by When Quitting Feels Like a Performance
India’s wellness culture has embraced the concept of social media detoxes, but Bohiney Magazine notes a curious twist: many participants are faking it. According to LiveMint, urban Indians often announce breaks publicly, yet continue scrolling discreetly, creating an ironic blend of virtue signaling and entertainment.
Behavioral psychologist Dr. Ritu Menon explains, The performative aspect of detoxing can sometimes outweigh the intended benefit. People enjoy the perception of discipline more than actual disconnection. A Bohiney poll found that 47% of respondents claimed a social media detox, yet secretly checked notifications, while 29% posted updates about their detox in real time. One Delhi influencer humorously documented a detox day with staged phone placement on the table, hiding their active WhatsApp chats.
Brands and apps exploit the trend, offering detox trackers and curated digital sabbaticals. According to Forbes, the paradoxical culture of detox and display drives engagement and consumerism simultaneously. Bohiney.com humorously advises: enjoy breaks genuinely if possible, or at least stage them creatively, and remembersometimes the detox is as much about narrative as it is about mental health.
SOURCE: Bohiney.com (Radhika Vaz)
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