In an increasingly connected world, the digital well-being emerges as an essential pillar in the sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategies of companies. This concept, which integrates digital ecology and mental health in the use of technologies, has gained relevance on the agendas of many companies, highlighting the need for a more conscious approach to the digital environment. In this context, ING has launched the Digital Wellbeing Studya project that seeks to measure the impact on the Spanish population of the use made of the Internet and technology.

As part of its ESG strategy (Environmental, Social, and Governance), ING has developed a new communication territory called Digital Wellbeing. The main objective of the study, which will be carried out in four waves over two years, is to evaluate how this territory can influence the perceptions and behaviors of the population. It focuses on measuring key aspects such as awareness, perceived importance, intention to change and effective changes in habits related to digital well-being.

The first wave of this study, conducted between May and June 2024, has revealed significant data on the current situation and future opportunities in this field. The study was carried out through 1,000 interviews with individuals between 18 and 65 years old, with an average duration of 7 minutes per interview and an open question to collect qualitative impressions. The sample was distributed to reflect the demographic diversity of Spainwith quotas controlled by sex, age, social class and geographical area.

Behaviors and attitudes towards Digital Wellbeing

According to the study data, only 10% of Spaniards consider that they have digital well-being and more than 54% indicate that it would be important to have a work disconnection protocol. 63% believe it is essential to turn off the cell phone at key moments, but only 39% do it regularly.

On the other hand, only 5.6% of those surveyed have in-depth knowledge about the pollution generated by the Internet. Furthermore, the participants’ self-assessment of digital well-being shows that not many feel that their digital well-being is “good”, and recognize that they have room for improvement. In particular, 28.2% rated their digital well-being as “good”, while only 7.9% considered it to be “very good”. This indicates that, although consumers are relatively satisfied with their current relationship with technology, they are also aware that they could benefit from adopt new practices to improve your well-being.

The study also reveals a general low awareness of problems related to digital well-being, which represents an opportunity for brands that wish to position themselves as leaders in this new territory. Digital pollution and the consequences of the Internet on mental well-being are still underexplored areas in the public consciousness, with significantly lower awareness rates than other more traditional ESG issues, such as drought or recycling. For example, only 39% of respondents were aware of the digital pollutionwhile 66% acknowledged being aware of the impacts on mental well-being. This level of knowledge underscores the need for awareness campaigns that not only inform, but also actively engage consumers in adopting practices that mitigate these negative effects.

Luis González Soto, Marketing Director of ING, highlights that his commitment “It is long term and we are clear about it, we want to be agents of change and lead by example. With Digital Wellbeing we want to be catalysts of a movement to increase public awareness about the impact of our digital behavior and contribute with small changes to a more balanced and sustainable future.”

As part of this project, ING has launched initiatives to contribute to the improvement of digital well-being of those people who want to join the change. It has prepared a decalogue of digital disconnection and a self-diagnosis on its website that invites you to reflect on your relationship with technology, providing practical advice to make small changes in daily habits. All of this is accompanied by the launch of the audiovisual piece starring Jesús Calleja, “I didn’t know it either”, and the fiction podcast “Delete”, which includes episodes with the participation of experts who offer reflections and advice on various related topics.

Digital Wellbeing Decalogue

Within the framework of its project for Digital Wellbeing and with the help of experts Manuel Armayones, Doctor in Psychology, and Esther Paniagua, professor specialized in the social and environmental impact of digitalization, ING has prepared a Digital Wellbeing Decalogue. Its objective is to make visible and raise awareness about the consequences of digital pollution and the effects that excessive consumption of the digital world has on health and the planet:

Become aware
Only 5.6% of the population is aware of the environmental impact of the Internet, which if it were a country it would be one of the most polluting in the world. Furthermore, Spaniards spend more time in front of screens than sleeping. Being aware of these effects is the first step to adopting healthier and more balanced digital habits.

Turn off your cell phone at key moments
Although 62.6% recognize the importance of turning off their cell phone at key moments, only 39.6% do it regularly. This simple change can improve concentration, personal relationships, and mental health.

Practice digital cleansing
60% of received emails are not opened, and 83% of saved images are not used again. Cleaning devices and deleting unnecessary files not only frees up space, but also reduces cognitive load and environmental footprint.

Avoid wandering on Social Networks
Social media can be a huge distraction. Setting limits on its use helps improve mental well-being and reduce your digital carbon footprint.

Customize or silence notifications
Constant notifications generate stress and increase the need to always be connected. Silencing or reducing them improves mental health and helps reduce device use time.

Avoid blue light before sleeping
Using devices before bed affects sleep quality. Avoiding screens at least two to three hours before bed can significantly improve overall well-being.

Reduce downloads and shipments
Downloading one GB of data emits 7 kg of CO2 and uses 200 liters of water to cool data centers. Being more conscious when downloading files or sending emails can significantly reduce your environmental impact.

Avoid impulsive consumption and abuse of digital tools
Infinite scrolling and massive video consumption represent 65% of global data traffic. Reducing this consumption not only benefits mental health, but also reduces digital pollution.

Choose responsible services
Digital services vary in their environmental impact. Opting for more sustainable options can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and be more respectful of user privacy.

Disconnect to reconnect
Getting away from devices periodically allows you to reconnect with yourself and others, improving mental and social well-being. This balance is essential for a healthy digital lifestyle.