Getting over screen addiction – The Hindu

A principle of demand-driven screen use can help us in dealing with the addictive nature of the screens. This restores our sense of balance and purpose.

Today, managing technology is an overwhelming challenge. Abundance of screens on smartphones, tablets or laptops, unfettered Internet access, pervasive social media, all in tandem, are posing serious screen-time worries. Gripped with the challenge, society, as a whole, is scouting for solutions, and seeking guidance from counsellors, doctors, and spiritual gurus on how to deal with the addictive nature of the devices.

There are two aspects to the challenge. On the one hand, there is a problem of plenty — abundant ‘supply’ of information that we receive through the devices. Be in the form of news, reels, or video games, there is an overflow of supplies 24×7. With their enchanting nature, the devices don’t allow us to withdraw, and compel us to remain glued to them. On the other hand, we are not clear what we ‘demand’ from these supplies. Devoid of the awareness on the nature of our demand, and any guidance thereon, we simply allow ourselves to be passive consumers of the content. Moreover, as the supplies also contain fake and hate news, disinformation, propaganda, and unrealistic financial claims, the addiction causes great harm to physical and psychological well-being.

Clearly, when we are unsure of what we want or need, the abundant supplies are bound to overwhelm and drain us.

One powerful way to become an active agent, as against passive recipient, while receiving the supplies, is to follow a simple principle — making our screen use demand-driven. The demand may be of news, data, facts, inspirational speech, programmes on health, sports, music, wildlife, job opportunities, or nurturing relationships. The needs that are purposeful and uplifting. By being choosy or selective on what we want to consume, we display our agency, exercise self-control, and establish mastery over the devices.

Though guided by clear demand while using the screens, we may need to shield ourselves from the ‘spell’ of the supplies. This can be achieved by setting priorities, managing time, and enhancing focus.

Setting priorities: figuring out priorities help us get directions we need to move in. Accordingly, we can identify the specific tasks and activities that are required to be pursued consciously. Our busyness with important activities and engagements can obviate the scope of straying from course.

Managing time: in the matters of money, wisdom says that we should save first, and spend what is left after saving. Likewise, while dealing with another vital resource, time, prudence demands we first use it for meaningful tasks, and then spend residual time, if any, on trivia.

Enhancing focus: there is a saying that the ships do not sink because of the water around them, they sink because of the water that gets into them. Similarly, if we allow noise and negative emotions, particularly emanating from social media, to enter our mind, they will weigh us down, and lead to our ‘sinking’. It is imperative that we cut noise to increase focus.

The demand-driven mantra can also help us temper our impulse while shopping, or ordering and consuming food, and material acquisitions. By having the principle by our side, and acting on it steadfastly, we can not only restore our sense of balance, but also find time to pursue purposeful and fulfilling activities.

rkrishnasinha@hotmail.com

Published – February 01, 2026 03:54 am IST