The big experiment: Three weeks without a smartphone
On March 4, 2026, an unprecedented experiment begins in Austria: three weeks without a smartphone! What may seem unthinkable for many young people is becoming reality through an initiative by ORF and the program "Dok 1". The aim is to study the effects of digital abstinence on young people's well‑being. But what does this mean for the participants, and what consequences does it have for society?
Background and objectives
The idea for this experiment arose after the successful broadcast of the "Dok 1" program in September 2025. Moderated by Lisa Gadenstätter, the show reached hundreds of thousands of viewers and sparked a wave of interest. Now all students from the 5th grade onward have the opportunity to take on this challenge. The project is supported by the Anton Proksch Institut and the Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversität in Vienna.
The goal is ambitious: less screen time and abstinence from social media. The effects on adolescents' mood, sleep and mental health are the focus of the scientific monitoring. The Ministry of Education actively supports the experiment and has informed around 57,000 teachers.
A look into the past
The influence of smartphones on our lives is a phenomenon of the past two decades. Since the introduction of the first iPhone in 2007, the use of mobile devices has developed rapidly. According to a 2024 study, young people in Austria spend on average more than four hours a day on their smartphone. Constant accessibility and the pressure to be present on social media have far‑reaching effects on mental health.
Comparable experiments in other countries, such as the USA and the UK, have shown that a temporary abstinence from digital media can lead to an improvement in well‑being. Participants reported better sleep, increased productivity and more intense social interaction.
The impact on everyday life
For many young people, the smartphone is an indispensable companion. It not only serves for communication but also as a source of information, a form of entertainment, and an organizational aid. Giving it up could therefore bring about profound changes in everyday life. Experts like Oliver Scheibenbogen from the Anton Proksch Institute, however, see this as an opportunity for self-exploration. "A temporary phone abstinence helps us reflect on the fantastic possibilities the analog world offers," Scheibenbogen explains.
- Communication: Without a smartphone, new ways must be found to stay in touch with friends and family.
- Organization: Many young people use their phone for scheduling. Alternatives must be found to structure everyday life.
- Leisure activities: Without digital distractions, new hobbies and interests could be discovered.
Expert opinions and political support
Michael Musalek from the Sigmund Freud Private University emphasizes the societal relevance of the experiment. "We have entered a new era and must find ways to deal with it. Simply imposing bans will not be the solution to the problem," Musalek says. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr is also enthusiastic: "It's fantastic that this experiment can be carried out and reflected on together at school, with friends, and within the class group."
The path to the future
The results of the experiment are eagerly awaited. At the end of May 2026, the findings are to be presented in another episode of "Dok 1." But it is already clear: the experiment could prompt a rethink in the use of smartphones. If it succeeds in demonstrating the positive effect of abstaining, this could have far-reaching consequences for society.
The discussion about the responsible use of digital media is more relevant than ever. The findings from Austria could attract international attention and serve as a model for similar projects. It remains to be seen how young people will respond to the challenge and what long-term effects the experiment will have.
Conclusion
The "3 Weeks Without a Smartphone" experiment is not only a test for the participants but also a societal experiment that questions the role of digital media in our lives. With support from scientists, teachers and policymakers, efforts are being made to find new ways of dealing with digital media. Whether the experiment will lead to a more conscious and healthier use of smartphones in the long term remains to be seen.
