By- Jyoti Rawat
In our modern society, the allure of constant connectivity through digital devices has become an inextricable part of life . In the rapidly digitizing landscape of India, smartphones and the internet are no longer luxuries but necessities that penetrate every aspect of life .The evolution of technology has brought about revolutionary changes in how we communicate, work and interact with the world. While these advancements offer unprecedented level of convenience and accessibility, they also present significant challenges , particularly regarding mental health. The term “digital dilemma” refers to paradoxical effects our interconnected lives, where the tools designed to enhance our capabilities and foster connections can also leads to cognitive overload, social isolation, and disrupted sleep and other issues .this dilemma is rooted in the constantbarrage of inform and social interaction mediated through screens ,which demands continuous attention and engagement . As a result ,individuals finds themselves tethered to their devices, often at the cost of their mental wellbeing’s. The advent of technology has brought about profound changes in the way individuals access the information and communicate. As highlighted by (Vannucci et al.,2019) ,the digital age has ushered in an era where individuals are inundated with an overwhelming amount of information and stimuli, a condition often referred to as “information overload” . This constant connectivity can lead to decreased productivity, heightened anxiety and impaired cognitive functions. Moreover ,the compulsion to check notifications and engage with digital content creates a state of partial attention ,which further strains mental resources and reduces the capacity for deep focused thoughts (Ophir et.al ,2009). This article delves into how our digital interactions, while superficially enriching, are paradoxically leading to a decline in mental health.
Increased screen time and mental health
A significant consequence of India’s digital revolution has been a dramatic increase in screen time. Extended screen time has been associated with mental health issues, such as increased anxiety, depression and disrupted sleep patterns. A study by (Kelly et.al.,2019) highlighted the relationship between screen based activities and psychological wellbeing’s among children and adolescents. The study is notable for its detailed analysis of different types of screen time ,including TV, social media , and gaming ,relating these activities to symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The effects of social media
The pervasive reach of social media has woven a complex web of digital interactions that are not without psychological consequences. Social media platforms, which play a major role in this problem, enhance these impacts by creating an atmosphere that is conducive to cyberbullying, social comparison, and the spread of misinformation—all of which have been connected to negative outcomes for mental health, especially in young people and adolescents.( Vidal et.al.,2020) highlights the psychological impact of continuous connectivity and the stress associated with social media usage. It particularly focus on the concept of “technostress” and its implications for mental health.
Remote work and mental strains
The shift to remote work has further complicated the digital landscape surveys by Assocham and KPMG highlights an alarming increase in work related stress, exacerbated by the erosion of the distinction between home and office the constant need for digital connectivity in telecommuting setups has led many employees to experience burnout ,challenging the mental health of a significant portion of India’s workforce. While the digital age brings unprecedented opportunities for growth and connectivity, it also necessities robust strategies to safeguard mental health. To effectively address the mental health challenges posed by increased digital connectivity in India, several strategic solutions can be implemented across different sectors. Here’s detailed list of potential solutions.
• Programs for promoting digital literacy and awareness – launched nationwide and local efforts to inform people about the dangers of excessive digital use and to encourage better digital habits. Teach kids about digital wellness, safe internet usage and the psychological
effects of social media.
• Regulations of content- increase laws governing digital content to make sure it is appropriate for the target audience and not exploitative, especially when it comes to content that minors and young adult access.
• Encouraging healthy lifestyle programs like physical activity programs and community
engagement initiatives.
• Building resilience and coping skills which includes offering workshops and resources on building psychological resilience and effective coping strategies to manage stress related to overload, integrated mindfulness exercises and mental well-being programs in daily routines both at school and workplace.
• public health programs should be launched to promote frequent digital detoxes, in which people abstain from using digital gadgets for a set amount of time in an effort to lower stress and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
References:
Vannucci,A., McCauley Ohannessian,C.,& Lerner,M.D(2019). Social media use and anxiety in emerging adults journals of affective disorder,245,325-330.j.jad.2018.11.005.
Ophir,E., Nass,C.,& Wagner, A.D.(2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the national Academy of science. DOI :10.1073/pnas.0903620106.
Kelly,Y., Zilanawala,A., Booker,C.,& Sacker,A.(2019). Social media use and adolescents mental health : findings from the UK milliennium cohort study. EClinicalMedicine, 6,59-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/jeclinm.2018.12.005
Vidal,C., Lhaksampa, T., Miller, L., & Platt, J.(2020).Technostress in the age of twitter: the relationship between social media use and burnout among millennials.The information society, 36(3)160-170. https://doi.org/10.1080/01972243.2020.1712270
Assocham & KPGM (2021). Work from home and mental health: A survey Report. Assocham Publications.