The Economic Survey 2026 has sounded an alarm on the growing problem of digital addiction, warning that excessive use of smartphones, social media, gaming and streaming platforms is beginning to take a toll on India’s youth, productivity and mental health.

India’s digital leap has been dramatic, powered by cheap data, widespread smartphone ownership and the rollout of 5G.

Internet connections have risen from just over 25.15 crore in 2014 to nearly 96.96 crore in 2024 and the digital economy now contributes 11.74 per cent to national income. It is projected to cross 13 per cent by FY25.

Today, more than 85 per cent of households own at least one smartphone, and digital services — from OTT platforms to social media and payments — are used at massive scale.

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In early 2025, EY noted that Indians collectively spent 1.1 lakh crore hours staring at their smartphones in 2024, in its annual entertainment report.

The focus now clearly needs to shift to how people are using technology, and what it is doing to their mental well-being.

The Survey defines digital addiction as “a behavioural pattern of excessive or compulsive engagement with digital devices or online activities that leads to distress and functional impairment”, adding that it is marked by “persistent, excessive, or obsessive computer and online use, causing impairment in psychology”.

Over time, this can translate into reduced employability, lower lifetime earnings and higher healthcare costs.

The Survey notes that social media addiction is “strongly associated with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying stress”, with studies showing high prevalence among those aged 15–24.

Also Read: Indians spent 1.1 lakh crore hours staring at smartphones to make many richer

Gaming disorder is linked to “sleep disruption, aggression, social withdrawal, and depression”, while online gambling and real-money gaming show evidence of “financial stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation”. Even binge-watching and short-video platforms are flagged for their links to “poor sleep hygiene, reduced concentration, and heightened stress”.

Looking ahead, the Survey flags a key gap: the lack of national data. “The absence of comprehensive national data on the prevalence and mental health effects of digital addiction hinders targeted intervention,” it says. The upcoming Second National Mental Health Survey is expected to generate “empirical and actionable insights”.

Countries such as Australia, China, South Korea and the UK have adopted measures ranging from age-based social media bans and gaming time limits to classroom smartphone restrictions and digital resilience frameworks.

The Survey’s prescription is not blanket bans, but balance. It calls for digital wellness education in schools, device-free hours at home and workplaces, stronger parental awareness, age-appropriate safeguards on platforms, and expanded counselling support. As the document puts it, digital access may be unavoidable but healthier digital habits are now essential for protecting mental well-being and long-term productivity.