Connected but Disconnected: Understanding Digital Addiction in Contemporary India

Authors:

Dr. Sakshi Vermani Rishi

Pages: 9-13

Abstract:

Digital technologies have fundamentally transformed modern society, reshaping communication, education, financial access, and healthcare delivery. In India, the rapid proliferation of affordable internet services and widespread smartphone adoption has accelerated digital inclusion across diverse socioeconomic strata. While these developments have generated considerable opportunities for individual and collective advancement, they have simultaneously contributed to the emerging global concern of digital addiction defined as excessive or compulsive engagement with digital devices, online platforms, or applications that disrupts daily functioning, mental wellbeing, and interpersonal relationships.

This paper examines the psychological and social implications of digital addiction within the Indian context. Particular attention is devoted to the role of social media platforms, short-form video content, gaming applications, and algorithm-driven engagement mechanisms that structurally encourage prolonged digital consumption. The paper further explores the influence of digital habits on attentional capacity, sleep patterns, emotional regulation, and social relationships, with a particular focus on adolescents and young adults.

Drawing from contemporary psychological research and emerging societal trends, this paper foregrounds the central paradox of modern connectivity: individuals are increasingly tethered to technology while simultaneously experiencing deeper forms of emotional and social disconnection. The paper concludes with evidence-informed recommendations for individuals, educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers aimed at fostering healthier digital practices and promoting digital wellbeing in India's rapidly evolving technological landscape.