Incogni, a personal data removal service and data privacy company, has issued the new study “The Great Digital Fatigue: How Digital Burnout Is Changing Social Media Use.”
Based on a survey of 1,000 Americans, the report shows a growing shift away from active participation as users post less, tighten their privacy settings, and delete apps altogether.
Key findings include:
● 55% of Americans post less than they did five years ago
● 53% have become more selective about who can see what they share
● 51% say maintaining an online presence feels like work
● 47% have deleted a social media or messaging app because it caused stress or anxiety
● 44% say political content and polarization make them want to withdraw from social media
● Privacy and security concerns are the leading reasons people consider deleting their social media accounts, followed by harassment and hate speech
● Younger generations are significantly more likely to cite mental health as a reason for stepping away from social media
“Even people who aren’t deleting their accounts are changing how they engage online,” says Darius Belejevas, CEO of Incogni. “We’re seeing users becoming more selective about what they share and who they share it with, along with time spent online. Privacy concerns, mental health, and the pressure to always be connected are all contributing to a quieter internet.”
The research also highlights the complicated emotions that come with disconnecting. While 27% of respondents said they feel peaceful when they spend an extended period without checking messaging apps, 22% reported feeling anxious, and 20% said they experience fear of missing out. Among Gen Z, anxiety and FOMO were even more common, illustrating the tension between wanting a break from digital life and feeling obligated to stay connected.
The full report is available at https://blog.incogni.com/digital-fatigue-and-burnout/.
Methodology
The survey was conducted between the 1st and 9th of June, 2026, with the participation of 1,000 respondents. It was conducted via Cint and captured a representative sample of Americans (by age and geographic distribution).
