Why staying Online can raise stress

Summary Smartphones computers and the internet have made many everyday tasks easier. However being online all the time and repeatedly checking notifications may also contribute to mental stress and tiredness. Constantly thinking about the online world Feeling the need to respond to incoming information Frequently checking phones and other devices Why can constant connectivity increase stress? Constantly thinking about online communication and activities was also linked with greater stress. AI Generated Summary Smartphones computers and the internet have made many everyday tasks easier. However being online all the time and repeatedly checking notifications may also contribute to mental stress and tiredness. Researchers have described this habit as 'online vigilance.' It does not simply mean using a phone or computer. It can also involve constantly thinking about what is happening online wondering who has sent a message, or expecting the next notification even when you are not using your device. What is Online vigilance? German research has described online vigilance as an ongoing mental state in which people remain highly focused on online content and communication and try to stay aware of the opportunities available online. Research on the topic has also been published in PLOS ONE. A study published in Human Communication Research in December 2020 identified three main parts of online vigilance. Constantly thinking about the online world Feeling the need to respond to incoming information Frequently checking phones and other devices Why can constant connectivity increase stress? Being constantly connected often goes hand in hand with multitasking. Researchers have examined whether online vigilance is linked to higher levels of stress. According to research published in Human Communication Research findings from three studies suggested that multitasking may be associated with increased stress. Constantly thinking about online communication and activities was also linked with greater stress. How can it affect focus and energy? When people keep thinking about social media, messages or notifications part of their attention and mental energy remains focused on the online world. This may leave less mental space for everyday responsibilities focused work or dealing with stressful situations. Repeatedly switching between tasks can also make it harder to give full attention to one activity. Simple ways to spend less time Online A few simple habits may help reduce unnecessary screen use. •Keep your phone away during meals. •Turn off unnecessary notifications. •Limit alerts from social media apps. •Avoid checking your phone every few minutes. When you feel bored or stressed try spending some time offline instead of immediately reaching for a screen. Set specific times to check messages and social media rather than checking them continuously. Taking regular breaks from notifications and online activity may help reduce the habit of constantly checking devices and give your mind more time to rest.