Digital technology has reshaped how people work, communicate, and live. While it offers efficiency and global connectivity, researchers are identifying a growing concern — “tech stress” or “technostress.” This phenomenon refers to the strain caused by constant digital engagement and the rapid pace of technological change. Emerging evidence shows that excessive exposure to information and communication technologies (ICT) affects both mental well-being and work performance.
A 2025 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights that digitalization has changed the very nature of work, blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life.[1]
The authors noted that the continuous use of ICT tools increases mental workload, disrupts concentration, and challenges occupational safety and health systems that were not designed for an always-connected workforce.
Tech stress develops when individuals struggle to adapt to new technologies or manage the cognitive load created by constant connectivity. Bondanini and colleagues described it as a “dark side of technology,” emphasizing that digital environments can create psychological strain when job demands exceed coping resources.[2]
This stress often manifests as fatigue, irritability, and a sense of being overwhelmed by digital tasks. Common triggers include nonstop notifications, information overload, and the pressure to respond quickly to digital communications. Over time, these stressors can impair productivity, affect mental health, and contribute to burnout.
A systematic review by Borle et al. examined how exposure to ICT affects mental health and occupational outcomes.[3] The review found consistent links between techno-stressors — such as work interruptions, digital multitasking, and system complexity — and symptoms of anxiety, sleep disturbance, and job dissatisfaction.
Prolonged digital exposure can also disrupt circadian rhythm and increase physiological stress responses, including elevated cortisol levels.[1] As a result, individuals may experience difficulty relaxing even after work hours, leading to chronic fatigue and reduced recovery time.
The occupational health implications are broad. Employees exposed to continuous digital demands often report reduced concentration, emotional exhaustion, and lower job satisfaction.[3] Over time, these patterns may increase absenteeism and reduce overall workplace efficiency.
Experts suggest that managing tech stress requires both organizational and individual strategies. On a personal level, structured screen breaks, clear digital boundaries, and mindfulness practices can help restore balance. Setting limits on after-hours communication also helps prevent work-life interference.
From an organizational perspective, redesigning work environments to align with digital realities is essential. Obasi and Benson recommend integrating occupational safety and health principles into digital transformation policies, ensuring that employees receive support and training to manage technology use effectively.[1] Encouraging digital literacy and promoting a culture that values mental well-being are critical steps toward prevention.
This topic sparked a lively debate among users of MedBound Hub. Many highlighted the difficulty of disconnecting from work, constant notifications, and digital overload affecting their mental well-being. Others discussed practical strategies they use to manage these stressors, including setting boundaries for device use, taking regular breaks, and practicing mindfulness.
Tech stress is so real! While digital tools enhance efficiency, constant alerts and screens can be mentally draining. I cope by setting dedicated “no-screen” blocks, using smart filters for notifications, and prioritizing face-to-face interactions. Hospitals should promote digital wellness—like scheduled tech breaks and streamlined platforms—to balance innovation with human connection.Dr Shruti Sandesh Morankar, Pharmacologist
Digital transformation is vital, but so is digital detox. Balance keeps both mind and medicine sharp.Dr. Manisha Dadlani, Dental Surgeon
I manage digital demands by using technology strategically, letting it support rather than control my workflow. Clear boundaries, like scheduled screen breaks and after-hours limits, help me stay energized.Dr. Swati Saraswat, Dentist
Tech stress represents a growing occupational health challenge in a world where technology dominates professional life. The evidence shows that unmanaged digital exposure can lead to psychological and physical consequences that impact both workers and organizations. Recognizing technostress as a legitimate workplace hazard is crucial for developing preventive strategies that promote sustainable, healthy digital work environments.
Obasi, I. C., and C. Benson. “The Impact of Digitalization and Information and Communication Technology on the Nature and Organization of Work and the Emerging Challenges for Occupational Safety and Health.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 22, no. 3 (2025): 362.
Bondanini, Giorgia, Gabriele Giorgi, Antonio Ariza-Montes, Alejandro Vega-Muñoz, and Paola Andreucci-Annunziata. “Technostress: Dark Side of Technology in the Workplace — A Scientometric Analysis.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21 (2020): 8013.
Borle, Prem, Kathrin Reichel, Fiona Niebuhr, and Susanne Voelter-Mahlknecht. “How Are Techno-Stressors Associated with Mental Health and Work Outcomes? A Systematic Review of Occupational Exposure to Information and Communication Technologies within the Technostress Model.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 16 (2021): 8673.
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