In today’s modern world, technology has certainly become the centre point of human existence. Lockdown enforced due to Covid-19 Crisis meant that life as we knew it came to a standstill and migrated to the virtual world. Unfortunately, teenagers nowadays are losing track of the real world as they are getting immersed in the virtual world.
With one-on-one student-teacher interactions and exams being reduced to daily Google Meet sessions the educational sphere of life has suffered a great deal. Almost every adolescent is complaining of migraines and increased screen time has put considerable strain on eyesight. This has evolved into a social media addiction for which even rehab treatment is now available. Young children are now exposed to adulterated and aggressive content very early in life hampering cognitive development.
Constant exposure to Instagram captions and Snapchat filters has adversely affected youth’s mental health leading to a recent surge in suicide rates. These shiny gadgets and glamorous internet life has led to sedentary lifestyles as the world now faces an obesity epidemic. Teenagers are stuck in a virtual cocoon that is leading to personality changes and frequent mood swings. Kids know the words to every Taylor Swift song yet can’t quote a single line from their text.
Psychologists recommend students get 7-9 hours of sleep daily for optimal functioning throughout the day. Parents must take the initiative of ridding their children of toxic social media apps. The Indian government has already taken a step in the right direction banning TikTok & Pubg. No more than 4-5 hours should be spent surfing the net and a digital detox is often prescribed. Celebrities must take the initiative to champion more youth-centred schemes. Media both print and electronic hold unprecedented power that can help bring the issue to the centre stage.