From digital strain to detox travel: explaining digital detox-oriented travel behavior using the Stressor-Strain-Outcome framework

Abstract

The widespread use of digital technologies has intensified concerns about digital overuse and its implications for individual well-being. This study examines digital detox-oriented travel as a deliberate recovery-oriented response to sustained digital stress. Drawing on the Stressor-Strain-Outcome (SSO) framework, the study investigates how high screen time acts as a stressor, generates multidimensional digital-related problems, and influences digital detox-oriented travel behavior through cognitive appraisal processes. Using 381 valid responses, the study employed PLS-SEM to evaluate the measurement model, assess reliability and validity, and test the hypothesized relationships within the structural model. The findings show that high screen time significantly increases health-, mental-, emotional-, work-, and relationship-related problems. However, these strains do not directly drive digital detox-oriented travel behavior. Instead, their influence operates through perceived benefits of digital detox-oriented travel. Awareness of travel experiences that offer digital detox options further strengthens perceived benefits and directly increases behavioral intention to undertake digital detox-oriented travel. These results position digital detox-oriented travel as an adaptive coping strategy for managing digital strain. The study also highlights practical implications for wellness tourism development and digital well-being management.