Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 30: With near-universal access to the internet and smartphones among young Indians, “access is no longer” the binding constraint, the Economic Survey 2025–26 has warned, cautioning that excessive and compulsive digital use is emerging as a serious economic, social and mental health challenge.
The Survey flagged rising risks of social media and digital app addiction among people aged 15–29, calling for greater attention to “digital hygiene” and the nature of online content being consumed. It noted that while digital access has expanded opportunities for education, employment and civic engagement, unchecked and high-intensity use is imposing tangible costs.
“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,” the report said.
The Survey cited losses including reduced study hours, lower workplace productivity, increased healthcare burdens and financial losses linked to risky online behaviour. It referred to multiple Indian and global studies that show a strong link between digital addiction and mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24.
Warning that the impact is not limited to youth alone, the report said adults are also affected, with special concern raised over gaming addiction and its spillover into online gambling. Referring to “Gaming Disorder”, the Survey said the condition is associated with sleep disruption, aggression, social withdrawal and depression, with adolescents identified as especially vulnerable.
Beyond academic and productivity losses, the Survey noted that excessive online engagement increases exposure to cyberbullying, online fraud and scams, further contributing to stress and psychological harm.
Calling for evidence-based policymaking, the Survey stressed the need to develop a comprehensive set of indicators to assess the multi-dimensional impact of digital addiction and to evaluate interventions effectively.
It pointed out that several countries have already taken stringent measures to curb digital addiction. Australia has banned social media access for children under 16, while similar regulatory steps have been introduced in China, South Korea, Brazil, France, Spain, Finland, Japan and several US states.
In India, however, the Survey highlighted a major policy gap — the absence of comprehensive national-level data on digital content consumption patterns. This, it said, hampers targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and the integration of digital wellness into national mental health strategies.
The Survey added that more empirical data and actionable insights are expected from the upcoming Second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS).