I’ve noticed that I have mental (and perhaps physical) fatigue when I spent a lot of time online. I don’t yet have a theory as to why, but I’m curious if this translates to other people’s experience with social media / online.
Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
1–10 of 14 posts
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#2Social media is available 24*7 providing pleasure and elevating threat. Unlike any other drug.
Every time the brain has to handle pleasure or threat its using energy. Its not designed to do it all the time. So if you are feeling drained its a signal to take a break from the endless stream of pleasure and threat.
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#3It takes a lot of energy. It's exhausting.
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#4idk about fatigue, but my patience is ridiculously low and it probably played a part.
I get so bored i have to check social media in the middle of my run / workout. And I’m pretty sure i’m one of those weird people who likes working out! Anything else - classes, reading, hanging out - is a struggle because i just get so bored. I’m pretty sure it affects me falling asleep too.
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#5Thinking in any capacity burns energy. The "harder" you're thinking/focusing, the more energy you burn.
An interesting example is high-performing chess players: https://www.npr.org/2019/09/18/762046422/the-chess-grandmast...
If you're super focused/engaged with social media, you're brain is burning energy.
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#6Social media is available 24*7 providing pleasure and elevating threat. Unlike any other drug. Every time the brain has to handle pleasure or threat its using energy. Its not designed to do it all the time. So if you are feeling drained its a signal to take a break from the endless stream of pleasure and threat.
I think most drugs are available 24/7. Especially the illicit ones.
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#7Sample size of 1 I've been using a blocker for the last week (do this a few times a year) and yes I can attribute it to social media, I will ebb and flow between being on social media too much and being too antisocial - its okay to swap them in and out
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#8Social media is available 24*7 providing pleasure and elevating threat. Unlike any other drug. Every time the brain has to handle pleasure or threat its using energy. Its not designed to do it all the time. So if you are feeling drained its a signal to take a break from the endless stream of pleasure and threat.
I think most drugs are available 24/7. Especially the illicit ones.
Sorry should have added "for free" . Illicit drugs arent free.
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#9I feel it for sure.
Social media has so many side effects:
- comparing our lives with other
- we forget to do our job -> which leads to stress
Re: Ask HN: Does social media use lead to mental/physical fatigue?
#10Yes