From morning alarms to late-night study sessions, students’ lives are packed into devices, and the nonstop digital pace is catching up with them. It is a routine they have grown used to, but one that is leaving many mentally worn out. 

      Digital fatigue can feel overwhelming for students, with the constant switch between online activities leading to mental exhaustion. This fatigue makes it harder for students to focus and can even make them feel bored of doing anything at all. 

     “I feel like to me personally, digital fatigue feels like you’re bored to the point where nothing can help, not even your phone,”  junior Marisol Huapilla said. 

     Constant screen time is taking a toll on students’ moods, leaving them feeling drained and mentally overloaded. With motivation slipping, this could cause students to take longer to finish any assignments.

     “I feel like it does affect my mood, because once I’m on either my computer or my phone, I just feel more tired and less motivated to do things,” freshman Clara Truitt says. 

     For students dealing with digital fatigue, taking breaks from screens by going outside, doing physical activities or practicing mindfulness can help refresh their minds. Setting specific times for any technological activity is key to maintaining focus and preventing burnout.

     “I usually step away from screens a little bit, maybe go outside or do another activity not involving screens,” senior Emory Estevez said. 

     Many students feel that schools are increasingly expecting them to be online constantly, with assignments, discussions and even grades being managed through digital platforms. This pressure to stay connected 24/7 has led to burnout and difficulty balancing academic responsibilities with personal life.

     “I feel like school does expect us as students to be more involved with technology or online just because most of my classes use Google Classroom and stuff like that. We also use more online resources,” Estevez said. 

     Digital fatigue is a real thing that can affect students’ lives in many ways. However, many can alleviate this fatigue in different ways, such as taking a walk or listening to calm music.

     As students move forward, it is crucial to find a balance to get rid of this burnout. Only by acknowledging the strain of their digital lives can they begin to obtain time, attention and an overall good well-being.