Beyond the digital sphere, 2024 also promotes certain lifestyle habits. From pilates workouts to the simple act of going on walks, fitness is ‘in’ this new year. For instance, going on walks has been proven to increase cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve balance. But beyond just physical health, users are focusing on the mental wellness that comes with these habits. According to the Mental Health Foundation, even a brisk 10-minute walk can increase mental alertness and energy and develop a positive mood. In a world where we can be overstimulated by constant updates in our social media timelines, mental clarity has become increasingly valuable.

On the flip side, there are several ‘outs’ that the majority of users agree to throw out in the new year. For one, excessive screen time. Authored by San Diego State University psychologist Jean Twenge and University of Georgia psychology professor W. Keith Campbell, a study in 2018 revealed that teenagers who spend more than an hour a day on screens are more likely to develop mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Children and teenagers, still in their formative years, could have their developmental stage seriously affected by this. Even for young adults and working professionals, extended periods of screen exposure may pose negative consequences as well. In addition to encountering shared health concerns such as compromised sleep quality and physical well-being, employed individuals may witness decreased work efficiency. Dr Beurkens has indicated that studies reveal how prolonged screen engagement among working professionals can impact their mental health through a dual mechanism: diminished workplace productivity attributed to device usage and subsequent stress arising from reduced effectiveness. Due to these negative consequences, many people seem to have the shared goal of reducing their screen time.