A growing wave of internet fatigue is reshaping summer 2025, with online life feeling heavier and less enjoyable. In Thailand, millions are seeking relief offline as experts urge a shift from scrolling to real-world engagement. New essays and research point to a cultural inflection: the era of constant online overload may be giving way to a “log off, reconnect” mindset that prioritizes direct human connection.
Once a hub of joy and community, the internet now often delivers floods of distressing news and competing voices. Experts describe a pervasive sense of mental fatigue and anxiety, prompting many to pursue authentic in-person experiences. The message is clear: touching grass is not just a meme but a practical step toward better well-being.
This change resonates across Thailand. The country ranks among the world’s most active online societies, with a large portion of Thais consuming digital news weekly and daily social media use woven into everyday life. While digital platforms have brought many benefits, concerns about stress, anxiety, and disconnection—especially among Thai youth—are rising.
The shift in how people use the internet reflects both recent events and long-term trends. The global pandemic demonstrated the power of digital life but also its limits. Remote work, virtual gatherings, and online activism became central, yet sustained screen time can reduce physical contact, expose people to harsh news cycles, and expose people to digital environments that amplify anxiety. Now, the toll of constant digital vigilance is becoming clearer in 2025.
Key observations highlight the scale of the issue. The World Health Organization notes that young people’ mental health is influenced by digital spaces just as much as by schools or families, but without the same protections. Global surveys show that about half of teens feel social media harms their mental well-being, a trend echoed in Thai youth who report rising depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and related concerns. The presence of disinformation and traumatic content online compounds these challenges, contributing to a persistent sense of unease.
voices of authorities reinforce these concerns. A senior health official at Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health explains that more young people seek help for stress and anxiety linked to social media and news exposure. A digital wellness expert from a leading Bangkok university adds that time online correlates with poorer sleep and mood, especially after pandemic isolation when people crave real-life experiences.
Thailand’s approach to digital well-being includes adapting global programs to local needs. The country has integrated digital mental health initiatives into national platforms, and mental health app usage is growing as Thais seek support in a digital age. This trend coexists with a cultural push toward deeper offline engagement, including outdoor activities and community gatherings that align with Thai values and traditions.
Global trends also reflect growing interest in digital detox practices. Many young people report digital exhaustion and prefer real-world experiences, turning to parks, markets, and concerts over endless scrolling. In Thailand, communities report a shift away from online disputes toward social spaces such as cafes, gyms, and street markets that foster human connection.
Thailand’s cultural fabric—rooted in sanuk, the joy of togetherness and play—helps shape this moment. Festivals, temple fairs, and family gatherings offer spaces to nurture resilience and happiness, offering a practical path back to balance in a tech-saturated world.
Experts caution that entirely abandoning the online world is not the solution. They warn against missing urgent information or civic opportunities that now organize online. The recommended approach is mindful use: engage digital tools for learning and action, but protect personal well-being by limiting doom scrolling, prioritizing in-person activities, and using technology to strengthen families and communities rather than replace them.
National policy moves reflect these concerns. Thai educators advocate more outdoor and experiential learning in schools, recognizing the benefits of nature-based activities over prolonged remote classes. Corporate wellness programs are encouraging employees to unplug, while mental health campaigns invite Thais to reclaim weekends from screens and reconnect with cultural and natural heritage.
As the internet’s role evolves—from a source of inspiration to a tool that can overwhelm—Thailand stands at a crossroads. The question is whether to intensify digital life or to rebalance, embracing a healthier blend of technology and tradition.
Looking ahead, advances in artificial intelligence and highly personalized news feeds may further complicate digital well-being. Yet the summer 2025 mood—embracing “touch grass”—suggests a lasting shift toward more meaningful real-world experiences. Thais and global citizens alike may discover that joy, connection, and sanity benefit from stepping away from the screen.
Practical takeaways for readers in Thailand:
- Set modest daily limits on news and social media consumption.
- Schedule regular outdoor activities in parks or local markets.
- Strengthen face-to-face social connections with family and friends.
- Leverage Thai festivals and public spaces to renew community ties.
- For parents and educators: balance digital learning with outdoor play and family time.
- Employers: model healthy digital boundaries and support authentic rest.
- If needed, seek professional help through Thailand’s growing network of clinics and apps, used in moderation.
Ultimately, the summer message is clear: the internet is a powerful tool, not a destiny. By reclaiming time offline—whether under the shade of Bangkok’s parks or within the calm of temple spaces—Thai readers can rediscover resilience, joy, and community, even as online life continues to evolve.