A movement that emerged in Spain nearly two years ago is now spreading beyond social networks, calling on people around the world to deliberately take a break from their social media apps in February. The initiative, known as “OFF February”, encourages smartphone users to completely remove social networks from their devices for 28 days – with the aim of reclaiming time, focus, and mental energy.
Spain Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The OFF February movement is supported, among others, by sociologist and digital activist Diego Hidalgo. He identifies the constant use of social networks as one of the defining stress factors of our time, emphasising that a large part of everyday life is wasted on digital consumption – at the expense of focus, calm, and real-life experiences.
A global call for digital deceleration
The challenge, circulating online under #OFFFebruary, is simple: from 1st to 28th February, all social media apps such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and Snapchat are to be removed from mobile devices. Accounts do not need to be deleted – the focus is on reducing habitual usage. Profiles remain accessible via web browsers if needed, while the barrier of app installation is deliberately removed.
The organisers estimate that by giving up these apps, people could reclaim up to 54 hours per month – time that could be spent on hobbies, personal relationships, or simply enjoying more peace. This figure is based on average daily social media usage.
Support from around the world
OFF February has now received support from more than 50 organisations worldwide. Educational institutions, health initiatives, and digital learning platforms are promoting participation – from Europe to North America, and from Australia to South America.
The initiative is accompanied by events such as the OFF Festival in Madrid, where experts discuss digital habits, mental health, and productive living in the digital age. This also includes a symbolic 5.04-kilometre walk on 7th February under the motto “Walk instead of Scroll” – serving as a metaphor for the distance many people cover virtually every day.
More than just abstinence
According to the organisers, OFF February is not intended as a rejection of modern technology. Rather, it is about adopting a more conscious approach to social networks and critically examining entrenched digital habits. The focus is on moderation, reflection, and self-determination. Social media is not rejected outright; rather, it is the unconscious and automated patterns of use that are criticised, as they lead to stress and wasted time for many people.
A step towards greater awareness
Psychologists and media researchers collaborating on the project see OFF February as an important societal debate: how much digital presence is healthy, and how much is too much? Early feedback from participants in previous years reports better sleep, increased concentration, and a greater sense of freedom.
The challenge has now achieved cult status – at least among those who critically examine their digital daily lives. Whether voluntarily giving up apps leads to long-term behavioural changes remains uncertain. However, experts say that even one month of conscious use or non-use can already have a significant impact.
With February approaching, the message is clear: anyone who wants to reclaim their time should delete their social media apps and take part in OFF February – an experiment that began in Spain and aims to encourage a more mindful approach to digital media worldwide.
