How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 2-3 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, we do not store any identifying data when you take this quiz; your results are calculated locally in your browser.

Can my results help me with a medical diagnosis?

No, this test is for educational and informational purposes only. If you are experiencing persistent vertigo or vision changes, please consult a medical professional.

A clinically-inspired assessment of digital overstimulation.

Screen Sickness And Digital Fatigue Scale

Are your devices making you physically ill?

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: February 18, 2026

While “screen sickness” (or cybersickness) often mimics motion sickness, it is a distinct physiological response to a sensory mismatch between your visual system and your vestibular system. When we scroll rapidly or focus intensely on blue-light-emitting pixels, we override our natural blink reflex and confuse our spatial awareness. This 10-item inventory assesses both the ocular and systemic symptoms of prolonged digital immersion. For a more comprehensive look at your digital habits, consider taking our Doomscrolling Scale or the Digital Hoarding Questionnaire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 2-3 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, we do not store any identifying data when you take this quiz; your results are calculated locally in your browser.
Can my results help me with a medical diagnosis?: No, this test is for educational and informational purposes only. If you are experiencing persistent vertigo or vision changes, please consult a medical professional.

The Screen Sickness And Digital Fatigue Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Physical Symptoms

For each statement, indicate how likely you are to experience the symptom on a scale of 1 (Never) to 5 (Very Often). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I experience a sensation of nausea or queasiness after scrolling through social media feeds or reading scrolling text for extended periods.

2. I suffer from tension headaches that seem to originate behind my eyes or at the base of my skull after using digital devices.

3. I notice a temporary blurring of vision or difficulty focusing on distant objects immediately after looking up from a screen.

4. I feel a sense of dizziness, vertigo, or 'spinning' when I stand up after a long session of computer or phone use.

5. My eyes feel dry, gritty, or physically tired by the mid-point of my day.

6. I experience increased irritability after heavy screen usage.

7. I have difficulty falling asleep because my mind feels 'wired', even when my body is exhausted.

8. I feel a phantom sensation of movement or 'lag' in my vision even when I am not looking at a screen.

9. I unconsciously clench my jaw or frown (squint) while browsing on my phone or working on my computer.

10. I experience 'brain fog' or a reduction in cognitive sharpness that only lifts after I have stepped away from technology for a significant time.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your demographics to see how you stack up against others.

What is your first name?

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.