Declining an invitation at the last minute, ignoring messages for several days, or feeling exhausted even before a dinner with friends: psychologists and psychiatrists have observed a rise in what they now call "social fatigue" for several months. This phenomenon, particularly visible among young adults and urban professionals, refers to emotional strain linked to the proliferation of digital, professional, and social demands.
According to several recent studies, this weariness is fueled by a state of constant hyperconnectivity. Notifications, video conferences, social media, and the pressure to respond quickly keep the brain in a state of continuous social alert, even during periods of rest. A survey cited by Le Monde This reveals that 62% of 18-24 year olds report regularly experiencing feelings of loneliness despite constant digital interactions.
Social networks and remote work have profoundly changed human relationships
Researchers also point to the lasting effects of remote work and virtual interactions that emerged after the pandemic. Several academic studies mention an increase in professional isolation, social anxiety, and "Zoom fatigue," the mental overload caused by repeated video conferences and constant exposure to screens.
Faced with this relational overload, some young people are now calling for periods of “voluntary disconnection,” limiting their notifications, or favoring smaller social circles. Experts remind us, however, that human relationships remain essential for psychological well-being and long-term mental health, provided they are not experienced as a constant source of pressure or exhaustion.
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