Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation for Self-Development in a Restless Digital Society

Abstract

Digital society has profoundly reshaped human life, generating new challenges to mental health, including “loneliness amid connectivity,” a reduction in average attention span from 12 seconds to 8 seconds, social anxiety, and heightened feelings of isolation. This article examines the application of Right Mindfulness (Sammā-sati) from Buddhist teachings within the context of digital society, proposing an integrated approach that embeds mindfulness practice into everyday digital life rather than separating it from technology. Using documentary analysis and a review of relevant scholarly studies, the findings identify five principal applications: mindful digital media consumption, digital mindfulness training through various techniques, integrating mindfulness into digital work practices, periodic digital detox, and utilizing technology to support meditation. Neuroscientific evidence demonstrates that mindfulness practice yields multiple benefits across physical (stress reduction, strengthened immunity), psychological (enhanced happiness, reduced depression), cognitive (improved creativity and memory), social (increased empathy), and organizational domains (greater work efficiency). The study concludes that Right Mindfulness serves as an essential tool for personal development in digital society, enabling technology to function as a supportive partner in mental cultivation and fostering sustainable balance between technological engagement and mental well-being.