as “good”, while only 7.9% considered it to be “very good”. This indicates that, although consumers are relatively satisfied with their current relationship with technology, they are also aware that they could benefit from adopting new practices to improve their well-being.
The study also reveals a general low awareness of problems related to digital well-being, which represents an opportunity for brands that wish to position themselves as leaders in this new territory. Digital pollution and the consequences of the Internet on mental well-being are still underexplored areas in the public consciousness, with significantly lower awareness rates than other more traditional ESG issues, such as drought or recycling. For example, only 39% of respondents were aware of the digital pollution while 66% acknowledged being aware of the impacts on mental well-being. This level of knowledge underscores the need for awareness campaigns that not only inform but also actively engage consumers in adopting practices that mitigate these negative effects.
Long-Term Vision
Luis González Soto, Marketing Director of ING, highlights that their commitment “is long-term and we are clear about it; we want to be agents of change and lead by our example. With Digital Wellbeing, we want to be catalysts of a movement to increase public awareness about the impact of our digital behavior and contribute with small changes to a more balanced and sustainable future.”
Initiatives for Digital Wellbeing
As part of this project, ING has launched initiatives to contribute to the improvement of digital well-being of those people who want to join the change. It has prepared a decalogue of digital disconnection and a self-diagnosis on its website that invites you to reflect on the relationship with technology, providing practical advice to make small changes in daily habits. All of this is accompanied by the launch of the audiovisual piece starring Jesús Calleja, “I didn’t know it either”, and the fiction podcast “Delete”, which includes episodes with the participation of experts who offer reflections and advice on various related topics.
Digital Wellbeing Decalogue
Within the framework of the Digital Wellbeing project, ING has prepared a Digital Wellbeing Decalogue in collaboration with experts to make visible and raise awareness about the consequences of digital pollution and the effects that excessive consumption of the digital world has on health and the planet:
- Become Aware: Only 5.6% of the population is aware of the environmental impact of the Internet.
- Turn Off Your Cell Phone: 62.6% recognize the importance, but only 39.6% do it regularly.
- Practice Digital Cleansing: Clean devices to reduce cognitive load and environmental footprint.
- Avoid Wandering on Social Networks: Setting limits on social media usage can improve mental well-being.
- Customize or Silence Notifications: Reducing notifications can lessen stress.
- Avoid Blue Light Before Sleeping: Helps improve sleep quality.
- Reduce Downloads and Shipments: Reducing data emission can lessen your environmental impact.
- Avoid Impulsive Consumption: Reducing unnecessary digital consumption benefits mental health.
- Choose Responsible Services: Opt for sustainable digital services to reduce CO2 emissions.
- Disconnect to Reconnect: Periodically stepping away from screens ensures a healthier digital lifestyle.
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