‘No longer just gaming': Bengaluru's Nimhans warns of rising digital dependencies as more teens seek help for social media fixation
While gaming disorder still remains prevalent, clinicians at SHUT say they see a surge in cases tied to newer digital addictions, particularly linked to social media and fan-based live-streaming platforms. Many teenagers spend excessive time and money on such platforms, seeking validation from online creators or getting hooked on features like virtual gifting, paid subscriptions, and endless scrolling.
'We're getting more cases where young users are becoming emotionally attached to content creators on live-streaming apps. They spend hours watching streams, chatting, and even sending virtual gifts. It's no longer just gaming,' said Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, a clinical psychologist at the clinic.
Such apps often allow users to pay for virtual interactions with creators, encouraging prolonged use. According to Dr Sharma, these digital spaces can foster unhealthy dependencies, especially among adolescents facing loneliness or low self-esteem.
'Many of these youngsters say they are drawn in because they feel connected or validated through these interactions,' he said.
The clinic has also recorded a rise in cases involving compulsive use of short-video apps and social media platforms such as Instagram, where features like reels, stories, and likes keep users constantly engaged.
However, these cases rarely involve just one platform. 'Most teens seeking help don't have a single addiction. Someone coming in for gaming is often also spending hours on social media, binge-watching videos, or accessing adult content. It's a cluster of behaviours,' Dr Sharma explained.
Parental concerns over such behaviours have also intensified post-pandemic. Many families approaching SHUT report difficulty in regulating their children's screen use, especially with the added lure of social validation and peer competition on social media.
'Parents often come to us saying their child is irritable, isolated, or distracted, and when we assess, we find excessive engagement with multiple apps, not just games. It's increasingly about chasing followers, likes, and online approval,' Dr Sharma said.
The clinic's approach to such cases combines cognitive-behavioural therapy, family counselling, and digital detox plans. However, Dr Sharma noted that many of these cases are rooted in deeper emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, or poor self-esteem, which drive teens towards excessive screen use as an escape.
'Many are using social media or live-streaming to cope with stress or loneliness, which becomes a cycle—the more they use, the worse their mood gets, pushing them further into these platforms,' he said.
Peer pressure plays a crucial role in fuelling these addictions. Many teens feel compelled to stay online to avoid being excluded from group chats or viral trends. 'There's a clear 'fear of missing out' factor here. One child might have limits set by parents, but their friends are online till late, and they don't want to feel left out,' he added.
Dr Sharma stressed that addressing such addictions requires more than just restricting screen time—it involves fostering better communication at home, setting realistic digital boundaries, and addressing the underlying psychological triggers.
SHUT's team has been working with schools to raise awareness about social media overuse and digital burnout. They advise a four-step strategy for families: recognising problematic usage, understanding its causes, replacing screen time with offline activities, and seeking help when needed.
'There's no going back on technology, but we need to build digital hygiene. Children and teens must learn when to step back, and families need to be part of that process,' Dr Sharma said.
Mehak Singh is an intern with The Indian Express.
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