All posts tagged: social media addiction

Don't blindly follow others: Maharashtra FDA chief Mundhe to Gen Z

Don't blindly follow others: Maharashtra FDA chief Mundhe to Gen Z

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday shared his views on the younger generation, urging Gen Z to follow its own aspirations and conscience rather than simply following the crowd. “Do not blindly follow others. Learn the good qualities from everyone, but create your own identity,” he said. He encouraged young people to take an active role in bringing about positive changes in society rather than simply “drifting with the current”. The FDA chief also cautioned young people about excessive use of digital platforms. He said the younger generation’s attention span had reduced while daily screen time had increased. “In the digital age, the attention span of the younger generation has come down to around eight seconds, while screen time has increased to eight or nine hours,” he said, as per the PTI. Mundhe urged young people not to spend excessive time scrolling through social media reels and instead focus on learning, thinking, hard work and developing their own identity. More transfers mean more opportunities Mundhe said frequent transfers do not bother …

California woman suing Meta, YouTube testifies social media took toll on mental health| India News

California woman suing Meta, YouTube testifies social media took toll on mental health| India News

By Steve Gorman California woman suing Meta, YouTube testifies social media took toll on mental health LOS ANGELES, – A young California woman suing Meta Platforms’ Instagram and Google’s YouTube testified on Thursday in a landmark trial that her childhood social media addiction left her anxious, depressed and insecure of her own looks, yet unable to give up her cellphone without feeling further angst. The plaintiff in the case, known in court as Kaley G.M., 20, said her obsessive use of YouTube starting at age 6 and Instagram at age 9 also disrupted her school performance, robbed her of sleep, stunted her in-person social life and strained family relations. Her mental health became so impaired, she told jurors, that she harbored suicidal thoughts and at age 10 began cutting herself as a “coping mechanism to deal with my depression,” though she said she never acted on an impulse to take her own life. The case is part of a broader global backlash against social media companies over alleged harms to children and teens. Australia has …

Karnataka mulls ban on mobile phones for students below 16| India News

Karnataka mulls ban on mobile phones for students below 16| India News

The Karnataka government is considering prohibiting students under 16 from using mobile phones, with chief minister Siddaramaiah initiating consultations with vice chancellors of universities as part of an effort to address concerns about social media addiction and its effects on children. Karnataka mulls ban on mobile phones for students below 16 At the meeting convened by the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, Siddaramaiah said the proposal was still in the discussion stage and sought the vice chancellors’ views on whether restrictions should be imposed on minors. “Today we are discussing this, and as you are all the vice chancellors here, I seek your opinion. Children are falling prey to drugs. Also, in line with various other countries, like Australia, there is a thought to ban mobile phones among students. I want your opinion on this. We are looking at this,” he said. The chief minister indicated that the proposed measure would apply only to minors and would not affect adult students on campuses. He also instructed vice chancellors to take steps to ensure that educational …

‘Access no longer a constraint’| India News

‘Access no longer a constraint’| India News

Access is no longer the binding constraint, the Economic Survey 2025-26 said in its report on Thursday as it flagged the risks of social media addiction and the easy internet use availability to people in the age groups of 15-29. The report called for attention on digital hygiene and the kind of content being consumed online. Social media applications are displayed on a mobile phone. (REUTERS/Representative) The report also said that reliance and addiction to digital apps and social media impacts academic performance, workplace productivity, and mental health of youth as well as adults. “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, ranging from lost study hours and reduced productivity to healthcare burdens and financial losses resulting from risky online behaviours,” the report said. Mental health risks, increased chances of scams The survey report highlighted how digital addiction can affect mental health with risks of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, especially among teens and young …

How social media affects kids of different age groups

How social media affects kids of different age groups

Australia is taking a bold step in child safety by introducing a social media ban for children under 16. By restricting access until children are 16, the goal is to foster healthier online habits, encourage more face-to-face interactions, and reduce exposure to harmful content. The move has received mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it prioritises child well-being, while critics question how effectively such a ban can be enforced and its impact on children’s ability to learn digital literacy skills. Counselling psychologist Srishti Vatsa unequivocally supports the fact that “social media does more harm than good to children at an impressionable age.” Here’s a breakdown of the effects of social media on different age groups, as explained by Vatsa, and why this ban may be a step in the right direction. Why social media can be harmful for kids For Young Children (Aged 5–8) At this age, the benefits of social media are extremely limited, even with access to educational content. According to Vatsa, “Children can quickly become addicted to screen time, leading to reduced physical …