The other pandemic

Last month, there was a spurt in Covid infections, igniting panic which led to some people recalling the horrors of five years ago. But, as far as pandemics go, they have turned out to be limited, with relatively few casualties and rapid recoveries. On the other hand, a real epidemic has gone largely unnoticed, even as it slowly but inexorably takes a horrific toll.

- BAIJAYANT ‘JAY’ PANDA

A quarter of a century since social media made its first appearance, it has scaled up enormously and has had a huge impact on businesses, political campaigns and society at large. But the devastating impact of social media on children—gradually recognised over the past several years—has now grown into monstrous proportions.

Social media addiction among children has been increasingly linked to the surge in various behavioural and emotional problems—from pornography consumption to cyberbullying, violence, suicides and an array of mental health conditions. Terms like anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, sleep disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have now become part of everyday conversation among young people in India.

Many of us likely know, or know of, children, teenagers and young adults in our families or social circles who are affected by one or more of these conditions. The widespread addiction to smartphones and increasing mental health issues are empirically observable. Now this is also backed up by extensive data.