Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted the field of telecommunication. It increased the use of media applications that enable teleconferencing, telecommuting, online learning, and social relations. Prolonged time facing screens, tablets, and smart devices increases stress and anxiety. Mental health stressors associated with telecommunication can add to other stressors related to quarantine time and lockdown to eventually lead to exhaustion and burnout. In this review, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on communication and education are explored. In addition, the relationship between prolonged exposure to digital devices and mental health is studied. Finally, coping strategies are offered to help relieve the tele-burdens of pandemics.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a major shift in communication
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the shift of the education sector toward online learning as gathering of students was forbidden
Recognizing stress and burnout resulting from telecommunication during pandemics is necessary to develop effective mitigation strategies
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a major shift in communication. People were pushed toward media applications that enable live connection and interaction between individuals, institutions, firms, and even countries. This mode of communication, done through remote applications, is called telecommunication. Studies exploring stress and burnout in the occupational and educational settings were published extensively. Studies exploring stress and burnout associated with the new norm of increased telecommunication are lacking. We explore the status of communication and learning before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intense shift to telecommunication during the outbreak can lead to increased levels of stress and burnout as a result of increased on-screen time. Improving public awareness on the negative consequences of telecommunication and offering practical solutions to cope with its associated mental health challenges is vital to relieve the tele-burdens of pandemics
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