PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Rising screen addiction has emerged as a serious mental health concern for Dehradun, with doctors and wellness experts in the capital warning that excessive use of phones, laptops and digital devices is affecting emotional, psychological and physical well-being, especially among young professionals and college-goers.
Experts said that prolonged screen exposure is linked to rising cases of stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, headaches and reduced attention spans. Many residents report difficulty disengaging from their devices, even late into the night, which disrupts sleep cycles and daily routines.
Neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta said that the social media platforms are intentionally designed to keep users engaged for long periods. “Once a person interacts with certain content, algorithms keep showing similar posts, making it difficult to stop scrolling. This leads to behavioural changes, emotional stress and reduced concentration, particularly among children and teenagers,” she observed.
Echoing the same concern, a Yoga teacher Ritu Yogin said that continuous screen use over-stimulates the mind and prevents it from resting. “Late-night scrolling directly affects sleep and emotional balance. The nervous system remains active, leading to fatigue and stress. Practising yoga, Pranayama and following regular digital detox routines can help calm the mind,” she said, adding that even a few screen-free hours each day could make a noticeable difference.
A working professional, Pooja Yadav shared how long working hours, combined with constant mobile use, had taken a toll on her health. “I had frequent anxiety-triggered headaches and disturbed sleep. I reduced phone use at night and started following digital detox on weekends. My focus, energy levels and sleep quality have improved significantly,” she declared.
Mental health experts stressed that digital detox does not mean completely avoiding technology but using it in a balanced and mindful way. Setting phone-free hours, limiting social media use, avoiding screens before bedtime and prioritising offline activities such as exercise, reading, outdoor walks and family interaction are helping residents restore mental well-being.
Experts also recommend that workplaces and schools encourage healthier digital habits by promoting screen breaks, offline activities and awareness about the risks of excessive device use.
