Silent burnout in the digital age

While technology has transformed our lives, it has also given rise to mental health challenges, including digital burnout. Excessive social media use is increasingly affecting young people. Online classes, TikTok, Facebook and constant digital engagement are gradually pushing youth into mental exhaustion. Since there are no obvious external symptoms, this issue often goes unnoticed and untreated.

Every day, young people are exposed to others' achievements, travel experiences, lifestyles and luxury online, which can trigger frustration and self-doubt. What begins as casual scrolling for entertainment often leads to sleep deprivation, poor focus, declining academic performance and a loss of interest in daily activities.

A major factor in digital burnout is the pressure to remain constantly active online, posting, responding to comments, replying instantly and seeking validation consumes significant mental energy. Family, friends, and society frequently fail to recognise this invisible strain, allowing it to silently undermine well-being.

In Bangladesh, mental health support and counselling for such issues remain inadequate. Greater awareness is essential to understand that online stress can be as harmful as real-life pressures.

Lotus Jahangir

Student, Department of History

University of Rajshahi