Swipe. scroll. repeat.Digital addiction taking its toll on young adults

 

One bright morning I set off for college as usual. I boarded by the Metro and was whiling away my time looking around. I couldn’t help but notice that nearly everyone had their heads bowed, eyes fixed and unblinking-almost frozen, as if transfixed by the glowing screens in front of them. Observing this scene, I couldn’t help but think that smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles have become ubiquitous in our day-to-day life, leaving many in their 20s struggling to strike a balance between productive use and entertainment value of the gadgets. The 20s is such an important period of one’s life. It is the time for self-discovery, career-building and forming meaningful relationships. However, for today’s young adults, the rise of digital technology has brought with it a new and unprecedented problem: Addiction to devices. Digital devices, while designed to make our lives easier, often act as double-edged swords. Social media platforms, streaming services and online games, though entertaining and informative, have been designed to keep users hooked. This is especially true for individuals in their 20s, who grew up during the boom of social media and technology. The addictive nature of these device lies in their ability to provide instant gratification, whether it is a ‘like’ on a photo, a swipe at the ‘status’.

 

Then there is the added menace of OTT platform where entertainment is not just entertainment, it is like a competition among friends about who has seen what and how fast. For young adults, gadget addiction is taking a toll on their mental health and they do not even realise it. Studies have shown strong correlation between excessive screen time and increased rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness. The urge to check notifications or respond to messages can lead to increased stress, disrupting sleep patterns and overall productivity. The brain becomes conditioned to seek quick bursts of dopamine, making it difficult to focus on tasks that require sustained attention, such as studying, working or pursuing personal goals. Ironically, while devices are meant to keep people connected, overuse can lead to a feeling of isolation. For many in their 20s, face-to-face interactions have been replaced by virtual communication, leading to a decrease in the quality of social connections. The more the time is spent online, the less it is utilised cultivating real-world relationships. Ultimately it can result in a sense of loneliness despite having hundreds or thousands of online ‘friends’ or followers. Gadget addiction has also been linked to a decline in academic and workplace performance. Whether it’s scrolling through social media during work hours or binge-watching shows instead of studying, procrastination fueled by device addiction is rampant.

 

The distraction provided by constant connectivity has also blurred the lines between work or study and leisure. One must realise that recognising device addiction is the first step towards addressing it. There are several strategies that young adults can adopt to reclaim control over their digital lives like digital detox, setting boundaries to device use, real-world engagement and many more. While devices will remain a part of modern life, it is essential for young adults in their 20s to establish a healthy relationship with technology. By prioritising mental health, maintaining strong interpersonal relationships, and setting boundaries with device use, this generation can avoid the pitfalls of digital addiction and live more balanced, fulfilling lives.