Chinese woman wins 10,000 yuan in 8-hour phone-free challenge in Chongqing

A Chinese woman named Dong won a unique challenge in Chongqing, where she abstained from using her mobile phone for eight hours and earned a prize of 10,000 yuan (about 1,400 US dollars). According to ABP, Dong participated in a competition held at a shopping center in Chongqing that aimed to test individuals' ability to disconnect from electronic devices, highlighting modern tech dependency.

The competition attracted over 100 registered applicants, but only 10 participants were selected to test their willpower against the allure of digital devices. Contestants were required to spend eight hours on a brand-new bed without any electronic distractions, including mobile phones, tablets, or laptops. As reported by Cursor Info, participants had to hand over all electronic devices, ensuring a completely tech-free experience during the challenge.

Strict rules were in place to ensure the integrity of the competition. Participants had to stay on their assigned beds and avoid falling into a deep sleep or showing any signs of anxiety or agitation. Bathroom breaks were allowed but were timed, with each break limited to a maximum of five minutes, as noted by the South China Morning Post. All food and drinks had to be consumed without leaving the bed, adding an extra layer of difficulty.

To monitor compliance, contestants wore specialized wrist straps that tracked their sleep quality and anxiety levels. Tiền Phong reported that determining the winner involved tracking the contestants' rest and sleep processes through these devices. For those who needed to contact family in emergencies, only old-style mobile phones with calling functions were allowed, emphasizing the challenge's commitment to minimizing technological distractions.

Dong distinguished herself by scoring 88.99 out of 100 points, demonstrating a strong ability to stay awake, maintain a relaxed mindset, and avoid signs of irritability. Her choice to wear pajamas during the contest earned her the nickname "Pajama Sister" on Chinese social media, with netizens referring to her as "the girl in pajamas," according to VietnamNet. Dong currently works at a financial company and rarely uses her phone without purpose. In her spare time, she tutors her child and avoids aimless phone browsing.

Participants mainly passed the time by reading books or quietly resting with their eyes closed. Zee News highlighted that this suggests people tend to return to more traditional forms of entertainment and relaxation when electronic devices are not around.

Experts have pointed out that smartphone addiction can lead to health problems such as poor sleep and feelings of depression or melancholy. Studies indicate reducing phone usage time can benefit mental health by reducing anxiety and increasing life satisfaction. The competition emphasized awareness of these issues and the growing challenge surrounding the widespread influence of mobile phones and digital devices on daily life.

Boredom often drives people to endlessly swipe through videos on their favorite social media platforms. Dr. Katy Tam, a psychology postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough, explained, "It also makes their viewing experience less satisfying, less engaging, and less meaningful."

Notably, not long ago, Yang Hao, a 34-year-old PhD student in contemporary art at a university in England, impressed many people by not using a smartphone for 134 days while traveling across China, as reported by VietnamNet.

The event quickly went viral on social media and received widespread public attention.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq