When Constant Connectivity Backfires: Investigating the Impact of Technoference and Telepressure on Digital Detox

Abstract

This study investigates how employee technoference and telepressure affect digital detox behavior, with employee technostress acting as a mediator and emotional intelligence as a moderator. Drawing on the Stressor-Strain-Outcome model, a quantitative survey was conducted among 410 employees in Pakistan’s telecommunications sector. Results showed that both technoference and telepressure significantly increased technostress and reduced digital detox behavior. Technostress also positively predicted digital detox, indicating that when stress reaches a certain point, employees are more likely to disengage from digital tools. Mediation analysis confirmed that technostress explained the indirect relationship between digital stressors and digital detox. Emotional intelligence moderated the relationship between technostress and digital detox, weakening the effect for employees with higher emotional intelligence. These findings highlight the psychological pathway from digital demands to recovery behaviors and suggest the value of emotional intelligence as a personal resource in managing workplace digital stress. Practical and theoretical implications are also discussed.