PhD Student's Digital Detox: 5 Months Without a Phone on a Cross-China Adventure

Yang Hao, a PhD student at a British university, has completed a remarkable five-month journey across China, purposefully leaving behind his mobile phone and computer. This unconventional expedition, which began in November and concluded in April, saw Yang traverse 24 provinces and regions, all while embracing a digital detox.

Yang, who is pursuing a degree in contemporary art with a focus on the impact of digitization, sought to immerse himself in an experience free from the constant connectivity that mobile phones provide. His goal was to explore the effects of living without internet access and to reflect on the role technology plays in modern life. "I view the mobile phone as a digital organ," Yang explained to the South China Morning Post. "We rely on it for so many aspects of our daily existence. I wanted to see what it would be like to completely detach from this dependency."

During his journey, Yang encountered a series of challenges that highlighted the extent to which mobile technology has become integrated into daily routines. Without a phone, he struggled to book accommodations in advance or use digital maps for navigation. Ordering taxis and making payments also posed difficulties, as many establishments only accepted mobile payments or credit cards. Yang had to find ATMs to withdraw cash, which sometimes meant traveling considerable distances.

Despite these hurdles, Yang found the experience to be profoundly enriching. He likened his adventure to being "an ancient man who has time-travelled to the modern day," finding joy and excitement in the simplicity and unpredictability of life without digital conveniences. His observations and reflections from this journey are intended to be shared through a forthcoming book and a documentary, capturing both the struggles and the unexpected pleasures of a phone-free existence.

The reaction to Yang's decision was one of surprise and curiosity. Many people he encountered were astonished by his choice, with some questioning whether he was engaged in illicit activities or on a special mission. Others were intrigued by his commitment to living without a mobile phone and found his endeavor fascinating.

Yang's journey offers a compelling perspective on the pervasive influence of technology in our lives and serves as a reminder of the value of disconnecting to gain a new understanding of our world.