What does it mean?
Digital wellbeing is the ability to use technology in a way that supports productivity, balance, and overall wellbeing, while reducing stress, distraction, and burnout.
UK Statistics
4h 30m
is the average time UK adults spend online each day outside work
(Ofcom Online Nation 2025)
55.5 million
social media user identities were recorded in the UK in October 2025, equal to 79.7% of the population.
68.1 million
people in the UK were using the internet at the end of 2025, equal to 97.8% online penetration.
What can digital overload feel like?
Digital overload happens when the volume, speed, or intensity of digital communication becomes difficult to manage. It can come from constant notifications, back-to-back virtual meetings, overflowing inboxes, multiple apps and unclear expectations around response times.
Over time, this can affect focus, energy, decision-making, and communication. People may feel like they are working harder but achieving less, or that they are always available even outside normal working hours.
Signs of digital fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, slower decision-making or “brain fog”
- Feeling overwhelmed by emails, messages, meetings or information
- Increased irritability, frustration or reduced motivation
- Eye strain, headaches, disrupted sleep or physical tension
- Constantly checking devices and finding it difficult to switch off after work
- Reduced productivity, missed details or increased communication misunderstandings
Practical actions to try
Reduce digital noise
Turn off non-essential
notifications and schedule
email-checking times.
Take screen breaks
Step away from the screen
regularly and move in the
day.
Agree team norms
Decide which channels to
use, expected response
times and meeting etiquette.
Protect focus time
Block time for important
work and avoid unnecessary
multitasking.
Set boundaries
Clarify working hours,
availability and end-of-day
routines.
Spot early signs
Notice changes in focus,
motivation, energy or
communication style.