Smartphones, computers and the internet have made many aspects of daily life easier, but staying online constantly and repeatedly checking notifications may contribute to increased stress and mental fatigue.
Experts and researchers refer to this behaviour as online vigilance. It involves not only using a smartphone or computer but also remaining mentally focused on the online world even when offline, such as wondering about new notifications, messages or developments online.
German research has described online vigilance as a persistent mental tendency in which individuals remain attentive to online content and communication while continuously seeking to take advantage of available online opportunities. Research on the subject has also been published in PLOS One.
A study published in Human Communication Research in December 2020 identified three key aspects of online vigilance: constantly thinking about the online world, feeling the need to respond to incoming information and repeatedly checking digital devices.
Constant online activity is often associated with multitasking. Researchers have examined whether online vigilance is linked to psychological stress, and findings from three studies reported in Human Communication Research suggested that multitasking may be associated with higher stress levels.
Continuous attention to social media, online activity and notifications can consume a portion of a person’s mental energy and attention. This may leave less time and cognitive capacity for other daily tasks or for dealing with challenging situations.
Experts recommend several ways to reduce excessive screen use, including keeping mobile phones and other electronic devices away during meals, limiting unnecessary social media alerts and disabling non-essential notifications.
People can also try spending some time offline instead of immediately turning to a screen when they feel bored or stressed. Such habits may help reduce the tendency to repeatedly check apps and notifications throughout the day.
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