Key points
- Social media design drives compulsive behaviour
- Workplaces introduce ‘right to disconnect’ policies
ISLAMABAD: In an age where smartphones rarely leave our hands, the psychological effects of constant connectivity are becoming impossible to ignore. From students glued to social media to professionals battling burnout from 24/7 digital demands, the “always-online” lifestyle is reshaping how we think, feel, and function.
According to a 2025 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), rates of anxiety, depression, and attention disorders among young adults have risen by nearly 30% over the past decade, with excessive screen time and social media use identified as key contributing factors.
The WHO warns that digital overstimulation — a constant flood of notifications, comparisons, and information — is leading to “attention fatigue” and chronic stress across generations.
In universities and workplaces alike, the problem is pervasive. Psychologists note that the dopamine-driven design of apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) encourages compulsive scrolling and a distorted sense of self-worth.
“Our brains are wired for social validation, and the internet amplifies that need to an extreme,” says Dr. Jane Fisher, a clinical psychologist at King’s College London. “The result is heightened anxiety, sleep deprivation, and declining emotional resilience.”
Companies are beginning to acknowledge the toll. Several major firms in Europe and Asia have introduced “digital detox hours” or “right to disconnect” policies, giving employees protected time away from work messages.
Meanwhile, schools are experimenting with “offline zones” and mindfulness programs to teach students healthier online habits.
Experts agree that balance — not abstinence — is key. Regulating screen time, curating digital environments, and prioritising face-to-face interaction can help rebuild focus and emotional well-being.
As our digital lives expand, the challenge for the next decade will be clear: learning not just to connect, but to disconnect — before mental exhaustion becomes the new epidemic.
