The Economic Survey 2025–26 has raised concerns over increasing social media and digital addiction among India’s adolescents and young adults. It has been warned that with internet connectivity available almost everywhere and at an affordable cost, the behaviour pattern of people is changing in a manner that has serious economic and social implications.
“Access is no longer the binding constraint,” the Survey noted, pointing to the widespread use of mobile phones and internet connectivity among people aged 15-29 years. Digital connectivity has brought about a revolution in learning, employment, and participation in the democratic process, but there is a flip side to it as well. Excessive use and addiction to online platforms and apps are affecting productivity, performance in schools, and mental health.
Productivity and learning under pressure
The Economic Survey points out that excessive use of apps and online platforms is leading to reduced study time, poor performance at work, and economic losses due to risky online activities. This is not limited to school-going children; adults are also experiencing reduced productivity due to excessive screen time and a strong craving for apps.
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The report emphasised the need to pay closer attention to “digital hygiene” and the nature of content that young people are consuming online.
“India’s youth are living in an intensely digital environment. While access fuels learning, jobs, and civic participation, compulsive and high-intensity use can impose real economic and social costs, ranging from lost study hours and reduced productivity to healthcare burdens and financial losses resulting from risky online behaviours”, the report stated.
Mental health concerns among teens and young adults
The Survey integrates research findings from Indian and international studies, establishing a correlation between excessive use of digital technology and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and damaged self-esteem, particularly among people aged 15 to 24 years.
The report referred to an alarming rise in “Gaming Disorder” to the extent of spilling over into online gambling. It refers to “Gaming Disorder” as a problem associated with sleep disturbances, aggression, social isolation, and depression, with adolescents being most vulnerable.
Cyber risks add to stress
“With near-universal mobile/internet use among 15-29-year-olds, access is no longer the binding constrain” the report stated. In addition to mental health and work/school Productivity, digital addiction increases the risk of exposure to cyberbullying and online fraud. These risks can further contribute to stress and emotional distress for young people, according to the Survey.
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“Developing a comprehensive set of indicators is essential to assessing the multi-dimensional effects of digital addiction interventions”, it said further.
Finally, it urges the use of a wide range of indicators to more effectively assess the effects of digital addiction and the effectiveness of efforts to address it.
Why tackling the problem remains difficult
As per the report by Hindustan Times, several countries, ranging from Australia to China, South Korea, Japan, and other parts of the US and Europe, have introduced tough curbs on digital usage to control teens’ digital usage. However, India faces a significant challenge in this regard since there is no comprehensive national data available on how people, including children, are interacting with digital content.
However, there is hope on the horizon. The upcoming Second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) may provide some valuable information that could help integrate digital wellness into the overall mental health framework.
