DIGITAL DEPENDENCIES LEAD TO EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY

 DIGITAL DEPENDENCIES LEAD TO EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY Smartphones’re Triggering Adverse Mood Swings in Young Minds. HYDERABADIS are Mentally Poorer, Second Only to Delhi, Says Report

Introduction

In today’s hyper-connected world, smartphones have become more than just communication tools—they are explicit digital lifelines of trillions of netizens around the globe. Children and adolescents are growing up in an age where exposure to screens is an integral part of daily life. While technology offers many educational and social benefits, researchers suggest that the early introduction of smartphones may cause adverse mood swings and emotional instability among young users, irreparable damage to the psychological, physiological, and social dimensions, and impact mental health.

According to a new global study, the scenario in Hyderabad is no exception. The Mental State of the World Report 2024, published by Washington D.C.-based Sapien Labs, ranks Hyderabad among the metro cities in India for marginally lower mental well-being. It has scored just 58.3 on the mental health quotient (MHQ) scale, well below the world average of 63, and second only to Delhi’s 54.4. Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai score a comfortable MHQ scale of 64.2, 69.6, and 70.8, respectively.

Mental Health Quotient (MHQ)

Research based on the responses received from over 70,000 individuals, aged 18- 60+, paints a grim picture. The MHQ (Mental Health Quotient) scale categorizes mental well-being from ‘distressed’ to ‘thriving’. Hyderabad’s average falls between ‘enduring’ and ‘managing’ categories. “As many as more than 32% Hyderabadis fall between the ‘distressed’ or ‘struggling’ categories – marked by poor emotional regulation, strained relationships and diminished mental performance”, said Shailender Swaminathan, Director, Sapien Labs. The numbers are particularly worrying among young adults. Nearly half of young adults report debilitating levels of distress. The report highlights four major drivers of the youth mental health crisis, factors that are especially relevant in major metropolises like Hyderabad.

The Rise of Early Smartphone Exposure and Its Effects

The average age at which children acquire their first smartphone is steadily declining. According to various studies, children as young as 5 now own smartphones, and many are exposed to mobile devices even earlier through parental attitude. The reasons are multifaceted: convenience for parents, educational apps, peer pressure, and the need for children to "keep up" in a digital world. However, what seems like a harmless device can have profound implications on a developing, nascent brain and personality.

The foremost disrupting effect is the breakdown in social bonds. Performance-driven individualistic mindsets have eroded traditional support systems such as families and close friendships. Combined with increased parental neglect and even abuse, this has fuelled a surge in loneliness, the study noted. The second driver is early smartphone use. Studies found a strong correlation between early smartphone ownership among children and a significantly higher risk of sadness, anxiety, aggression, suicidal tendencies, and detachment from reality. Early exposure to smartphones disrupts sleep, increases vulnerability to harmful content like cyberbullying and online predators, and impairs social cognition, such as reading facial expressions and understanding group dynamics.

One’s diet is a critical factor. It’s found that individuals who frequently consume ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are three times more likely to experience mental distress. UPF consumption in the last 15 years has surged exponentially, and data suggests that it may account for up to 40% of mental health distress in certain cases. In such a way, environmental toxin exposure, like particles, heavy metals, and microplastics, now commonly found in food and water, is established to be threatening brain development, especially in children and adolescents.

Psychological Impact on Developing Minds

Children and adolescents are in critical stages of emotional development. Excessive screen time, particularly on smartphones, can interfere with this process. Numerous studies have shown that prolonged smartphone use is associated with increased levels of anxiety, irritability, and even depressive symptoms. The overstimulation from constant notifications, messages, and entertainment can overload a child’s mental capacity by drastically reducing attention span and impairing the ability to manage emotions effectively.

Sleep Deprivation and Mood Swings

Sleep is vital for physical and emotional health, especially in growing children and teenagers. The blue light emitted by smartphone screens disrupts the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for regulating sleep. Late-night scrolling and gaming sessions impact sleep quality, resulting in daytime fatigue, low mood, and increased irritability. Over time, this cycle of poor sleep and emotional instability can contribute to chronic mood disorders.

Social Media and Emotional Turbulence

Social media platforms, a major component of smartphone usage, are double-edged swords. While they offer a sense of community and expression, they also foster comparison, competition, and validation-seeking behavior. Young users are particularly vulnerable to the emotional rollercoaster of likes, comments, and shares. Cyberbullying, exclusion, and exposure to unrealistic standards of beauty and success can lead to low self-esteem, frustration, and mood swings.

Neurological and Behavioral Implications

Smartphones tap into the brain’s reward system by triggering dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure. The instant gratification provided by apps and games can mimic addictive behaviors. Over time, children may develop dependency patterns, becoming restless, angry, or sad when deprived of their phones. This withdrawal-like response suggests a neurological basis for mood swings and emotional reactivity tied to smartphone use.

Parental and Educational Roles

Parents and educators play a pivotal role in managing children's digital habits. Establishing healthy boundaries to educate young users about responsible smartphone use is essential. Strategies like scheduled screen time, family tech-free zones, and encouraging face-to-face interactions can mitigate the negative effects. Emotional check-ins and open conversations about online experiences can help children process their feelings healthily.

Solutions and Alternatives

Rather than completely banning smartphones, the focus should be on promoting balance and mindful use. Encouraging outdoor activities, sports, creative hobbies, and in-person socializing can provide healthier outlets for energy and emotion. Introducing mindfulness and emotional regulation practices, like journaling, meditation, or even digital well-being apps, can foster greater self-awareness and mood stability. Schools can also integrate digital literacy programs to help students navigate online spaces safely and consciously.

Conclusion

While smartphones are indispensable in the modern world, their premature and unchecked use can pose significant challenges to the emotional well-being of youth. The link between early smartphone exposure and mood swings is increasingly evident, underscoring the need for awareness, balance, and guidance. By fostering a responsible digital culture at home and in schools, we can equip young minds to harness technology’s benefits without falling victim to its pitfalls.

By Prof. (Dr.) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya

(The writer is a Hyderabad-based freelance author, journalist, speaker, leadership coach, and Emeritus Professor of Management Studies)