How social media and digital detox are shaping the future of travel
In association with 
“Put your phone away and remember what travel is about: connection, adventure, and experiencing something new.”
— Dr. Lauren Siegel, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Events, University of Greenwich
Switching off to tune in: rethinking the role of tech in travel
Social media has reshaped how we choose where to go and what we do when we get there. But what happens when we stop curating the perfect shot, and start reconnecting with the world around us? This film explores the environmental and cultural impact of social-media-driven tourism and looks at the benefits of switching off when we travel.
Dr. Lauren Siegel investigates how social media influences destination choices, often leading to a sudden influx of travelers to places without the infrastructure to cope. Her colleague, Dr. Cai, studies the flipside: the benefits of putting away the phone and truly experiencing a destination.
By stepping back from our screens with experiences like Unplugged, we open the door to more mindful, meaningful travel — experiences that prioritize presence over performance. Whether it’s preserving natural sites from over-tourism or supporting local cultures beyond the algorithm’s reach, digital-free travel offers a path toward more responsible tourism. As travelers seek more authentic, low-impact ways to explore the world, this conversation is more relevant than ever.
About the Tourism and Marketing Research Centre (TMRC), University of Greenwich
The Tourism and Marketing Research Centre (TMRC) at the University of Greenwich leads interdisciplinary research that shapes sustainable, inclusive, and digitally innovative futures in tourism.
