Today, we should consider ourselves lucky to have the ability to do almost anything virtually. There is no doubt that without various devices, teaching, job meetings, and seeing family would be difficult and unsafe during these times. So what is the issue? There is no harm, right? Well, not exactly.

More attention has been brought to mental health within the recent years. However, being cooped up in your house all day can drive any individual a little stir-crazy. Many of us try to occupy ourselves with work and school, but the only way to do this is through a computer. Our minds are getting tired of these bright lights, and they alert us with eye strains and headaches. Junior, Kai Herchenroether, relates to these symptoms confessing she’s “…getting headaches from the screen,” and is, “really considering some blue light glasses.” Physical pain leads to fatigue and lack of work completion.  This can cause depression or anxiety as one begins to feel overwhelmed from piled up assignments. Sophie Kelly, also a junior, feels less motivated to do more homework after staring at a screen all day after her classes.  

Another device that seems impossible to ignore is our phones. Yes, that little light in your hand causes more damage than you think. Our whole world seems to revolve around social media; we constantly go back and forth between Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. Don’t even get me started on TikTok. A study by ABC News found that teens spend an average of 7 hours and 22 minutes on their phone daily. This adds additional hours to those we spend on a computer screen listening into our Zoom classes. 

Unfortunately, at the end of the day, there is not a clear solution. However, blocking out the blue light with resistant glasses relieves the eyes. Also, take time away from any screen between classes to help refresh the brain. Remember: help is everywhere. If you need information on how to receive help, click here.