Economic Survey calls for tackling rising digital addiction as it hits academic performance, productivity

New Delhi: Excessive scrolling, short-video compulsion and binge-watching with endless video loops are becoming significant public health concerns. The Economic Survey warns against digital addiction among Indian youth, and calls for providing alternatives to digital spaces.

It suggests that governments and communities should establish youth hubs, particularly in urban slums and rural areas.

Digital addiction is described as addictive behaviour linked to digital devices, including smartphones, the internet, gaming, and social media addiction. It is typically framed as a behavioural pattern of excessive or compulsive engagement with digital devices or online activities that leads to distress and functional impairment, described as persistent, excessive, or obsessive computer and online use, causing impairment in psychology, the Survey noted.

It said digital addiction negatively affects academic performance and workplace productivity due to distractions, sleep debt and reduced focus. Apart from eroding social capital through weaker peer networks, lower community participation, and diminished offline skills, compulsive digital use is also linked to anxiety, stress and sleep disturbances among students.

The WHO has recognised online gaming addiction as a mental health condition under ‘Gaming Disorder,’ defined by impaired control over gaming, prioritisation of gaming over other activities, and continued play despite negative consequences. Globally, many countries have taken important measures against youth digital addiction. Australia has introduced a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16, and South Korea introduced the ‘Shutdown or Cinderella law’ in 2011, restricting minors from accessing gaming websites after midnight.

The Survey points out that a major challenge in addressing digital addiction in India is the lack of comprehensive national data on its prevalence and mental health effects. It also suggests that schools should introduce a Digital Wellness Curriculum covering screen-time literacy, cyber safety, and mental health awareness.