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Digital detox tourism: An Ellulian critique

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  • Gong, Yaqi
  • Schroeder, Ashley
  • Plaisance, Patrick Lee

Abstract

While the smartphone has infiltrated nearly every aspect of human life, smartphone dependence has raised many concerns. Digital detox tourism, which advocates deliberate disconnecting from technology during travel as a treatment method for technology-related stress, has grown in popularity with tourism and hospitality organizations offering related programs. However, we argue that some presumptions underlying digital detox tourism are inherently flawed. Using Jacques Ellul's critiques of technology in his book The Technological Society, we deconstruct digital detox tourism into three layers: the commodification of the non-use of technology, the technical form of leisure, and the pursuit of efficiency in escaping technology. Finally, we suggest using Ellul's ethics of non-power to amend the false presumptions of digital detox tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Gong, Yaqi & Schroeder, Ashley & Plaisance, Patrick Lee, 2023. "Digital detox tourism: An Ellulian critique," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:103:y:2023:i:c:s0160738323001196
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2023.103646
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    References listed on IDEAS

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