Social Media Addiction Side Effects: The addiction of watching video reels or shorts on phones is ruining the youth. This revelation in the recent Economic Survey 2025-26 has shaken the mind. This addiction of social media is not only ruining the lives of the youth but is also causing them problems like anxiety, stress, depression and low self-esteem at the age when they should be studying and making a career.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 has warned that the bad habit of social media is directly related to the increasing mental illnesses among the youth. Due to this, youth are also becoming victims of cyberbullying. The survey identified digital addiction as a growing public health and social concern that could have serious implications for India’s population.
Based on several Indian and global studies, the survey says that social media addiction is highest especially among people aged 15-24 years. In this, compulsive scrolling and comparing oneself and one’s life with what is seen on social media is constantly becoming the main factor in creating symptoms of anxiety and stress.
However, even the elderly are not spared from its addiction. If you look around you, you will find most of the people engrossed in their phones and social media. Youth get so deeply immersed in social media that they remain unaware of the activities happening around them.
The survey further states that research on digital addiction reveals specific risks and adverse effects on mental health among youth. Repeatedly scrolling through social media and making social comparisons are particularly linked to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even gaming, gambling and continuous TV watching pose a threat to mental health.
Know the effect of playing games also
Apart from social media, the survey also highlighted the dangers associated with other forms of digital use. It says there is evidence that gaming disorder can cause sleep disturbances, aggression, social isolation and depression, and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to it.
The survey also raised concerns about online gambling and real money gaming, citing evidence of harm including financial stress, anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts.
It said evidence of streaming and short video addiction suggests that continuous video viewing and endless video loops are associated with poor sleep, reduced concentration and increased stress.
offline relationships are beneficial
The survey said that offline social relationships are important for mental health and motivate people to lead a better life. Social relationships play an important role in a person’s mental health. Evidence shows that frequent face-to-face interactions are associated with better mental health. This suggests that excessive digital engagement can reduce healthy types of social interactions.
Obesity and lifestyle risks
People may have to suffer a lot due to obesity and bad lifestyle. Warnings over digital addiction have emerged alongside widespread concerns over lifestyle-related health risks. During the media briefing after the survey, Chief Economic Advisor V Ananth Nageswaran highlighted rising obesity as a major challenge in reaping the benefits of India’s demographic dividend.
He said there should be clear food labeling indicating health risks in foods. So that better information can enable people to make more conscious and informed dietary choices.
