Finland has ushered in the summer season with a unique initiative – the creation of what's believed to be the world's first phone-free island. Located off Finland’s southeastern coast, Ulko-Tammio Island encourages visitors to disconnect from their devices and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island.
Visitors to Ulko-Tammio are asked to refrain from using their phones, offering a respite from the constant distractions of the digital world. Mats Selin, an island tourism expert at Visit Kotka-Hamina, stated, "We want to urge holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices and to stop and genuinely enjoy the islands." The initiative aims to promote a "digital fast" not only on Ulko-Tammio but potentially in other popular tourist destinations as well.
The summer months in Finland, even in its colder regions, offer pleasant weather perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Ulko-Tammio, being uninhabited, also boasts unique flora and fauna for visitors to discover.
Terhi Mustonen, a psychologist at the Sosped Foundation, highlighted the benefits of disconnecting, stating that even a short digital fast can improve well-being and alleviate anxiety and depression. While the digital detox is voluntary, and mobile networks are still accessible for emergencies, the island encourages visitors to embrace the opportunity to unplug, even for a few hours.
Sari Castrén, a researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, emphasized the positive impact of disconnecting from social media and engaging with new experiences. She expressed a desire to see more initiatives like this promoting digital fasting.
