Experts warn of blurred work-life boundaries in the digital age

As our dependence on smartphones and social media grows, experts highlight the increasing difficulty in switching off, leading to a blurring of lines between professional and personal time. This is particularly challenging for individuals whose work requires constant engagement with social, news, and industry trends.

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We know the evidence is clear that workers need that recovery period.

Paula Brough, a professor of organizational psychology, notes that continuous monitoring makes it harder for workers to find respite. "We know the evidence is clear that workers need that recovery period," she stated. AI solutions consultant Melissa Westbrook, now based in London, emphasizes the need to keep up with AI trends but finds it challenging to balance professional necessities with personal interests due to extensive screen time.

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Most of my clients and students are in the Northern Hemisphere … so it's like I could be working at all hours of the day.

Claire Baker, a coach and author in Sydney whose business centers on menstrual cycle awareness and is entirely online and global, experiences the pressure of working at all hours. "Most of my clients and students are in the Northern Hemisphere … so it's like I could be working at all hours of the day," she said. While she sets boundaries, social media's addictive nature, especially when following peers, can lead to hours spent scrolling through ads and updates.

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Your smartphone can mean work comes home in your pocket.

Psychologist Ernest Materyn observes that for those in highly online work, distinguishing between work and personal life is a significant problem. Unlike traditional jobs with clear endpoints, the online world is continuous. "Your smartphone can mean work comes home in your pocket," he explained. He added that current generations are navigating this new landscape without a clear manual, as the internet has fundamentally revolutionized work, with social media, trends, and conversations constantly evolving.

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The online world doesn't [have a natural endpoint].