Filipino youth are spending an average of 7.5 hours a day on screens, and nearly all of them say this digital lifestyle is affecting their daily lives, according to the 2026 AXA Mind Health Report conducted with IPSOS.
The report found that 98% of Filipino youth believe screen use negatively affects them, with the impact showing up in disrupted sleep, difficulty focusing, and emotional exhaustion that continues even after they disconnect.
“This year’s findings show that stress is no longer showing up one challenge at a time,” said Ayman Kandil, president and CEO of AXA Philippines. “Filipinos are carrying multiple pressures at once and still trying to keep up with school, work, and daily life. When emotional strain starts affecting how people function every day, support cannot wait for burnout or crisis. We need to make it easier for people to seek help early and nurture communities where mental well-being is treated as a shared responsibility.”
For many young Filipinos, being online has become part of everyday life. Digital platforms are where they communicate, consume information, and build connections. However, constant exposure is also creating new pressures, as online activity becomes harder to separate from rest, personal time, and mental recovery.
The report found that 72% of Filipino youth experience feelings of loneliness or sadness, highlighting the emotional challenges that come with an increasingly digital environment.
Beyond screen habits, the bigger mental health situation remains a concern. Globally, 46% of respondents said they are struggling or languishing. In the Philippines, about 31% of respondents are classified as languishing, with financial concerns and social pressures contributing to ongoing stress.
As digital experiences shape how people cope with stress, some Filipinos are also turning to technology for mental health support. The report found that 29% of Filipinos regularly use artificial intelligence (AI) for mental health support, higher than the global average of 21%. AI use is particularly common among those aged 18 to 34 and individuals who already report mental health concerns.
However, relying on digital tools also comes with challenges. Around 33% of Filipinos who used AI for mental health said they felt uneasy after receiving AI guidance, while 25% said AI recommendations led them to harmful behavior.
The report also found that cost remains the biggest barrier to mental health support in the Philippines. While awareness is the main challenge globally, many Filipinos who recognize their need for support still struggle to access professional services because of affordability.
The findings highlight how technology has become deeply connected with mental well-being. As screen use continues to shape daily routines, digital tools are becoming both part of the challenge and part of how people seek support.