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New Delhi – If you find your eyes aching after another session of scrolling through social media reels, you are not alone. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Eye Movement Research, just one hour of browsing through social media reels on a smartphone can result in greater visual fatigue compared to spending the same amount of time reading e-books or watching longer videos.
Researchers from the SRM Institute of Science and Technology observed that it’s not just the duration of digital device use, but also the type of content being consumed that is linked to heightened eye fatigue. “Social media content causes greater pupil fluctuations than reading or watching a video,” the researchers noted, signaling a specific concern with short-form, rapidly changing content.
The research team developed a portable, cost-effective system to analyze visual activity among young Indian adults during one-hour sessions of either e-book reading, video watching, or social media reel consumption. Metrics like blink rate, inter-blink interval, and pupil diameter were closely monitored. They found that reels, with their quick cuts and changing brightness, led to reduced blink rates and increased pupil dilation, a combination associated with visual fatigue.
The implications extend beyond basic eyestrain. The study revealed that 60% of participants reported mild to severe discomfort after prolonged smartphone use, with symptoms ranging from eyestrain and neck pain to hand fatigue. Moreover, a striking 83% reported experiencing psychophysiological symptoms, such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, or mental exhaustion.
Many users are already attempting to combat the effects of screen fatigue, with 40% employing mitigations like blue light filters and dark mode to alleviate some of the strain.
As digital content continues to shift towards brevity and high engagement, these findings offer a timely reminder about the physiological costs of our scrolling habits.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Readers experiencing persistent eye strain or discomfort should consult a healthcare professional.
Reference: “Social Media Reels Cause More Eye Fatigue Than Reading or Videos: Researchers,” Medical Dialogues.
