Digital devices are an integral part of our lives. Mobile phones, laptops, and internet connections are no longer a luxury but a necessity. Shopping, games, learning, and entertainment are now available online. The excessive usage of the internet and digital devices for daily activities has become a major cause of rising mental health issues. Many complain about busy schedules and having less time for family and loved ones without realizing that online games, shopping, videos, and reels consume most of their daily hours. Similarly, we never miss a chance to blame these devices for spoiling our mental and emotional health and wasting our time. But are these devices responsible?
These devices have been made to make our lives comfortable. They have been made for us, and we have not been created for the Almighty to waste our precious time surfing the internet for no reason. A solution to this problem is controlling our usage of the internet and digital devices before they begin controlling us. Most of the online games are destructive. They have a target to be achieved that can be accomplished after breaking something or hurting someone.
Prolonged exposure to such games makes a person think that you should be harsh to achieve something or to reach a goal. This is one of the reasons that we find youth getting aggressive over minor issues. Some do not hesitate to hurt or kill their loved ones in case their wishes are denied or desires remain unfulfilled. Others wait eagerly to receive likes and comments on their social media posts. They get worried when there are no likes and comments, they get mad at their friends for not responding to their posts. They are so obsessed that they keep checking their phones for notifications. No one matters to them more than their subscribers and followers. Fewer notifications and negative comments trigger them. The urge to continuously be online and share your life on social media makes you more susceptible to cybercrimes and frauds. The cyber criminals closely watch activities on social media and target them. Once they get trapped, many lose their money, dignity, and sometimes their lives.
The only solution to these problems is limiting your digital usage. Try to use these devices only when required. Try to find other sources of relaxation, like going for a walk or talking to someone. Take time for your hobbies, like painting, cooking, dancing, or listening to music. Practice a digital free time every day during which no one in the house would use a digital device. One of the best practices is to give yourself a 21-day challenge. For example, decide to read a book for half an hour every day for the next 21 days. Your body adapts to it in this period, and gradually, it becomes a habit. Think of what interests you and follow it for the next few days. This practice will keep you away from digital devices. You will be more relaxed and stress-free doing something that you like. Be consistent, and you will find the difference. Relax, avoid the creators of stress and tension, and you will be physically and mentally fit.
Dr. Anjum Nazir Qureshi,
Assistant Professor,
Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering Research
& Technology, Chandrapur, India
International Trainer and Global Speaker.