ABSTRACT
We ask in this chapter to re-imagine digital disconnection as not just a luxury or rational choice, but also a reasonable accommodation for equal participation in society, particularly to those with impaired self-regulation. We substantiate this argument by arguing that impaired self-regulation makes individuals much more vulnerable to the addictive design of digital devices and platforms. Yet, in a digital first society, in which ubiquitous connectivity has become the default, it has become near-impossible to not use them. Caught in this double bind, digital disconnection is likely a necessary aid to individuals with impaired self-regulation to function without significant limitations or difficulties. We therefore argue that failing to recognise and facilitate digital disconnection as a reasonable accommodation to these individuals is problematic and potentially even discriminatory. We thus plead for a re-imagination of digital disconnection and call for its effective realisation as a right for all.
