Experts warn of growing digital addiction at Amar Singh Club Srinagar discussion

By
Ziraat Times
-

Srinagar: The Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, hosted the second session of its ‘Common Interest Conversations’ series on Digital Addiction: An Invisible Pandemic. The discussion, held on January 31, was chaired by eminent neurologist Dr. Sushil Razdan and presided over by senior advocate Zaffar Shah. The event brought together a distinguished panel of medical professionals and educationists to discuss the alarming rise of digital addiction and its consequences on physical and mental health.

The Growing Impact of Digital Addiction

Zaffar Shah opened the discussion by highlighting the pressing nature of the issue, questioning whether digital technology is a problem and, if so, how it can be addressed. He noted the increasing dependence of children on screens and raised concerns about their exposure to unlimited digital content, which could impact their values and mental well-being. “Apart from physical conditions, what impact does this have on the mind of the child? Does it corrupt his value system at a vulnerable stage of his growth?” he asked.

Dr. Sushil Razdan underscored the severity of digital addiction, noting that unlike previous technological advancements, digital technology is actively reshaping human behavior. “Earlier, we used to use technology, but today, technology is using us,” he remarked. He explained that children growing up in the digital era, referred to as Digital Natives, show signs of withdrawal, attention disorders, and diminished social interaction. Scientific studies, including MRI scans, have revealed abnormal brain growth patterns in children excessively exposed to digital screens, leading to memory loss and reduced problem-solving abilities.

Dr. Razdan also highlighted the negative effects of digital overuse on adults, including disrupted sleep patterns, anxiety disorders, and increased social isolation. He urged parents to keep digital devices away from children under five and to regulate screen time for older children under family supervision. “It is crucial to engage children in outdoor activities like cycling, swimming, and team sports,” he emphasized.

Health Experts Highlight Physical and Mental Risks

Dr. Kaisar Ahmad, former principal and head of pediatrics at GMC Srinagar, expressed concern over the early exposure of infants to digital screens. “Even toddlers as young as four to six months are fixated on phones, affecting their direct eye contact and social interactions,” he said. He pointed to a rise in vision and hearing impairments, obesity, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior in children.

Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, a pulmonologist, warned of the link between a sedentary lifestyle and increasing health disorders. “Raising awareness about digital addiction and promoting a balanced lifestyle is the need of the hour,” he stressed.

Dr. Majid Shafi, in charge of the Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Programme at the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, noted a direct correlation between digital addiction and sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. He also cited links between excessive screen use and aggressive behavior in juveniles. Calling for legislative action, he pointed to Australia’s recent ban on social media for children under 16 as an example of regulatory intervention.

Dr. Tariq Trumboo, an interventional pain physician, highlighted the rise in musculoskeletal issues due to poor posture while using smartphones. “A 60-degree neck flexion while looking at a smartphone puts a load equivalent to 27 kg on the neck, leading to irreversible joint degeneration,” he warned.

Dr. Khursheed Ahmed, an ophthalmologist, reported an increase in cases of digital eye strain, computer vision syndrome, and myopia among children. “Even the elderly are experiencing accelerated age-related macular degeneration due to prolonged exposure to blue light,” he added. He advised following the 20-20-20 rule—taking a break every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds—to reduce eye strain.

The panelists agreed that digital addiction is a growing societal problem requiring immediate intervention from families, educators, and policymakers. Dr. Javed Iqbal pointed to the breakdown of traditional family interactions, where meals and social time are increasingly dominated by digital devices. “We don’t have time for our children, and our children don’t have time for us anymore,” he lamented.

The discussion concluded with a call for stricter regulations, increased parental awareness, and greater emphasis on outdoor and social activities to counter digital addiction. Dr. Sushil Razdan commended the Amar Singh Club for organizing the event, stating that while individuals are aware of the problem, it was the first time he had witnessed a structured public discussion on the issue.

As digital addiction emerges as a modern-day epidemic, experts stress the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach involving families, schools, and policymakers to mitigate its impact on future generations.

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