More than eight in 10 people in Singapore say they feel mentally drained after long hours on their devices, according to a national survey released by StarHub and research firm YouGov.

The study highlights rising concerns over screen fatigue — a sense of exhaustion linked to excessive digital use — with 90 per cent of respondents admitting to mindless scrolling and nearly seven in 10 reporting difficulties in maintaining focus.

Digital BMI Quiz Launched

In response, StarHub has introduced the Digital Balanced Media Index (Digital BMI), a short online quiz designed to help individuals reflect on their digital habits and how these may affect their wellbeing.

The results link to five “5G Wellness Pillars” — Gather, Glide, Glow, Ground and Grow — which encourage healthier patterns of connection, relaxation and creativity both online and offline.

“We are all living in this always-on world, constantly connected, yet sometimes feeling more disconnected than ever,” said Tan Toi Chia, Chief People, Organisation and Communications at StarHub. “Technology should support us and bring us closer to what really matters.”

5G Wellness Festival in September

To complement the quiz, StarHub will host the 5G Wellness Festival at Capitol Outdoor Plaza on 13 and 14 September 2025. The free, two-day event will feature live music, mindfulness sessions and creative workshops inspired by the company’s wellness themes.

Activities include silent disco yoga with instructor Mandi Cheung, mindful journaling with Steph T, and leather crafting workshops by Hides & Thread. Visitors can also play life-sized board games and enjoy coffee sessions with friends.

Screen Fatigue on the Rise

The survey also found that nearly nine in 10 people turn to their devices when feeling lonely, but three-quarters of digital detox attempts fail because many are searching for deeper, more meaningful connections rather than fewer interactions.

Industry observers note that digital wellbeing has become a growing focus for technology companies, as screen time continues to rise across Asia. Similar initiatives in recent years have included device usage trackers, parental controls and mindfulness apps.

StarHub said it will continue to develop tools and experiences that encourage mindful technology use. Registration for the festival workshops is open on the company’s website, with limited slots available.

More details are available at www.starhub.com/digitalbmi.