- Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
- Apr 2
Tech overload is rapidly becoming a major contributor to mental fatigue, as the constant barrage of information and endless choices overwhelm our brains. To combat this, it's essential to implement mindful breaks and set boundaries with our devices to protect our mental well-being.
In today’s digital world, the ability to access information at lightning speed has become an everyday luxury. With just a few taps or clicks, we can gather knowledge, connect with people, and make purchases within seconds. Social media platforms, streaming services, online shopping—everything is instantly available, promising convenience and endless entertainment. But at what cost?
The rapid pace of technology has not only transformed the way we live but has also led to a new wave of mental health challenges that many are only beginning to recognize. We’ve all been there: scrolling mindlessly through endless options of shows to watch, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available. Or maybe you’ve experienced that constant pressure to keep up with a fast-paced news cycle, knowing that the next piece of information is only a click away. While tech promises efficiency and ease, it’s also giving rise to a phenomenon known as “decision fatigue” and contributing to a growing sense of anxiety and mental exhaustion.
The Quickness of Information: A Double-Edged Sword
We live in a world where information is always at our fingertips. The internet, social media, and news apps provide an endless stream of updates, breaking news, and insights. We’re always “on,” constantly consuming information at a rate our brains were never meant to handle. In this age of instant gratification, it’s easy to feel like we must stay informed about everything happening in the world—at all times.
However, this constant influx of data can leave us feeling mentally drained. Our brains weren’t designed to handle a flood of information 24/7, and trying to process it all can lead to cognitive overload. This mental exhaustion can lead to increased levels of stress, difficulty concentrating, and an inability to disconnect when we need it most. We may even begin to feel anxious or overwhelmed by the weight of information we’ve absorbed, leading to a sense of mental clutter.
The Anxiety of Too Many Options
Have you ever felt anxious about deciding what to watch next on Netflix or Hulu? This phenomenon is known as “choice overload,” and it’s becoming more common as we’re presented with more options than we could possibly explore in a lifetime. When it comes to entertainment, shopping, or even deciding on a new hobby, the abundance of options can make decision-making more stressful rather than liberating.
The algorithms behind these platforms continuously push us toward consuming more, and while they help filter out irrelevant content, they also compound the problem by offering an ever-growing list of choices. The more options we’re given, the harder it becomes to pick something that feels just right. Studies show that having too many choices can create feelings of anxiety and even lead to dissatisfaction with the choices we make. The endless scrolling through platforms like Instagram or TikTok, comparing and contrasting what others are doing, can make us feel as though we’re falling short or missing out. When everything is available to us at once, it can be overwhelming, leaving us indecisive and feeling disconnected from what we really want.
No Commercial Breaks: A Non-Stop Stream of Information
One of the major shifts in entertainment over the past few decades has been the disappearance of commercial breaks. While this may seem like a positive change—after all, who wants to sit through ads during their favorite show?—it also has an unintended consequence: a lack of natural pauses. Commercial breaks once served as a moment to pause, reflect, and disconnect. Now, with on-demand services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, we’re faced with non-stop streams of entertainment that demand our attention at all times.
This constant engagement can lead to “continuous partial attention,” where we’re always “on” but never fully focused on any one thing. We may find ourselves checking our phones, switching between apps, or mindlessly binge-watching without ever really being present in the moment. Without the breaks, our minds don’t have the opportunity to reset, leading to an increased sense of mental fatigue and stress.
Decision Exhaustion: The Hidden Toll of Modern Life
When you’re constantly making decisions—whether it’s choosing a show to watch, picking out clothes, or deciding which email to respond to first—it can be exhausting. Psychologists call this “decision fatigue,” and it can affect everything from our productivity to our mood.
In today’s tech-driven world, we’re inundated with choices at every turn. We’re asked to make snap judgments about everything, from what to eat for lunch to what news article to click on. This constant pressure to make decisions can lead to mental burnout. Over time, decision fatigue can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, leading to indecision, procrastination, and a decrease in our overall well-being.
The Cost of Being Always “On”
It’s easy to see the perks of technology: it connects us to others, provides entertainment, and makes life more convenient. But the constant access to information and decision-making comes at a cost. When we’re always “on,” our brains never get the chance to recharge, and our mental health suffers as a result. Anxiety, stress, and burnout become everyday challenges as we struggle to keep up with the pace of modern life.
It’s important to recognize that tech overload, with its lightning-speed flow of information, is real. Our well-being depends on learning how to manage our relationship with technology. We must make a conscious effort to disconnect, limit our screen time, and prioritize mindfulness in order to maintain a healthy mental state.
Ways to Take Daily Mental Breaks
The good news is, you don’t have to ditch technology altogether to protect your mental health. A few simple strategies can help you carve out time for yourself amid the digital noise:
Practice Mindful Breathing: Set aside five minutes a few times a day to close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus solely on your breathing. This simple practice can reset your mind and calm your nervous system.
Schedule "Tech-Free" Time: Designate certain hours of the day as “tech-free,” like during meals or before bed. Use this time to read a book, journal, or simply sit in silence, allowing your mind to rest.
Take Short Walks: A quick walk, even if it’s just around the block, can provide a much-needed mental break. Walking outdoors can help clear your mind, increase serotonin levels, and boost your mood.
Stretch or Do Gentle Yoga: Physical activity, even in small doses, can help release physical tension and clear your mind. Consider doing a short yoga flow or stretching routine to reset both body and mind.
Set Boundaries with Social Media: Take time each day to limit your social media consumption. Set a timer or use apps that restrict your screen time to prevent endless scrolling and information overload.
Engage in Creative Hobbies: Whether it’s drawing, painting, cooking, or writing, creative activities help you focus on the present moment and reduce the mental strain caused by constant decision-making.
An Eye-Opening Question:
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information and endless choices, how much control do you really have over the decisions you make each day? And, more importantly, how can we reclaim our mental peace in a tech-saturated world?
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