Can Just 1 Hour of Social Media Reels on Smartphones Lead to Eye Fatigue?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Discover how just one hour of scrolling through social media reels can lead to significant eye fatigue. This study from New Delhi uncovers the lesser-known effects of smartphone usage on our visual health, emphasizing the importance of being aware of our digital habits. Learn about the implications for mental health and practical solutions to combat discomfort.
Key Takeaways
- One hour of social media reels can lead to eye fatigue.
- Pupil fluctuations are greater with social media content.
- Extended smartphone use can result in physical and mental health issues.
- 60% of participants reported discomfort after prolonged use.
- Using blue light filters can help mitigate discomfort.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) Are you experiencing digital eye strain? A recent study reveals that merely one hour of browsing social media reels on smartphones can result in eye fatigue.
Published in the Journal of Eye Movement Research, the study highlights that not only the duration of exposure to digital devices but also the nature of the content can contribute to this condition.
According to researchers from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, social media content induces greater pupil fluctuations compared to reading or watching videos.
The research team noted that extended smartphone use beyond 20 minutes can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including psychophysiological disorders.
Prolonged exposure to blue light from digital devices leads to digital eyestrain, sleep issues, and other vision-related problems.
To assess the effects of one hour of smartphone interaction on visual fatigue among young Indian adults, researchers devised an affordable, portable system to monitor visual activity.
This system tracked blink rate, inter-blink interval, and pupil diameter. Eye activity was recorded during one hour of smartphone activities, including e-book reading, video watching, and social media reels.
Researchers explained that social media reels display increased screen variations, which impact pupil dilation and decrease the blink rate due to the constant changes in screen brightness and intensity. This decline in blink frequency and the rise in inter-blink intervals or pupil dilation can contribute to visual fatigue.
In terms of discomfort, 60% of participants reported experiencing mild to severe discomfort after extended smartphone usage, with symptoms including eyestrain, neck pain, and hand fatigue.
Moreover, 83% of respondents acknowledged encountering some form of psychophysiological disorders, such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, or mental exhaustion. To alleviate discomfort, 40% of participants took measures like using blue light filters or enabling dark mode settings to mitigate the effects of screen exposure.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of understanding the implications of our digital habits. This study sheds light on a pressing issue in our tech-driven society. It's crucial to prioritize eye health in our daily routines, especially for the younger generation who are increasingly reliant on digital devices.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is digital eye strain?
Digital eye strain is a condition caused by prolonged use of digital devices, leading to symptoms like eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision.
How can I reduce eye fatigue while using my smartphone?
You can reduce eye fatigue by using blue light filters, taking regular breaks, and enabling dark mode settings.
What are the long-term effects of prolonged smartphone use?
Long-term effects can include chronic eye strain, mental fatigue, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of psychophysiological disorders.
How long should I limit my smartphone use?
It's advisable to take breaks every 20 minutes of smartphone use to minimize eye strain and discomfort.
Are social media reels worse for my eyes than other types of content?
Yes, social media reels can cause greater pupil fluctuations and eye strain compared to static content like reading articles.
