In an era where screens dominate our daily lives, digital addiction has emerged as a critical challenge affecting individuals of all ages. The Karnataka IT BT Department has taken a proactive step toward addressing this issue with the launch of Beyond Screens, a comprehensive digital detox initiative. In collaboration with the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and Kaha Mind Healthcare, this initiative aims to combat digital addiction through structured interventions, immediate support, and long-term solutions integrated into the healthcare system.
Understanding Digital Addiction
Digital addiction refers to the compulsive use of digital tools and media, leading to negative consequences in various aspects of life, including relationships, productivity, and mental well-being. The most prevalent forms of digital addiction include:
- Smartphone addiction – affecting approximately 27% of users globally
- Social media addiction – impacting 17% of individuals
- Gaming addiction – experienced by about 6% of users
Studies suggest that men are more likely to engage in gaming and adult content, whereas women tend to overuse social media for social interactions. While digital addiction is not yet classified as a formal disorder in medical manuals such as the DSM-5 or ICD-11, its symptoms closely resemble other behavioral disorders, often leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
The Need for Digital Detox
With technology deeply embedded in work, education, and leisure, excessive screen time has led to rising concerns about mental fatigue, reduced productivity, and decreased real-world social interactions. A digital detox does not advocate for abandoning technology but encourages mindful usage to restore balance. Small changes, such as setting screen-free zones, reducing mindless scrolling, and taking regular breaks, can significantly improve overall well-being and foster a healthier relationship with technology.
Beyond Screens: A Holistic Approach to Digital Well-being
The Beyond Screens initiative is designed to help individuals regain control over their digital lives, promoting mindful interactions with technology. The program offers various levels of intervention, ensuring support for individuals, communities, and organizations.
How You Can Participate
- Individuals: Reach out to the Beyond Screens Care Line for support, access free resources, or take a pledge to manage screen time mindfully.
- Schools & Colleges: Partner with Beyond Screens for workshops, toolkits, and digital detox challenges to instill healthier tech habits among students.
- Communities & Events: Organize awareness workshops, retreats, and community challenges to promote real-world connections.
- Tech-Smart Parenting: Subscribe to the newsletter for expert-backed parenting guides to help set screen boundaries for children.
- Workplaces & Organizations: Implement workplace digital detox strategies, encourage employees to take mindful breaks, and foster a healthier, more focused work environment.
Programs & Challenges to Reset Your Digital Habits
Beyond Screens offers structured programs designed to create lasting change:
- 30-Day Digital Detox Challenge: A step-by-step program with small daily actions to gradually unplug and build healthier habits.
- Tech-Smart Parenting: A dedicated guide for parents to help children develop mindful screen habits.
- Workplace Wellness Program: Strategies to improve focus, productivity, and work-life balance in a digital-driven environment.
- Screen-Free Saturdays: A weekly community challenge encouraging a day of intentional disconnection from screens.
Stay Connected for a Healthier Digital Future
Join the movement and take the first step toward a healthier digital lifestyle. Follow Beyond Screens on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates, events, and expert insights on digital well-being.
For more details and to get involved, visit https://beyondscreens.net/.
‘Remember, sunlight before screen light! Let’s create a future where technology serves us, not controls us.’
