Digital Burnout - Have you experienced this?

Ask a Therapist Is This Normal?
1

Hi everyone,

Lately, one of the biggest mental health issues popping up, especially for young people, is digital burnout. You know how it feels when you’re constantly plugged in—whether it’s scrolling through social media, keeping up with group chats, or juggling school, work, and other responsibilities online? It can get exhausting.

Digital burnout happens when you’re mentally drained from spending too much time online. It’s not just about screen time; it’s that pressure to always be available, reply fast, and stay updated on everything. And, add in the stress of looking like you’ve got your life together on social media, and it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling overwhelmed!

The effects can hit hard: feeling irritable, finding it tough to concentrate, struggling to sleep, and even pulling away from friends. The constant comparisons online can make us feel like we’re never measuring up, which just makes things worse :face_exhaling:

So what can we do? It’s all about finding balance! For example, learning to set some boundaries for your screen time, take regular breaks, and do stuff offline that makes you feel good— such as hanging out with friends in real life, playing sports, or just chilling out. Sometimes, practicing mindfulness or doing something creative can really help too!

Just know that it’s totally okay to unplug and focus on yourself :star_struck:

How do you manage your time online when it starts to feel like too much? What helps you unplug and recharge?

2

Hi everyone!

These days, being online is just part of life—whether it’s for work, school, or keeping up with friends. But maybe digital burnout isn’t just about spending too much time online. Maybe it’s about how we’re using that time.

The internet can be a pretty awesome space when we use it with intention. It’s where we find new ideas, stay connected, and even unwind. But when we get stuck in mindless scrolling or comparing ourselves to everyone else’s “highlight reel,” that’s when things start feeling exhausting.

So instead of thinking about how to completely unplug, maybe it’s time to rethink how we engage. Are we focusing on things that make us feel good? Or are we letting the pressure of being constantly connected get to us?

Here’s a different question to consider: What would a healthier relationship with your online life look like for you? How would you change things up to make it work for you rather than against you?