Even One Hour of Social Media Use Daily May Lead to Eye Strain

Spending just one hour per day scrolling through social media on your smartphone can significantly contribute to digital eye strain, a growing health concern in our technology-driven world. Recent research published in the Journal of Eye Movement Research highlights that it’s not only the duration but also the type of content consumed that influences eye health. The study focused on young adults in India, where smartphone use is prevalent, and used innovative eye-monitoring technology to assess real-time signs of eye fatigue, including blink rate, pupil size, and inter-blink intervals.

Participants engaged in one-hour sessions of reading e-books, watching videos, and scrolling through social media reels while seated in a fixed position. Findings revealed that social media reels induced the most eye strain, characterized by greater fluctuations in pupil size—indicating increased visual stress—compared to reading or watching videos. The fluctuating brightness and varied content during social media browsing appear to strain the eyes more significantly.

In addition, the study observed a notable decrease in blink rate—by over 50%—and an increase in the time eyes remained open without blinking, both of which are markers of eye fatigue. This means prolonged social media use not only causes discomfort but also enhances visual fatigue over time. These effects are particularly concerning given the widespread increase in smartphone usage, with over 90% of people worldwide owning and regularly using these devices.

The researchers employed a portable and cost-effective eye-monitoring system based on Raspberry Pi and IR camera technology, emphasizing the potential for real-world application in monitoring eye health. Their results underscore the importance of managing screen time and taking regular breaks to prevent eye strain. Public health initiatives encouraging reduced social media use and promoting eye health awareness could help mitigate the risks associated with prolonged smartphone engagement.

While the study concentrated on an hour of use, the cumulative effect of daily screen exposure suggests that even relatively short periods can impact eye health. As digital device usage continues to rise, innovations like the monitoring system tested in this study offer promising solutions for early detection and prevention of digital eye strain, emphasizing the importance of adopting healthier digital habits.