Rising Internet Dependency Among Indian Youth

Internet Dependency

In this era, 93 percent of the global population is connected to the internet, and among them, approximately 60 percent- 4.8 billion individuals- are active social media users. This online presence on social media has become an integral part of people's lives, especially among the younger generation. A growing reliance on mobile gaming, video streaming, and social apps has led to rising concerns about mental health, academic performance, and digital addiction. Experts have described this trend as a “silent epidemic” impacting long-term well-being.

• According to an India Today Insight study, 53% of Indian youth aged 9–17 spend more than 3 hours daily on social media and gaming apps, significantly exceeding recommended screen time limits.
• Excessive screen time has been associated with increased cases of sleep disorders, anxiety, attention deficit, and reduced physical activity, especially among children aged 10 to 16.
• In metro cities, nearly 65% of school-aged teens use smartphones for entertainment before academic purposes, while in Tier 2 cities like Patna, child psychiatrists report a surge in internet dependency cases among 13–18-year-olds.
• A UNICEF report notes that only 40% of Indian teens are taught online safety, leaving the rest vulnerable to harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation.
• Gaming addiction is increasingly recognized as a psychological concern among Indian teenagers, with some children spending up to 8–10 hours a day on online multiplayer games.
• Blue light exposure from screens disrupts melatonin production, leading to delayed sleep onset, chronic fatigue, and lower academic performance.
• Experts recommend implementing “screen-free hours”, digital curfews, and offline recreational activities to reduce internet dependency and promote healthy digital habits among youth.
• The growing crisis has prompted schools to adopt digital detox initiatives, while doctors recommend setting boundaries and promoting tech-free zones at home.