Are you suffering infobesity?

From news, videos, memes and digital influencers, many of us are feeling overwhelmed by the torrent of data available to us

We’ve all been there. You’re in bed about to drift off when you can’t resist one last look at Facebook, a quick read of the headlines or your emails. Smartphones have put social media, apps and rolling news constantly at our fingertips, making it so very difficult to completely switch off.

A 2018 Ofcom study showed 78% of us now own a smartphone, and on average we check our devices every 12 minutes. Our workplaces are also dominated by technology, and we often don’t realise how much time we spend mindlessly scrolling, gorging on the vast quantities of words, pictures, videos and articles available. And 2020 has already been a tough year – whether it’s the coronavirus pandemic, climate change or other news, our consumption of conflicting headlines, facts and opinions is leading to information overload… also known as ‘infobesity’.

Many of us choose to stay immersed online, constantly digitally snacking, yet others are having to step away and limit their screen time for the sake of their mental health.

Woman takes a look at the everyday ongoing struggle with infobesity.