Advice
September 18, 2025

Let's Talk About Digital Fatigue

By
Letsignit

I don't think I'm alone when I say that I sometimes feel like my life revolves around screens.

Nowadays, everything is done through the infamous blue light, both for work and leisure. Whether it's at work, finalizing a last-minute presentation that should have been ready last week (we all know that one), or streaming a movie on our personal computer, our lives are immersed in digital technology.

There are few moments when our eyes are not bombarded with moving images and our ears with the gentle (or not so gentle) sound of notifications from our phones.

Having access to this whole digital universe is great, but it can be tiring. And not just a little.

Does this sound familiar?

Then let's talk about digital fatigue!

What Is Digital Fatigue?

Without getting too technical, let's just say that digital fatigue meaning refers to a state of mental and physical exhaustion. This state is caused by (sometimes excessive) exposure to digital devices (computer screens, smartphones, tablets, televisions, etc.).

Technology is omnipresent in our lives in this digital age, and our bodies sometimes feel overstimulated by the connected world we inhabit.

What Are the Symptoms of Digital Fatigue or Burnout?

The main symptoms are:

  • Eye strain (your eyes sting, your vision is blurry, and your eyeballs look like you just came out of an after-party at 5 a.m., even though it's 6 p.m.);
  • Sleep disturbances (Morpheus won't welcome you into his arms, despite your 10 p.m. meditation session);
  • Lack of motivation (no desire to do anything except scroll through another 2-3 TikToks...);
  • Difficulty concentrating (your brain is hidden in a fog, "What was I working on again?");
  • Irritability, anxiety (yes, screens make you mean, mean);
  • Feeling "overloaded" (you know, that feeling of having too much going on in your brain because you've watched too much REEL);
  • Feeling constantly connected (yes, even at night. That little voice in your head is actually Snapchat).

Who Does This Fatigue Affect?

Digital fatigue definition

You might think it's something that only affects accountants who stare at numbers all day long, 2 cm away from their screens, but no! Even the most seasoned accountants, like the young, cool creatives in the marketing world, can be affected by digital burnout!

To put it simply: digital fatigue now affects a large portion of the American population, with studies showing that nearly three-quarters of younger generations report feeling digitally exhausted. And this phenomenon is tending to increase with the growing digitalization of our daily lives.

Digital Fatigue Statistics and Research

Digital fatigue research shows alarming trends in our connected world. Studies indicate that people spend an average of 7+ hours daily on digital devices, with employees particularly vulnerable to technology fatigue due to constant barrage of notifications throughout their workday.

What Causes Digital Fatigue?

What are the three types of technology burnout linked to digital use?

  • Eye strain: caused by prolonged exposure to screens, it manifests itself in dry eyes, blurred vision, tingling, or headaches.
  • Mental fatigue: caused by cognitive overload, a constant stream of notifications, and multitasking, it leads to a loss of concentration, irritability, and a feeling of saturation.
  • Physical fatigue: linked to poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle, it manifests as neck pain, muscle tension, or musculoskeletal disorders.

How Does Digital Fatigue Impact Employees?

The manifestations of digital exhaustion are particularly noticeable in the workplace, where 42% of executives report experiencing daily cognitive overload.

And with good reason! In addition to the screens that fill our lives, notifications are everywhere! In its study "2025: The year the Frontier Firm is born," Microsoft points out that each individual in a company receives an average of one notification ping every two minutes.

That's an average of 275 interruptions per day!

Many employees were already in the habit of checking their emails every 5 minutes, but now they also have to deal with Teams notifications, virtual meetings, and messages on various platforms on a daily basis.

This hyperconnectivity not only harms employees' physical well-being and emotional well-being, but can also lead to a decrease in company productivity in the long term.

Impact on Mental and Physical Health

Mental digital health

Excessive screen time causes lasting damage to brain function: daily exposure of more than 7 hours causes a 15% reduction in gray matter volume in areas related to memory and learning, potentially leading to memory problems.

The accumulation of blue light disrupts melatonin production and disturbs natural sleep cycles. Research conducted in 2025 reveals that each additional hour of screen use is associated with a 63% increase in the risk of insomnia and a 24-minute reduction in sleep time.

The consequences extend to the musculoskeletal system: poor posture in front of screens and repetitive movements on smartphones lead to chronic tendonitis and spinal deformities.

What Is Digital Eye Fatigue?

Digital eye fatigue, also known as computer vision syndrome, is one of the most common impacts of digital fatigue. It occurs when people strain their eyes by staring at digital screens for extended periods without adequate breaks.

How Can You Solve Digital Fatigue?

But what are the best ways to reduce eye strain and digital fatigue overall?

01The 20-20-20 Rule

One of the best ways to combat digital eye fatigue is the 20-20-20 rule!

The technique is quite simple: just look at a point 20 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes you spend at your workstation.

02Blinking

A simple but powerful exercise is to blink 10 times very slowly every 20 minutes. This natural method rehydrates the surface of the eye and prevents dryness.

03Using Apps

Software such as Workrave automatically reminds you to take the necessary visual breaks during your working day. These digital wellness apps are among the best ways to manage screen time.

04Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Glasses with blue light filters are also a proven technical solution, particularly suitable for long sessions in front of a computer.

05Office Ergonomics

We also recommend arranging your workspace in a more ergonomic way. Position your screen at arm's length, tilted slightly backward, and adjust its brightness according to the ambient lighting.

And if your eyes are as dry as the coat of a Saharan mouflon in the middle of summer, lubricating eye drops can always help maintain proper hydration.

Daily Information Fatigue and Social Media Burnout

Information overload is particularly prevalent during peak periods of professional activity. The average modern employee receives 125 notifications per day on their smartphone, while their inbox accumulates nearly 80 messages daily.

This digital tsunami causes our poor brains to become saturated, contributing to what experts call social media burnout and ad fatigue in digital marketing.

As mentioned above, concentration levels drop, but on top of that, a study indicates that it takes an employee 23 minutes to regain full cognitive capacity after a digital interruption!

In light of this, some companies are introducing notification-free time slots, allowing their teams to regain their optimal attention span and combat Zoom fatigue from excessive virtual meetings.

Notification Anxiety: Recognizing the Signs

Notification Anxiety

It's important to note that no one is 100% protected from potential cognitive overload and notification anxiety.

It is therefore best to remain alert and learn to detect the physical and mental warning signs. Your body communicates with you and alerts you through the symptoms we discussed earlier (these can range from recurring headaches to vision problems, neck tension, digestive issues, etc.).

Mentally, you may experience frequent disorientation in time: you lose track of how much time you spend in front of screens. You may gradually find it difficult to make simple decisions, even for everyday choices such as planning meals.

Behavioral changes may appear: irritability when receiving notifications, inability to stay focused on a single task, repeatedly forgetting appointments. In the evening, despite physical fatigue, your brain remains hyperactive, making it difficult to sleep.

A feeling of constant mental overload and an inability to enjoy moments of rest are major warning signs that should not be ignored.

How Can You Prevent Digital Fatigue?

Controlling the digital flow therefore requires real, concrete action in the office. Here are some of the best ways to manage digital stress at work:

  • Organize your time: set aside specific times for checking messages and turn off alerts during periods of intense concentration.
  • Adopt the batch processing method: group your email responses into 2-3 daily slots. This approach reduces mental distraction and increases your efficiency.
  • Prioritize direct communication for complex issues: a 5-minute phone call is better than 15 time-consuming emails;
  • Take short breaks: walk for a few minutes between video conferences and stretch regularly;
  • Training in digital tools remains essential: mastering automatic sorting features, keyboard shortcuts, and privacy settings will optimize your time online;

Organize Your Professional Digital Space

A well-structured digital environment significantly reduces cognitive load.

  1. Start by creating themed folders to organize your digital documents according to priority and frequency of use.
  2. Organize your apps by category of use and limit the number of icons visible on your home screen to a maximum of 12.
  3. Centralize your projects on a single platform such as Notion or Trello. This practice reduces the time spent switching between different applications by 40%.
  4. Consider synchronizing your professional devices to quickly access your essential files, while maintaining a clear separation between personal and professional data.

How Can You Reduce Digital Fatigue?

Are you a fan of cleanliness in your everyday life?

Then you should know that this cleanliness should also be reflected in your digital life.

A balanced digital routine starts with simple daily habits and represents one of the best ways to maintain digital wellness:

  1. Limit your screen time to a maximum of 6 hours per day to preserve your mental health.
  2. Choose reading on paper rather than on a tablet, especially in the evening;
  3. Set aside time to disconnect completely: put your smartphone out of reach during meals;
  4. Take up analog activities such as sports or meditation. These practices significantly reduce the risk of digital burnout.

Is Digital Fatigue Real? Anti-Digital Fatigue Tools and Apps

And if nothing else works, why not fight fire with fire?

Why not use smart apps to combat digital exhaustion? Digital fatigue research confirms that strategic app use can be one of the best ways to manage screen time:

  • For example, the new version of RescueTime analyzes your digital habits and suggests personalized breaks based on your unique work rhythm.
  • Forest, on the other hand, turns disconnecting into a game: every minute you don't touch your phone makes a virtual tree grow.
  • The digital ecosystem manager Mindful Tech synchronizes all your devices to create coordinated breaks.

Balancing Connection and Disconnection: Mission Possible?

Let's be honest: the line between connected life and real downtime is becoming increasingly blurred. However, finding a balance is far from impossible. It all starts with a few well-placed habits.

A simple tip? Incorporate offline rituals into your day. For example, swap your morning emails for a few pages of a paper book. At lunchtime, go for a walk without your smartphone glued to your hand. These moments of calm help your brain take a breather.

At home, create "no screen zones": bedroom, kitchen, dining room... These screen-free spaces allow you to truly disconnect. Above all, they remind your mind that no, not everything has to be done on a screen.

Digital detox sessions can also be very helpful when you feel the need.

Optimize Your Work Environment: Your Desk Deserves Better

Fight against digital fatigue

We often underestimate the impact of our work environment on our digital well-being. However, a few well-thought-out adjustments can make all the difference.

Start with the basics: place your screen at eye level, at a reasonable distance (about an arm's length away). Well-balanced natural light (neither too direct nor too dim) also improves concentration without straining your eyes.

Also, consider varying your position: an adjustable desk is the key to alternating between sitting and standing and avoiding the aches and pains of marathon teleworking. Add a footrest and a document holder, and you'll have a workstation that's good for your back and your mind.

Resting Your Mind: 3 Techniques That Really Make a Difference

When your mind is overwhelmed, there's no point in escaping into yet another video. It's better to take a real mental break. Here are some simple techniques to try:

  • Mindfulness meditation: 5 minutes a day is enough to calm the flow of thoughts. No need to be a Buddhist monk, just be there, in the moment.
  • Body scan: with your eyes closed, mentally scan every part of your body. The result? Less tension, more relaxation.
  • Square breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, wait for 4... and repeat. A quick and effective method to reset your mind.

Prevention Rather Than Cure: The Long-Term Strategy

Digital fatigue cure strategy

Digital learning fatigue doesn't go away on its own. But with a few good practices, it becomes much more manageable.

Try to plan your connected moments and your screen-free moments throughout the week. Create a minimalist workspace, focused on the essentials. What if you're working on complex topics? Put your screens away and go back to basics: a notebook, a pen, some paper.

Finally, consider tools that have your best interests at heart. Some software analyzes your digital habits and discreetly suggests that you change your posture or take a break.

Not to police you, but to help you keep going for the long haul—without ending up in "brain burnout" mode.

***

Finally, if your day sometimes feels like a tunnel of screens, know that there is a way out. It's not about cutting everything out, but about finding a better balance. And you'll see: even 10 minutes without a screen can have more effect than an hour of scrolling!

About the author
About Letsignit
Letsignit is an email signature management solution that empowers organizations to turn employee email signatures into a dynamic and personalized engagement channel for their brands and campaigns.

Questions
Fréquentes

1

Is it possible to track the number of clicks on email signatures?

Yes, with the 'Campaigns' offer, it is possible to track the number of clicks on the email signatures of all your employees in the 'Statistics' area of the platform.

You can then access a detailed or global view of the number of clicks on the email signatures of each employee. You can use the search option to target a specific signature or a given period. Finally, you have the possibility to export all statistics to an Excel document.

If you launch campaigns with banners inserted in your email signatures, you can also access their performance via this same space.

2

Can we add links to social networks, our website, and appointment-setting applications such as Calendly?

With Letsignit, you can easily add social network icons in your collaborators' email signatures and link to your company pages. Also, our "attributes" feature allows you to manage personalized URLs for each of your collaborators such as their individual LinkedIn profile.

And that's not all: you can add links to an appointment-setting application, allow your customers to leave reviews easily, and integrate our 'Chat on Teams' widget to let anyone start a discussion via Microsoft Teams chat.

3

Can employees update their signature information themselves (number, function, etc.)?

It’s up to you! As an administrator of the Letsignit platform, you choose whether or not to grant modification rights to your employees. These permissions are managed on an attribute-by-attribute basis, which means that you can decide to allow the employee to change their phone number, but not the address of your premises, for example.

This feature applies to all attributes in your directory, including custom attributes created on Letsignit. When your employees change one or more attributes, your directory is obviously not affected.

4

Why it is important to standardize our email signatures on a large scale to ensure our identity and brand image?

It often happens that employees make their email signature their own: custom format, bad fonts, colors inconsistent with the brand standards... all of this has an impact on your brand!

A consistent visual identity is considered authentic and outperforms a perceived weak one by 20%. And, your customers are 2.4 times more likely to buy your products.

With Letsignit, take back control over your brand identity by standardizing all your email signatures. Our tool has many features that allow you to customize your signatures by department, by audience or by subsidiary. Not to mention the possibility of carrying out campaigns within your email signatures thanks to our Campaign offer.

5

What is the user experience like for our employees?

What is the user experience like for our employees?

  • If you opt for the Letsignit Add-in for Outlook, they will have a dedicated space in their Outlook account where they will be able to view the signatures and campaigns assigned to them.
  • If you opt for the Letsignit Desktop APP, they will be able to preview all their signatures and campaigns in this space. If they want to change their default signature to another one when sending an email, this will be done in their signature library in Outlook.

In both cases:

  • They preview their signature before sending an email and choose from signatures assigned to them.
  • Based on the permissions granted, they will also be able to modify their personal information such as their name, position, or address in these spaces.

In short, they have autonomy in their email signature, but you keep control on the field, signatures, and banners they can edit or use.

6

Can my employees have multiple signatures available to them?

With our "multi-signature" feature, your employees can benefit from multiple email signatures. No technical manipulation is required. Thanks to our Add-in for Outlook or the desktop app, they can change their email signatures as they wish with just a few clicks.

Regarding the creation of email signatures, you can make several variations such as:

Everything has been thought of to go further in the personalization process based on the recipient of your emails.

7

Regarding “Green IT,” have you implemented measures to limit the digital footprint of email signatures?

If sending emails has an impact, non-optimized email signatures also have an impact. An unsuitable format or an image that is too heavy considerably increases the size of your signatures... and therefore, your emails.

As a responsible economic actor, we contribute to reducing our CO2 emissions and those of our customers in several ways:

  • Optimization of the weight of signatures and campaigns in emails.
  • Green features: lightening of signatures during response/transfer emails, possibility of not embedding images, implementation of lighter signatures for internal exchanges.
  • Integration of a 'Switch to Teams' widget to encourage your employees to continue their exchanges via chat, rather than email.

As we are increasingly involved in sustainability initiatives, our priority in 2023 is to develop even more green IT functionality.

8

Regarding “Green IT,” have you implemented measures to limit the digital footprint of email signatures?

If sending emails has an impact, non-optimized email signatures also have an impact. An unsuitable format or an image that is too heavy considerably increases the size of your signatures... and therefore, your emails.

As a responsible economic actor, we contribute to reducing our CO2 emissions and those of our customers in several ways:

  • Optimization of the weight of signatures and campaigns in emails.
  • Green features: lightening of signatures during response/transfer emails, possibility of not embedding images, implementation of lighter signatures for internal exchanges.
  • Integration of a 'Switch to Teams' widget to encourage your employees to continue their exchanges via chat, rather than email.

As we are increasingly involved in sustainability initiatives, our priority in 2023 is to develop even more green IT functionality.

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