Measuring a Richer Digital Life

We’re investigating which kinds of digital experiences add something to everyday life, and whether they can help people feel more curious, connected, and engaged.

Flagship Research Initiative

After the Digital Detox

Study Objectives

Take the Survey

We’ve been told to put down our phones, cut back on screen time, and disconnect from technology to reconnect with life. But what happens after the digital detox?

After the Digital Detox is The Good Life Lab’s interactive public research project exploring whether a better digital life is about more than simply using technology less. What happens when we use it differently?

The study looks at how smartphones, social media, and AI shape our attention and behaviour, and what people want from a better relationship with technology. It explores the habits, choices, and design features that influence whether technology pulls us in or helps us do something we value.

We’re asking people to help us investigate one big question: Can the technologies often blamed for making us more distracted, lonely, and disconnected also help us become more creative, curious, connected, and engaged with the world and people around us?

Field Research in Action

Community Digital Literacy Workshops

Applied Research

Host a Workshop

Can technology designed to capture our attention also help us direct it somewhere worthwhile? Our community digital literacy workshops give us a practical place to explore that question.

Participants who choose to take part in the research can tell us how different activities affect their curiosity, creativity, connection, and engagement beyond the screen.

We’re especially interested in what happens next. Does an AI conversation inspire someone to keep exploring? Does a smartphone activity make them notice their surroundings differently? Does technology spark a conversation, a creative act, a visit somewhere new, or an experience they might otherwise have missed?

We don’t assume technology makes life better simply because it can do impressive things. We want to discover when it actually does.

Our Approach

Community-Centred Research

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Workshop Observation

Qualitative Insights

Quantitative Metrics

Applied Findings

Candid observation of participants during workshops, noting interactions and engagement.

In-depth interviews, surveys, and focus groups capture subjective experiences and emergent themes and connections.

Longitudinal surveys track changes in digital literacy, technology use, wellbeing, and social connection.

Insights are translated into open collaborative frameworks for community partners and the public.

Key Outcomes To Date

Building Digital Confidence & Wellbeing

84%

Reduced Social Isolation

79%

More Intentional Technology Use

73%

Improved Wellbeing

Contact Us

Join the Conversation

Help us explore how digital literacy and wellbeing can support richer, more connected lives. We welcome community organizations, practitioners, and researchers interested in collaborating on future workshops and public research.