Recently I attended a marriage function. The host had spent huge money in organising the event. Yet the guests present were much less than the actual invitation sent. It was surprising that the guests were least interested in participating in ceremonies. Everybody was busy with his mobile, physically there but mental presence was elsewhere. Dances to photo sessions, every dance was choreographed leaving no scope for spontaneous participation. In next two weeks I attended few more functions and the fate was same. More gadgets, better facilities but less fun. A crowd of 200 plus but everybody busy with his mobile! As if we are living in an age of ‘being together alone’.it made me think about the impact this virtual living is making on our lives.
This experience finds strong resonance in Sherry Turkle’s well-known work Alone Together. Turkle argues that modern technology, especially smartphones and social media, has fundamentally altered the way we relate to one another. While digital devices promise constant connection, they often lead to emotional distance and shallow interactions. People increasingly substitute real conversations with virtual communication, preferring controlled, screen-based interactions over unpredictable face-to-face engagement. As a result, individuals may appear socially connected, yet feel emotionally isolated. The wedding functions I attended reflected this very paradox. Turkle’s research warns that such habits, if left unchecked, may weaken empathy, listening skills, and the depth of human relationships, ultimately redefining what it means to be together in contemporary society.
This pattern of virtual engagement taking over real human interaction has given rise to several mental health concerns. Unrestrained use of digital devices leads to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and emotional emptiness, even when surrounded by others. Constant judging on social media can lower self-esteem and create a fear of missing out, making people restless and dissatisfied in real-life situations. The habit of multitasking on screens reduces attention span and weakens listening skills. it affects meaningful relationships. This lack of genuine emotional connection may contribute to stress, social withdrawal, and difficulty expressing emotions face to face. While technology connects people instantly, its overuse is quietly reshaping emotional well-being, making many feel isolated in the midst of constant connectivity.
Another serious concern arising from excessive digital engagement is the growing impact of cyberbullying and online extremist influence on young people’s mental health. For instance, teenagers who are mocked or targeted repeatedly on social media for their appearance, opinions, or background may experience constant anxiety and fear. Digital harassment follows them beyond school into their personal spaces through phones and laptops. In these cases, students have withdrawn from social activities or shown declining academic performance due to persistent online ridicule.
As goes the saying that thieves adopt technology faster than police, extremist groups have increasingly used digital platforms to influence vulnerable youth, particularly in non-Islamic societies. These groups often approach young people through seemingly harmless online forums, gaming platforms, or social media pages, gradually exposing them to manipulated narratives that glorify violence or portray the world in rigid “us versus them” terms. For example, isolated or confused adolescents may be drawn in by messages promising brotherhood, purpose, or heroism, especially when they feel ignored or misunderstood in real life. Such psychological grooming can lead to emotional distress, identity confusion, and radical shifts in thinking.
The problem has become so severe that in one reported case, a young professional with a postgraduate degree in business management from an Ivy League institution resigned from a well-paid job in the United States. He developed an intense belief that his mobile phone, desktop computer, and television had been hacked, and became fearful of even touching these devices. Few years back a on line game ‘blue whale challenge’ created panick;
Reason for Indian student's death in UK: What is the 'Blue Whale Challenge'? Often called the 'suicide game', allegedly it has claimed over 130 lives in countries like India, US and China as the game 'challenges' the players… (DH Web Desk. 21 April 2024)
While Western countries have begun to recognize such technology-related psychological conditions and are investing in research, diagnosis, and support systems, the issue remains largely unacknowledged in our society. Excessive screen exposure is often normalized, to the extent that handing a mobile phone to very young children for watching cartoons is considered harmless. This lack of awareness risks allowing a serious mental health challenge to grow unnoticed and untreated.
Together, these phenomena demonstrate how unregulated digital spaces can negatively affect emotional stability, critical reasoning, and social behaviour. They underline the urgent need for digital literacy, strong parental and educational guidance, and supportive mental health systems to help young people navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Time to Rethink Our Digital Habits
> For young people: Addressing these emerging mental health challenges requires a multi-level and preventive approach. At the family level, parents must set healthy boundaries on screen time, encourage open conversations, and model balanced digital behaviour themselves. Schools should integrate digital literacy and emotional well-being into the curriculum, teaching children how to use technology responsibly, recognize online harm, and seek help when needed. Recently I spoke at a college where every student was asked to keep his mobile in a box which can be picked up at the end of the session.
Healthcare systems need to formally recognize technology-related psychological conditions and train professionals for early diagnosis and counselling. Society must rediscover the value of real human connection—promoting community activities, sports, arts, and face-to-face interaction—so that technology remains a tool for progress, not a substitute for meaningful relationships.
> For adults and working professionals: The solutions must focus on balance, boundaries, and workplace responsibility. Individuals need to consciously limit digital overexposure by setting clear work–life boundaries, such as device-free hours, reduced social media consumption, and mindful technology use. Employers and organizations can play a crucial role by discouraging a culture of constant online availability, promoting reasonable response expectations, and offering mental health support, including counselling and stress-management programs. Regular digital detox initiatives, wellness workshops, and training on cyber safety can help professionals recognize early signs of digital fatigue, anxiety, or burnout. At the societal level, professional bodies and policymakers should acknowledge technology-induced mental health issues as legitimate concerns and encourage research and best practices. By fostering healthier digital habits and prioritizing human interaction, adults and professionals can protect their mental well-being while continuing to benefit from technological advancement.
> Role of employers: Employers have a critical role to play in addressing technology-related mental health challenges among employees. Organizations must move beyond expecting constant digital availability and instead establish clear policies that respect work–life boundaries, such as defined communication hours and limits on after-work messaging. Regular awareness sessions on digital well-being, stress management, and cyber safety can help employees recognize early signs of anxiety, burnout, or digital fatigue. Providing access to confidential counselling services, employee assistance programs, and mental health days can further reduce stigma and encourage timely support. Leaders and managers should model healthy digital behaviour themselves, demonstrating that productivity does not require permanent online presence. By fostering a workplace culture that values mental health as much as performance, employers can help employees maintain balance, resilience, and long-term professional effectiveness. Several employers across the world have already demonstrated how organizations can responsibly address technology-related mental health challenges. For example, companies like Microsoft Japan experimented with a four-day workweek and encouraged reduced digital overload, reporting improved productivity and employee well-being. Volkswagen introduced policies that limit after-hours work emails by disabling email servers outside official working hours, helping employees disconnect and recover mentally. Google and Unilever have invested in employee wellness programs that include digital well-being training, mindfulness sessions, and access to professional counseling services. In India, organizations such as Tata Group companies and Infosys have strengthened employee assistance programs, offering confidential psychological support and stress-management resources. These examples show that when employers prioritize mental health through thoughtful policies and supportive work cultures, they not only protect employees from digital burnout but also build more resilient, loyal, and productive workforces.
> Governments: The Governments have a decisive role in addressing the mental health challenges arising from excessive digital exposure. First, they must formally recognize technology-related mental health conditions as a public health concern and support large-scale research to understand their scope and impact. Stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms are needed to curb cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital exploitation, particularly of vulnerable groups. Governments should also invest in public awareness campaigns that promote digital well-being, responsible screen use, and early help-seeking behavior. Integrating mental health services with primary healthcare and expanding access to affordable counseling—especially through schools, workplaces, and community centers—can ensure timely intervention. Finally, collaboration with technology companies to promote ethical design, data protection, and child-safe digital environments is essential. Through policy, regulation, and education, governments can create a healthier digital ecosystem that safeguards both mental well-being and social harmony. Several governments have taken meaningful steps to address the mental health impact of excessive digital exposure, offering useful models for others to follow. France introduced the legally recognized “Right to Disconnect,” allowing employees to ignore work-related emails and messages outside official working hours, thereby protecting work–life balance. The United Kingdom has invested in nationwide mental health awareness campaigns and strengthened regulations through online safety laws aimed at tackling cyberbullying and harmful digital content. South Korea, one of the most digitally connected societies, has acknowledged technology addiction as a public health issue and established government-funded counselling centres to treat internet and gaming-related disorders, especially among youth. Australia has implemented e-safety initiatives through its eSafety Commissioner, providing support for victims of online harassment and educating citizens about responsible digital behaviour. These examples show that proactive government intervention—through legislation, public awareness, and accessible mental health services—can significantly reduce the psychological risks associated with digital life while preserving the benefits of technology. Over a period of time the author has identified few tips for better well being:
Control screen time (don’t let it control you)
Create healthy digital boundaries
Protect the mind
Move the body every day
Balance online life with real life
Don’t overload yourself
Be kind to yourself
Conclusion
Tackling the mental health challenges posed by excessive digital engagement requires both awareness and deliberate action. A simple daily rule to remember is: use technology as a tool, not as your master. This means setting clear boundaries, taking regular breaks from screens, and being mindful of how and why we use digital devices. Individuals can benefit greatly by creating a stress-free daily routine, incorporating short periods for offline activities, physical exercise, or hobbies that bring joy. Simple practices, like quick calming exercises, deep-breathing techniques, or mindful meditation, can help reduce stress and digital fatigue. Limiting social media use and addressing the anxiety it often brings allows people to reconnect with real-life relationships and experiences.
Aditya Puri, the former CEO of HDFC Bank, famously did not carry a mobile phone, nor did he use email or wear a watch, primarily as a matter of personal preference and to maintain strict work-life balance.
When families encourage healthy tech habits, employers promote balanced digital practices, and governments provide awareness and support, individuals can truly harness technology’s benefits without letting it control their lives. By taking small, consistent steps, it is possible to live in a digitally connected world while safeguarding mental well-being and emotional balance.
By RAKESH KUMAR
(The content of this article reflects the views of writer and contributor, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
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