"In 2026, we find ourselves literally living in a new world. Our homes offer multiple labor-saving devices, including smart temperature controls and our phones that double as entertainment centers, and we are awash in information. As a result, our lives are easier in many ways, but the mental load we carry is becoming overwhelming."
"When I survey students on my campus, they report that they spend less than an hour a day by themselves without any external or electronic input. Essentially, we are being pecked to death or at least exhausted by the never-ending demands on our attention, our time, and our energy."
"Even those of us who don't technically meet the official criteria for those disorders find ourselves struggling to get enough sleep, feeling frustrated by the volume of daily encounters we have with other stressed people, recalcitrant electronic devices, and the ever-expanding sludge of daily life."
Life today is less physically demanding, yet cognitive load is rising due to endless demands on time and attention. The convenience of modern technology has created a paradox where mental exhaustion is prevalent. Many individuals report spending minimal time alone without external input, contributing to feelings of anxiety and frustration. The constant comparison to others exacerbates these feelings, leading to increased rates of anxiety and depression, even among those who do not meet clinical criteria for these disorders.
Read at Psychology Today
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