Lack of Stability and Screen Addiction Leading to Mental Health Issues Among the Younger Generation, Experts at the Health Summit

A very informed panel at the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2025 collectively spoke about mental health issues that the youth today are facing due to rising pressures, social media, information overload, and constant use of technology. The panel, titled Youth and Mental Health: Coping in the Age of Pressure and making India Fitter and Healthier, included Major General (Retd) Vikram Dev Dogra, CEO, Kho Kho World Championship, Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman - Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram, and Pooja Bedi, Actor and life coach. According to Pooja Bedi, the youngsters of today are so involved with technology that they get totally consumed without realising the repercussions. “You are looking at a generation

that cannot do without technology,” she said. “There’s nothing you can do about it to change that. The question is how you create a system that enables you to work with it,” she added. Pooja said today’s generation is too vulnerable and lacks stability in all areas of life, which includes work and relationships, leading to mental health issues. “The younger generation today lacks stability. They don’t want stability in jobs. If they are miserable even for a little while, they will quit. They have no staying power,” she added.

Screentime adding to anxiety, stress

Major General (Retd) Vikram Dev Dogra stressed the fact that today’s youth, being addicted to screens on their smartphones or computers, is the reason for their heightened mental health issues, which include anxiety, stress, and depression. “It may be even a question of their own identity as to who I am, what I have come here for. They want instant gratification because of social media and other distractions,” he said. Adding to the sentiment, Dr Praveen Gupta said, “Fear of missing out or self-perceived pity that I am not doing well and somebody else is doing so well is always there because of constantly being on social media. Dr Gupta added that youngsters are putting a lot of pressure on themselves to look perfect and talk perfectly all the time, which prevents them from adapting to situations. Experts believe the side effects of excessive screentime include:

Depression and anxiety

High screen use is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Sleeplessness

Screen time - especially at night can disrupt your body's natural sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and duration, which can further worsen mental health.

Suicidal thoughts

According to studies, there is a link between higher daily screen time and an increased likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions in adolescents.

Behavioural issues

Excessive screen time is also linked to symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention, similar to those seen in ADHD.

How can Gen Z combat mental health issues?

To combat and get over mental health stressors like stress and depression, Maj Gen Dogra suggested the first step is to acknowledge and confront your fears openly. “If I am suffering from some kind of anxiety or depression, then for me to be able to acknowledge it is the first step. Youth today need to learn that. Once they have acknowledged it, then you need the courage to share it. And that is not weakness,” he said. Pooja continued over the topic of lack of stability among the youth, saying being rooted is the best way to get over issues that affect your mental health. “When you have roots, you have stability.”