Every now and then we all need a digital detox. That is, we need time away from our smart phones, email, computers, and gadgets. It allows us to reconnect with our friends, read a book, spend time outdoors, or hear ourselves think.

But, have you ever wondered why we call it a digital detox? A recent essay explores the dynamic food metaphor we use to describe our relationship with technology. The authors examine the implications for snacking on text messages and the social benefits of a social detox.