Digital-Age Psychosocial Strain: A Systematic Literature Review of Conceptual Dimensions, Measurement Approaches, and Emerging Research Directions

The rapid growth use of digital technologies has created new psychosocial challenges that are discussed using variety of terms, such as technostress, digital stress, digital burnout, AI fatigue, and other forms of technology-related strain. However, previous studies often use different definitions, dimensions, and measurement methods, which makes it difficult to clearly understand how these constructs are related. Thus, this review aimed to examine the main features of existing studies and identify common and different dimensions across technology-related psychosocial strain constructs. The review also adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted involving 3 databases which are Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. A total of 324 records were identified, and 24 empirical studies published between 2022 and 2026 were included after duplicate removal, screening, eligibility assessment, and quality appraisal process. Majority of the studies adopted quantitative approaches and centered on developing, validating, or adapting instruments for specific technology-related constructs. The findings highlighted in six recurring dimensions: technology demands, information and communication pressure, work-life and social pressure, emotional and cognitive strain, behavioral and adaptive responses, and privacy and security concerns. Despite multiple terms identified across studies, many of the dimensions reflect some likeness between their meanings and patterns. The review also portrayed that current research still vary in the way these constructs are defined and measured, which indirectly highlight the need for clearer and more consistent measurement approaches and provides a useful basis for future research on Digital-Age Psychosocial Strain and the development of a more thorough psychometric instrument.

Digital-Age Psychosocial Strain, technostress, digital stress, digital burnout, SDG

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