MANSI BHAMBRI / Dehradun
Experts have raised concerns about the growing issue of social media addiction, warning of its serious consequences and advocating for a gradual shift from smartphones to basic phones as a potential remedy. Both adults and children are increasingly becoming addicted to social media platforms, watching reels, posts, playing online games and indulging in other online activities. This widespread addiction is impacting society in various ways and experts cautioned that if unaddressed, it could severely damage societal structures, leading to an increase in divorce cases and other concerning issues.
Neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta expressed her worries regarding the rising social media addiction. She said that while social media has its advantages such as educating users on various topics, it simultaneously overwhelms individuals with posts and reels. Some of this content has harmful effects, as social media lacks censorship or restrictions on certain posts, which can adversely impact society.
Everyone, regardless of age, is affected by social media, but children are particularly vulnerable. Online gaming, relational issues, and sexually themed content are influencing the mindsets of both children and adults, leading to dangerous behaviours like violence and crime. Further, the overwhelming information from social media can cause anxiety, stress and depression. Gupta warns that if social media addiction continues unchecked, it could compromise social structures, increase divorce rates and lead to other troubling activities. To mitigate the negative effects of social media, it is crucial to address addiction. A shift from smartphones to basic phones could help, allowing parents to limit their own social media use and prevent their children from becoming involved with these platforms. Parents should also monitor their children’s smartphone use to ensure they are not exposed to inappropriate content. Additionally, the government should consider banning channels or pages that spread misinformation, especially those that could negatively influence children and others, she added.
Dehradun-based rehabilitation psychologist and family counsellor Dr Bharat Kumar emphasised the escalating concern of social media addiction, highlighting an increase in insomnia cases among adults who spend excessive time watching reels at night. This behaviour disrupts sleep patterns and affects relationships, including those between spouses and parents and children, as people become increasingly engrossed in their screens.
The nature of the content in these reels is also troubling, as Kumar points out its negative impact on husband-wife relationships and parent-child communication. Excessive social media use is associated with decreased attention spans, memory problems and a decline in patience and focus, which ultimately harms communication skills. He added that children are particularly susceptible, as social media can lead to diminished focus in school and exposure to violent content, which may contribute to increased aggression. Kumar stressed that social media addiction can lead to anxiety, stress and other mental health problems, potentially even exacerbating criminal behaviour.
To tackle this issue, Kumar suggested that the government should implement regulations, including banning channels that spread misinformation and establishing strict guidelines for social media use. He also recommends that schools refrain from using platforms like WhatsApp for assignments and that individuals consider switching to basic phones to reduce their exposure to social media.
