Ireland Goes Offline: Ranked 2nd in the World for Seeking Digital Balance

A new study published by Wisetek Market EU reveals that Irish people are among the world’s leaders in seeking to switch off, reduce screen time and embrace a simpler, more mindful relationship with technology.

The analysis, which examined online search trends over the past five years, revealed that the Irish population are leading the way when it comes to digital detoxing and reducing their screen time in an increasingly ever-online world.

Who’s Switching Off? The World’s Best Digital Detoxers

World’s Best Digital Detoxers

The Top 10 – Digital Detoxers

Australia – 446 Ireland – 381 Singapore – 374 New Zealand – 312 Canada – 308 United Kingdom – 269 Philippines – 256 United States – 249 Nepal – 216 United Arab Emirates – 204

The Methodology

Data for this study was gathered by Wisetek Market EU using a comprehensive analysis of online search trends from January 2020 to January 2025. The study focused on seven key search terms related to digital wellbeing and digital detoxing, including: ‘screentime’ ‘dumb phone’ ‘digital detox’ ‘digital wellbeing’ ‘right to disconnect’ ‘disconnect’ ‘how to reduce screen time’

Using Google Trends, Wisetek Market EU tracked the global interest in these terms across various countries. The scores represent the relative level of search interest in each country, normalised on a scale from 0 to 700, with 700 being the maximum possible search interest over the five-year period. The scores were derived by combining the search volume data for each of the seven terms to calculate an overall score for each country. The ranking is based on this composite score, which reflects the country’s relative interest in these digital detox-related topics.

Ireland achieved an impressive score of 381 from a possible 700, placing it just behind Australia, which scored 446.

While most global trends point towards increasing reliance on digital devices in our everyday lives, Ireland appears to be railing against the narrative, desiring to unplug and check-out for more prolonged periods of time.

“Ireland’s second-place ranking in our global study is a clear indication of a growing movement to take control of our technology habits. Irish people are prioritising their mental health and self-care, which is what digital detoxing is all about,” notes Teresa McCarthy, eCommerce Sales Manager at Wisetek Market EU “This is more than a trend—it’s a bit of a lifestyle shift. Every facet of our lives has become incredibly digitized in recent times and the research highlights Irelands desire to take a few steps back and just unplug somewhat.

”Detoxing Explained – Dumb Phones, Screen Time Reduction & The Right to Disconnect

Dumb Phones

One of the more popular detoxing methods is the adoption of ‘dumb phones’ and considering that Google searches for ‘dumb phones’ has ballooned 1328.57% since January 2020, it’s definitely not just a fad.

“Basically a ‘dumb phone’ is a simple, stripped-back mobile device that lets you call, text and in certain cases download a few basic apps. You’re getting the essentials of the phone without the distractions of endless scrolling and social media, it’s a great way to combat phone addiction whilst giving a nod to perhaps the more simpler days of the late nineties and early noughties. Think along the lines of the famous Nokia 3310.”

A dumb phone may be an extreme shift for certain people, so before making the large leap of trading your iPhone for a more stripped-back unit, you should take a look at reducing your screen time.

“To cut down on screen time, start by setting boundaries—track your usage, schedule screen-free breaks and most importantly, keep devices out of your bedroom! It’s not about giving up technology but finding balance to improve your health and reconnect with life that exists beyond the screen. If you’re using an iPhone, you can head to Settings > Screen Time to set limits and manage usage. On Android, head to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls for tracking and focus options. Both platforms make it simple to take control of your digital habits.

“The Right to Disconnect

In simple terms, this means your right to switch off from work communications and also plays directly into those wishing to embark on a digital detox.

“Australia, which ranks ahead of Ireland in our research, passed a law in 2024 giving employees the right to ignore calls or messages outside of working hours, without fear of repercussions. This move is expected to lead to better work-life balance as workers are empowered to disengage from work outside of their designated hours,” adds Teresa McCarthy, Wisetek Market EU “What’s interesting here is that Ireland has already taken similar steps with the introduction of the Right to Disconnect legislation in 2021. This code of practice allows Irish employees to refrain from work-related communications—such as emails, calls or messages—outside of their working hours, without facing any penalties. It’s been a very proactive measure that supports mental health and well-being, aligning perfectly with the growing movement towards digital detoxing across the island

“A Sustainable Solution for Digital Detoxers

As Ireland continues to embrace the digital detox movement, sustainability is becoming an important consideration. Wisetek Market EU is offering Irish consumers a way to balance their tech needs while reducing their environmental impact.

As more and more of us take a more sustainable approach towards our everyday lives, we encourage everyone to think about the environmental impact of their tech choices,” continues McCarthy “Opting for refurbished devices not only aligns with the minimalist ethos of the digital detox movement but also helps reduce e-waste and promote the circular economy. By extending the life of electronics, we can all take a step toward a more sustainable future while maintaining balance in our tech use.”