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Beyond the Screen: The Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Digital Stress
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Digital Wellbeing
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I3-1710701-3191
Abstract
The wide use of digital technology has introduced a new class of pervasive, chronic stressors to the mankind. While the psychological and social consequences are well-documented, the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms through which digital stress impacts human physiology were still not clearly understood. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the biological pathways that mediate the effects of digital technologies apart from behavioural perspective. It is evident that the constant connectivity and digital stimuli activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which further leads to continuous glucocorticoid exposure and downstream cellular changes. Neurobiological effects of these modifications include modifications to the dopamine-reward system and additional stimulation of neuroinflammation through the activation of microglia. Furthermore, these activities result in systemic impacts such inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes to the gut-brain axis. Developing focused, physiologically based therapies to mitigate these impacts requires in-depth understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms. To address the biological impact of a digitally-intensive lifestyle, further research is required to find new biomarkers and create therapeutic approaches.
Keywords
Digital Stress, Neurobiology, Cortisol, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Microbiome, Cellular Mechanisms, Molecular Pathways.
How to cite this paper
@article{1710701,
author = {G. Vidya Sagar Reddy},
title = {Beyond the Screen: The Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Digital Stress},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {883-888},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1710701.pdf},
abstract = {The wide use of digital technology has introduced a new class of pervasive, chronic stressors to the mankind. While the psychological and social consequences are well-documented, the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms through which digital stress impacts human physiology were still not clearly understood. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the biological pathways that mediate the effects of digital technologies apart from behavioural perspective. It is evident that the constant connectivity and digital stimuli activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which further leads to continuous glucocorticoid exposure and downstream cellular changes. Neurobiological effects of these modifications include modifications to the dopamine-reward system and additional stimulation of neuroinflammation through the activation of microglia. Furthermore, these activities result in systemic impacts such inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes to the gut-brain axis. Developing focused, physiologically based therapies to mitigate these impacts requires in-depth understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms. To address the biological impact of a digitally-intensive lifestyle, further research is required to find new biomarkers and create therapeutic approaches.},
keywords = {Digital Stress, Neurobiology, Cortisol, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Microbiome, Cellular Mechanisms, Molecular Pathways.},
month = {September},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I3-1710701-3191}
}