SCREEN FATIGUE: HOW THE DIGITAL AGE IS REWIRING OUR BRAINS

In today's hyper-connected world, screens have become an inseparable part of life — from the phone that wakes us up to the laptop that tucks us into late-night Netflix binges.

- - DR.ANKURITA GUPTA

But behind the glow of convenience lies a growing modern health concern: screen fatigue. It's not just about tired eyes or stiff necks anymore - it's about how excessive digital exposure is rewiring our brains, changing how we think, feel, and focus.

THE BRAIN UNDER BLUE LIGHT

Every ping, notification, and scroll triggers a tiny burst of dopamine, the brain's pleasure chemical. This reward loop keeps us coming back for more — checking messages, scrolling feeds, or watching "just one more episode." Over time, these micro-doses of stimulation shorten our attention spans and make it harder to focus on one task for long. Neuroscientists call it "digital dopamine dependency." Our brains, constantly seeking novelty, start craving the next notification like a sugar hit. This not only affects productivity but also impacts emotional balance, leading to irritability, anxiety, and restlessness when we're offline.