DIGITAL FATIGUE: ADDRESSING WELL-BEING IN ONLINE EDUCATION

Abstract

Digital fatigue is mental fatigue and exhaustion caused by extended use of digital technology. The sudden transition to digital platforms, especially during the pandemic, rendered virtual interactions necessary for learning, employment, and social interaction. Although digital tools greatly improved learning and connectivity, they also bring with them the issue of overexposure to screens, resulting in cognitive overload and emotional burnout. Digital fatigue is experienced through symptoms such as eye strain, headache, decreased concentration, irritability, and detachment. As people become more dependent on digital devices for learning and work, the management of digital fatigue has become essential for staying productive and healthy. This chapter discusses the phenomenon of digital fatigue and describes its causes, effects, and influence on cognitive and emotional well-being. It explores how continuous digital interaction affects concentration, motivation, and general mental health.