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Digital Burnout Drives Social Media Withdrawal

Hacker News •
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Incogni surveyed 1,000 US adults in June 2026, revealing widespread digital fatigue. 55% now post less than five years ago, while 53% restrict audience visibility. Nearly half (47%) deleted apps due to stress, rising to 61% of Millennials and 56% of Gen Z.

Maintaining an online presence feels like work to 51% overall, 60% for Gen Z. Political polarization drives 44% to consider withdrawal. Disconnecting yields mixed emotions: peacefulness (27%), anxiety (22%), relaxation (21%). Gen Z reports highest anxiety (34%) and FOMO (29%) when offline.

Privacy threats (51%) and harassment (~33%) top reasons to quit entirely. Mental health concerns motivate 44% of Gen Z and 42% of Millennials versus 12% of Boomers. 16% say nothing would make them delete accounts.