AU experts to study impact of screen time on youngsters in state
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Prayagraj: In an era dominated by smartphones, tablets and digital platforms, experts from Allahabad University are now focusing on the growing concerns over screen addiction among youngsters. The department of Psychology is spearheading a ground-breaking two-year research project aimed at studying the impact of screen time on the overall well-being of young adults in state.
The study, led by Assistant Professor at the department, Manikandaprabu M, is backed by an Rs 18 lakh grant from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. Spanning from April 2025 to March 2027, the research will engage an estimated 1,100 participants from prominent educational cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Noida. These urban centres are considered educational hubs and represent diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, making them ideal for conducting a comprehensive study on youth behaviour and digital consumption patterns.
The objective of the study is to explore both the detrimental and beneficial effects of screen time on physical, mental and social health. A random controlled intervention (methodolgy) will be used, making to understand the nuances of digital device usage among Indian youth. The intervention will be customised to identify risk factors, highlight potential benefits, and develop strategies for more mindful and productive use of digital technology.
"Screen time has become an integral part of our daily lives, but we are still unravelling how it shapes our psychological and social experiences," said Manikandaprabu. "Through this study, we aim to offer science-backed insights and practical recommendations to help young adults strike a healthier balance in their digital habits," he added.
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Aman Singh, a PhD scholar of the same department, emphasised that the solution is not to reject technology, but to learn how to coexist with it in a healthy manner. He added that good sleep, regular physical activity and active social engagement can serve as protective factors against the harmful effects of excessive screen use.
"Previous research in the field reflects a mixed understanding. Studies by scholars such as Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez and Andrew K. Przybylski show that moderate use of digital devices can enhance certain cognitive functions like decision-making, planning, and working memory. However, excessive screen time is widely associated with negative outcomes including depression, anxiety, reduced attention span, poor memory, and low self-esteem, as supported by findings from researchers like Mohd Sheikh Saleem and Jean M. Twenge", says Aman Singh.
The research team plans to collaborate with local universities and community organisations, facilitating greater reach and deeper community engagement. Once completed, the findings will be shared through academic journals, conferences, and public awareness campaigns to influence educational and public health policies on responsible technology use.
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