Latest news with #ServiceforHealthyUseofTechnology
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
‘No longer just gaming': Bengaluru's Nimhans warns of rising digital dependencies as more teens seek help for social media fixation
The SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) clinic at Bengaluru's Nimhans, which treats technology addiction, has flagged a worrying trend — an increasing number of young people are seeking help for compulsive social media use, live-streaming obsessions, and online trading, marking a shift from the earlier dominance of gaming-related cases. 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.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Many Bengalureans are trying digital fasting
Dr Sparsha S Vasisht Bengalureans who keep their gadgets away say they feel happier when they do that Gadgets outnumber people in most Bengaluru homes. The average daily screen time of Bengalureans is eight hours, says Manoj Sharma of Nimhans who has done extensive studies on gadget addiction. The situation is concerning. Sharma, who oversees the SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic at Nimhans, says they attend to about 20 cases every week. The growing addiction to electronic devices among children has also become a significant concern. Following Nimhans' recent introduction of an online support group for parents, over 400 people have joined seeking assistance. Most of them required advice on addressing their children's gaming-related challenges. Many today spend one-third of their waking hours staring at screens. Complete disconnection from electronic devices seems impractical. Our daily activities, from purchasing household essentials to maintaining social connections and unwinding after a hard day at work, heavily rely on technology. Ditching gadgets could make us feel lonely and create practical challenges. Nonetheless, many are now realising that electronic devices can only offer synthetic happiness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo They are limiting their device usage with some even opting for simpler mobile phones. And they say they are happier now. Unplug and reconnect with yourself When 41-year-old Ramya Shripathi first heard about digital detox, she thought it was impossible to disconnect from screens. 'I had tried deleting WhatsApp but then realised it was useful especially for official communication or kid's school-related communication,' she says. Meanwhile, the constant buzzing in groups would leave her anxious, wanting to check her phone again and again, to the point of making her feel miserable and helpless. It took Ramya a lot of effort to reclaim her life. Ever since she became a life coach, she has been practising digital detox and noticing the benefits of screen-free time. N Ramakrishnan vouches for it too. A resident of One Bangalore West Apartment in Rajajinagar, Ramakrishnan has reduced his daily screen time from 12 to two hours. The 73-year-old had worked in the IT sector for many years, where long hours in front of computer screens were routine. Additional exposure to television, mobile phones, and laptops further increased screen dependency. After moving to the gated community and being elected as president of the residents' association, he found ways to get away from gadgets and keep himself occupied. 'I invested effort in understanding the intricacies of residential complex management. This led to an increased focus on outdoor activities. I started learning tennis and encouraged others to learn badminton, cricket and other outdoor activities. I also created a group for sloka chanting and another for musical activities that have fostered a community spirit,' he says. Remedies for pathological trading and porn addiction One of Sharma's patients suffered substantial losses due to compulsive online trading activities. The patient's family sought help. He was asked to use a basic phone instead of a smartphone. 'It really worked. The basic phone reduced his access to trading, controlled his urges to browse, and helped him recover from the addiction,' Sharma recalls. Another case involved a young adult seeking assistance for pornography addiction. The addiction began affecting both his personal and work life significantly. 'He used pornography as a coping mechanism to improve his emotional state. Despite addressing the psychological aspects through counselling sessions, he continued to report strong cravings and difficulty in controlling his urges,' recalls Sharma. He then decided to implement a more fundamental approach – restrict the patient's access to such content by recommending a basic phone with minimal features. That helped the patient overcome the porn addiction and take back control of his life. 'He even started engaging in other activities that improved his productivity and overall feeling of well-being,' says Sharma. The crucial factor in digital detoxing, Sharma says, is identifying specific triggers. 'These could be feelings of loneliness, excess free time, easy access to technology, or other psychological conditions. Once these triggers and their associations are recognised, appropriate coping mechanisms can be employed,' he says. VOICE BOX 'Leaders should make offline life more meaningful, vibrant' I've brought down my average screen time to just 90 minutes a day. Dr Sparsha S Vasisht I delivered my daughter six months ago. I've kept all gadgets including my phone away since pregnancy. It allows me to give more attention to my baby and keep myself and her radiation free. Nowadays, I use my phone only if my patients need me to attend to them. I am mindful of my social media usage as well. Dr Sparsha S Vasisht, RESIDENT, MALLESWARAM People should seek help when electronic devices become an overwhelming focus in their daily routines, hindering their ability to operate without them. Manoj Sharma The constant preoccupation with devices could also result in various negative outcomes including health problems, physical exhaustion, reduced productivity, or strained family relationships. When these indicators appear, one should either implement personal digital detox strategies or obtain professional assistance. Manoj Sharma, Coordinator, SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic, NIMHANS. During my juggle between heavy academic reading, household responsibilities, raising teenagers and preparing lessons, brief Instagram breaks provided momentary escape. However, as I noticed signs of dependency, I sought methods to reduce its usage. Ikrook Chamba I changed my Instagram app's name to restrict my access. Now I don't even know how the app is renamed on my phone. The reduction in device usage sharpened my concentration. It has also led to improved sleep quality and better overall wellbeing. Ikroop Chamba, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CHRIST UNIVERSITY By silencing app notifications and letting go of the need to respond immediately to messages and calls, I have reduced anxiety and improved my sleep. I don't keep any gadgets in my bedroom. Ramya Shripathy I also prioritise mindful moments – eating without gadgets, taking mindful walks, or just being with my thoughts. I have learnt to appreciate the beauty of solitude. Morning journaling has enhanced my creativity and I make time for activities like reading and doodling. Ramya Shripathi, LIFE COACH, KORAMANGALA Reducing screen time takes a lot of discipline. I have managed to reduce it from 12 hours to two hours. Keep yourself occupied so you don't feel tempted to get hooked to your gadgets. Now I work with the sustainability committee, particularly focussing on water conservation and waste management. Residents are guided on wet waste composting, with the resulting compost being utilised to grow vegetables and greens on balconies. N Ramakrishnan We exchange plants and seeds and collect old clothes and shoes to be donated to the underprivileged. I encourage residents to use intercoms and participate in face-to-face conversations within common areas, rather than depending on messaging. Walking and networking have further promoted understanding of the challenges and requirements faced by community members, assisting in providing timely support. All these have been made possible as I made a conscious decision to reduce my screen time. N Ramakrishnan, 73, RESIDENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBER, ONE BANGALORE WEST People get addicted to gadgets because the real world is dull and boring. It often fails to compete with the digital one. People don't resist digital detox. They just need a better experience. Arun Chittilappilly As leaders, planners and creators, our job is to make offline life more meaningful, vibrant and worth showing up for. That's the kind of environment we should be building – one where digital balance is not enforced but enabled. Arun K Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman & MD, Wonderla Holidays
