Cell Phone Breaks & Digital Detox: How Americans Disconnect | Survey Data
More than three in ten Americans regularly employ “Do Not Disturb” mode on their smartphones, according to a recent survey examining strategies for managing digital disconnection. The practice, alongside deleting distracting applications and physically separating from devices, reflects a growing effort to regain control over constant connectivity.
The survey data indicates that 31% of respondents utilize Do Not Disturb, a feature that silences alerts and notifications. This is closely followed by 32% who actively turn off notifications altogether, and 37% who periodically delete apps they find distracting. A significant minority – 25% – resort to placing their phones in another room, while 22% power their devices off completely.
Despite the increasing prevalence of these techniques, a substantial portion of the population struggles with prolonged digital detachment. Eight percent of Americans report they could comfortably go without their phones for an hour or less. A further 26% estimate a few hours, and 17% believe they could manage a full day. The ability to disconnect extends to a few days for 16% of those surveyed, but diminishes sharply beyond that point, with only 8% capable of enduring a week, and just 4% a month or more.
The rise in intentional disconnection coincides with increased awareness of the potential for anxiety related to smartphone employ. A 2023 study by CommBank and telco provider More found that 90% of Generation Z experience anxiety about speaking on the phone, a factor contributing to the widespread adoption of Do Not Disturb among that demographic. According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, political strategist Max Burns observed that some Gen Z individuals keep the feature activated 24/7 to avoid the stress of answering calls.
Do Not Disturb is a Focus option available on Apple devices, silencing calls, alerts, and notifications when activated. The feature’s presence is indicated by a crescent moon icon in the status bar and on the Lock Screen. Users can manage the feature through Control Center or directly within the device’s settings, and can as well schedule it to activate automatically during specific times. Apple’s support documentation details how to customize these settings.
Beyond anxiety, users are also leveraging Do Not Disturb to mitigate unwanted communications. One user on X noted using the feature to block robocalls, a common nuisance for many smartphone owners. The National Do Not Call Registry exists as a resource for consumers seeking to reduce telemarketing calls, though it does not prevent calls from charities, political groups, or debt collectors.
GQ magazine recently argued that embracing Do Not Disturb is a key step towards reclaiming personal space in a hyper-connected world, noting that the average American checks their phone 205 times per day. A 2025 study by Reviews.org supports this claim, finding that 65% of Americans even use their phones while on the toilet.