NEW DELHI: With near-universal internet and smartphone access among young Indians, “access is no longer” the binding constraint, the Economic Survey 2025–26 said, warning that excessive and compulsive digital use is emerging as a serious economic, social and mental health challenge.
The Survey flagged growing risks of social media and digital app addiction among people aged 15–29, calling for greater focus on “digital hygiene” and the nature of online content being consumed. It said that while digital access has expanded opportunities for education, employment and civic engagement, unchecked and high-intensity use is imposing tangible costs.
“India’s youth are living in an intensely digital environment. While access fuels learning, jobs and civic participation, compulsive and high-intensity use can impose real economic and social costs,” the report said.
It cited losses such as reduced study hours, lower workplace productivity, healthcare burdens and financial losses linked to risky online behaviour. The Survey highlighted multiple Indian and global studies showing a strong link between digital addiction and mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24.
The report warned that the effects of digital addiction are not limited to youth but extend to adults as well. It raised special concern over gaming addiction, including spillovers into online gambling.
Referring to “Gaming Disorder”, the Survey said the condition is associated with sleep disruption, aggression, social withdrawal and depression, with adolescents identified as especially vulnerable.
Beyond academic and productivity losses, the Survey noted that excessive online engagement increases exposure to cyberbullying, online fraud and scams, further contributing to stress and psychological harm.
Calling for evidence-based policymaking, the Survey stressed the need to develop a comprehensive set of indicators to assess the multi-dimensional impact of digital addiction and evaluate interventions effectively.
It noted that several countries have already taken stringent measures to curb digital addiction. Australia has banned social media access for children under 16, while similar regulatory steps have been introduced in China, South Korea, Brazil, France, Spain, Finland, Japan and several US states.
In India, however, the Survey pointed to a major policy gap — the absence of comprehensive national-level data on digital content consumption patterns. This, it said, hampers targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and the integration of digital wellness into national mental health strategies.
The Survey added that more empirical data and actionable insights are expected from the upcoming Second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS).