5th Edition of Addiction World Conference 2026

Abstract

At this very moment, 5 billion people use the Internet to send a selfie, check an email, write a Whatsapp, do online banking or record Tiktok. The possibilities offered by this intelligent technological device are almost infinite: torch, camera, calculator, calendar, music and video player, multitasking applications, wallet, driving licence, digital signature, alarm clock, etc. Curiously, it also includes video and voice calls.6.5 billion smartphones are active around the world 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with two external limitations: coverage, which exists all over the planet, except in very remote destinations. And battery life, an obstacle that can be overcome with a full quick charge in less than an hour.

The abuse and addiction to electronic devices, together with excessive screen time, are causing concern and the birth of new pathologies such as Fomo, the fear of not missing out on anything, or whatsappitis, phubbing, loneliness and isolation, abstinence and low work output, among others.

It has been found that a traveller looks at his smartphone 5 times an hour. Is the traveller's will the only brake on hyper-connectivity? The tourism sector and business management have sought to find a solution through the demand of potential customers who wish to limit the use of technology on their holidays through an imaginative solution: putting the mobile phone in holiday mode through the phenomenon of ‘digital free tourism’ (DFT), which involves giving up posting on social networks, limiting access to instant information and reducing technological consumption. It is paradoxical that when people travel for pleasure they are thinking about disconnecting and in the end, they always end up connecting. Can the services offered by destinations and accommodations seduce their clients with the DFT alternative to improve their wellbeing and health? Currently, detox packages and other complementary activities are offered with the aim of allowing the client to enjoy mindfulness sessions, pilates, yoga, hiking trails, bike rides. Connecting with oneself, with fellow travellers, with nature itself and allowing relaxation from the use of technology by disconnecting from social networks are attributes of DFT. We reflect on whether not being permanently disconnected generates benefits for health, wellbeing and the economic and tourism sector.