New Delhi: In his latest episode of Mann Ki Baat today, prime minister Narendra Modi succeeded in hitting a nerve with the Indian public when he advised precaution against all forms of digital frauds being committed today. Driving home a point, the PM added that such scams have hit all sections of society. He went on to urge people “to adopt the stop, think and take action mantra” when faced with such a digital scam. Although he reiterated that probe agencies are working round the clock with state governments to ensure safety against such internet abuse, Modi also emphasised on general awareness being key to one’s personal protection.
Taking a leaf out of this important discussion on the broadcast, asked a few doctors to elaborate on awareness of Internet overuse and the implications on physiological and psychological health. Most of them agreed that the Indian public is well aware of the ills associated with Internet addiction on their health and well being, but there is still nothing being done about it. “Even if people know, they are incapable of processing such information before it’s too late for them health-wise,” said Dr Puneet Makhija, a general physician in Noida.
Makhija pointed out that Internet addiction is the becoming the number one reason for diseases such as weakened immune system, eye problems and even brain-related issues. “This is over and above the abject emotional health duress that Internet overuse is known to generate,” he stressed.
Physical implications of digital overuse
There are many scientific studies that have documented a deep link between Internet overuse and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and serious brain damage.
“Addiction of anything is detrimental but Internet abuse is the single largest contributor of all lifestyle-related diseases that youngsters suffer from these days. It is leading to a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn, can cause obesity and sugar issues in very young children. It can also cause irreparable damage to your eye sight,” Dr Pooja Dhar, an ophthalmologist at the Apollo Hospitals, said. She spoke of dry eyes, conjunctivitis, eye strain and headaches related to bad eyes as common ailments that her patients complain of.
There is also postural problems associated with this sort of an overuse. Bone health experts say that almost 65 per cent of the cases of Carpal tunnel disease is because of bad posture due to excessive use of the gadgets and overuse of digital devises. They say even spondylitis and arthritis is on the upward spiral in India due to such addiction issues. “When you are staring at your laptop or mobile for long hours at a stretch, there is bound to be neck and spinal cord related issues. Problem is people don’t take these seriously. They pop in pain killers and get back to their digital lives. This can result in a huge health epidemic if not sorted out soon,” warns Orthopedic Neelima Jaishankar from Bangalore. She tells us that arthritis is nowadays common in 18-27 year olds. “This is only tenable if they are using internet far beyond their bodies can take it,” she adds.
What about brain shrinkage and other ailments related to normal brain functions, are they affected significantly. Doctors answer in the positive. “Some studies have proven that early onset of Dementia can be traced into a cause of internet overuse. There is also the dual problem of brain cancers and strokes that could be due to excess viewing, or indulging in activities online,” says Dr Prabhu, a consultant brain surgeon.
He also stresses on the fact that overuse could lead to a disrupted and disturbed sleep schedule, particularly in young adults. This in turn can lead to shrinking of the brain much before they can reach their prime years.
Apart from physiological manifestations, digital overuse has a lumpsum of problems on our emotional health as well.
Emotional-damage
“It is true that digital overuse can result in stress and anxiety. Too much of an adrenaline rush (while playing games or chatting with friends) can also cause a rush of emotions. We are neither mature enough to deal with this gamut of emotions that are hurled at us all at once, nor do we have tools to analyse what went wrong and how to better that situation. The result is deep trauma. Some young adults may also need treatment for such emotional issues,” says Pulkit Shama, a psychologist based out of Puduchchery.
Apart from this, aggression and mood swings are also being called side effects of internet abuse.
If emotional health is one side of the spectrum, there are deep seated mental health issues also associated with this form of addiction. Cases of ADHD and other spectrum disorders like autism are on a rise in India. Some doctors have blamed internet obsession for this as well.
A host of other body dysmorphia and eating disorders are said to be linked to the overuse of digital gadgets as well.
So, when our prime minister spoke about being abreast with the ills associated with digital scams, health experts say one must also take into account the implications on one’s health and well being if they are constantly under the digital surveillance. Like the onus of reducing carbon footprint for better health was on us, similarly, only we can take this pledge to reduce the usage of digital use so as to lead a better, more meaningful and safe life.
Are we up for it?
