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• A growing habit of social media
• Indian youth in the grip of digital addiction

Delhi: The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament on Thursday, has expressed concern over the rapid rise in digital addiction and screen- mental health challenges in India, particularly among children and adolescents. The report warns that excessive participation in smartphones, social media, gaming and online platforms is affecting health, education outcomes and long-term economic productivity. The survey defined digital addiction as a pattern of frequent, excessive or compulsive use of online activities.

Effects on social capital, including health

According to reports, such behavior is increasingly manifesting in the form of reduced attention, sleep loss, anxiety and poor performance at work or studies. It also weakens social capital over time by reducing community participation and diminishing offline social skills. The report also points to financial costs. These include direct economic losses due to unexpected online expenses, gaming and cyber fraud, as well as indirect losses due to reduced employment, lower productivity and lower earnings.

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Examples from abroad

International examples are also given in the report. Australia has implemented a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under a certain age. South Korea’s 2011 ‘shutdown law’ prevented minors from using gaming after midnight. Chinese websites limit gaming time to one hour per day on weekends and holidays. Singapore promotes cyber wellness and responsible digital citizenship in schools and on public platforms.

Addiction to social media

The report expressed particular concern about social media addiction, which has been linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, cyberbullying stress and higher rates of suicide. Despite these risks, digital participation is increasing. By 2024, India is estimated to have approximately 400 million users on OTT video and food delivery platforms and approximately 350 million users on social media. As a result, India’s youth are growing up in a highly digital environment, while digital access has increased opportunities for education, employment and civic participation, according to the survey.

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