By Nasir Hamid Khan
The second session of Common Interest Conversations, organized by the Managing Committee of Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, was held on January 31, 2025, focusing on Digital Addiction: An Invisible Pandemic. This critical discussion, chaired by eminent neurologist Dr. Sushil Razdan and presided over by senior advocate Mr. Zaffar Shah, brought together a panel of distinguished experts across various fields to deliberate on the growing concerns surrounding digital addiction and its impact on society.
The Growing Concern of Digital Dependence
While addressing the gathering, Zaffar Shah highlighted the significance of the topic, emphasizing that digital addiction has transformed into a major societal issue. He raised thought-provoking questions on whether digital technology itself was a problem or if its unregulated usage was the real concern. He stressed the necessity for intervention by parents, society, and the government, citing the increasing dependence on digital devices among children, which could potentially corrupt their value systems.
Dr. Sushil Razdan, in his keynote address, underscored how digital technology has not just changed lifestyles but has begun controlling human behavior. He classified individuals into “Digital Natives” (born into the digital age) and “Digital Immigrants” (those who adapted to technology later in life), noting that digital natives exhibit social withdrawal, attention disorders, and cognitive impairments due to excessive screen time. MRI studies have revealed erratic brain growth, affecting memory, learning, and problem-solving abilities, making children more vulnerable to life challenges.
He further warned about the adverse effects of digital overuse in adults and the elderly, which include headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, anxiety disorders, reduced social interactions, and increased aggression. He emphasized that children under the age of five should be completely kept away from digital screens, and after that, their screen time must be carefully monitored and rationed under family supervision. He advocated for outdoor activities, sports, and engaging hobbies as essential alternatives to digital engagement.
Impact on Physical and Mental Health
Several experts provided insights into the medical repercussions of excessive digital consumption:
• Dr. Kaisar Ahmed, former Principal & Head of Pediatrics, GMC, warned that children as young as 4-6 months are now fixating on screens, leading to loss of direct human interaction, cognitive impairments, and aggressive behavior.
• Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, a pulmonologist, stressed that digital addiction is no longer limited to children but is a widespread issue among adults and elders, resulting in sedentary lifestyles and associated health risks.
• Dr. Majid Shafi, head of Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Programme, emphasized the link between reduced sleep quality and common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and psychosomatic disorders.
• Dr. Tariq Trumboo, an interventional pain physician, discussed the alarming rise in musculoskeletal disorders, particularly neck pain caused by prolonged smartphone use, which can lead to irreversible joint degeneration.
• Dr. Khursheed Ahmed, an ophthalmologist, explained how continuous screen exposure leads to digital eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, and retinal damage, impacting children and elderly individuals alike.
The Need for Policy and Societal Change
The discussion highlighted the urgent need for legislative interventions and policy changes:
• Dr. Majid Shafi advocated for laws regulating children’s exposure to digital devices, similar to Australia’s ban on social media for children under 16.
• Mr. G N War, an educationist, raised concerns over the deterioration of literacy rates due to the over-reliance on digital platforms in education. He suggested large classroom screens as an alternative to individual mobile device usage.
• Sardar Nasir Ali Khan emphasized parental responsibility, stating that smartphones come with built-in parental controls that should be utilized effectively.
• Dr. Musharaf highlighted the increasing cases of cyber scams and online gambling in Kashmir, stressing the need for government and community intervention.
Understanding and Addressing Digital Addiction
The event concluded with a crucial message from Nasir Hamid Khan, Club Secretary, who described digital addiction as a compulsive dependence that deteriorates relationships, work-life balance, and mental health. He compared digital addiction to substance abuse, stating that social media, gaming, pornography, and online gambling trigger the same neural pathways as hard drugs like cocaine and heroin.
He introduced the concept of “Digital Fasting”, a scientifically proven 30-day detox period that allows the brain to reset and recover from overstimulation. He stressed that gradual modifications in digital consumption, much like a diet plan, can help individuals regain control over their screen time.
The next session of ‘Common Interest Conversations’ will focus on implementing structured interventions at the family, community, and governmental levels to tackle digital addiction effectively. The insights and recommendations from this session will be compiled into actionable guidelines for a healthier, more balanced society.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
Digital addiction is a man-made problem, and as Zaffar Shah aptly stated, it is not something divine that cannot be controlled or managed. The responsibility lies with families, educators, policymakers, and communities to strike a balance between technology use and real-world interactions. Awareness, discipline, and structured policies can help navigate this crisis before it escalates into an irreversible societal menace.
For further details, you may contact:
For: Amar Singh Club, Srinagar
(Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary)
📞 9419000001
📧 secretaryamarsinghclubsrinagar@gmail.com
