Screens have become an essential part of daily life in this digital age. We work, socialise, and entertain ourselves with the help of screens. In fact, much of our time is spent in front of some type of screen.
However, this constant exposure to technology has given rise to a new form of stress: screen stress. Screen stress refers to the psychological and physical tension caused by constant exposure to electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, and tablets. Although technology has brought along a lot of benefits, too much screen use can have detrimental effects on mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Cognitive Overload Screen stress is caused mainly by the number of hours spent viewing digital screens. Research findings indicate that overexposure to screens causes a kind of cognitive overload, which means it becomes hard for people to concentrate or relax. This barrage of information creates anxiety and stress.
Social media sites, for example, enhance these feelings through unrealistic standards and comparison, causing lower self-esteem. The Blue Light Dilemma The second factor is the blue light of screens, which has been linked to the disruption of sleeping patterns. The blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, and it becomes difficult for individuals to fall asleep at night.
Poor-quality sleep causes intensified symptoms of stress and anxiety, thus perpetuating a cycle of exhaustion in their .