Experts say constant screen time, social media, and late-night streaming can weigh on mental health.
Screens don’t just steal time anymore, experts say they can also erode mental well-being.
Experts are increasingly flagging technology as having an impact on mental health, pointing to everyday patterns like hours lost to devices, endless social media scrolling, and late-night streaming. The message is getting repeated in community discussions, including one hosted by Misryoum.
A key concern raised in the conversation is how hard it can be for many people to disengage from their phones, even when they know they need rest.. Misryoum reports that counsellor Vanishaa Gordhan said modern life depends on technology, but the intensity of constant stimulation can have psychological effects.
Insight: When people feel unable to “switch off,” the problem shifts from entertainment to habit, and that can affect mood, stress levels, and sleep routines.
Gordhan described the experience of being continually exposed to content, and the difficulty of stepping away once the device becomes the default.. She linked this to the way social media and binge-watching can blur boundaries, including the point when it becomes time to sleep and prepare for the next day.
In this context, the broader issue is not technology itself but the way it is used. Misryoum notes that the discussion highlighted a sense of being “stuck” with the screen, even when the consequences are known.
Insight: Sleep disruption and sustained mental stimulation can compound other pressures, making it harder for people to recover emotionally.
The discussion also underscored that technology remains part of modern routines, including entertainment and work-related needs. However, experts warn that ongoing exposure without breaks can turn everyday use into a cycle that is difficult to control.
Meanwhile, Misryoum says the practical takeaway is to recognize when screen habits start to interfere with basic well-being, especially rest.
Insight: Conversations like this matter because they encourage healthier boundaries around technology, which can be a simple but meaningful step toward better mental health.