Excessive screen time is no longer just a lifestyle concern—it is now recognized as a public health issue. AIIMS Delhi is launching the Centre for Advanced Research on Addictive Behaviours (CAR-AB), India’s first dedicated digital addiction centre. This initiative aims to address the growing impact of technology dependence, particularly among children and young adults, as internet overuse has been linked to rising stress, anxiety, and cognitive decline. The Economic Survey (2024-25) has officially flagged this issue as a national concern, emphasizing the need for intervention at the school and family levels.
The AIIMS-led initiative is designed to go beyond just raising awareness. Backed by a Rs 14 crore budget, it will focus on prevention, early detection, and intervention. Schools, parents, and medical professionals will be engaged in structured programs to curb problematic screen use. The center will also introduce AI-powered predictive models to detect high-risk individuals, enabling early intervention before digital habits turn into severe dependency.
This approach, however, raises broader concerns. The very technology responsible for fueling digital addiction is now being positioned as part of the solution. AI-driven recommendation systems are designed to maximize engagement, keeping users online for longer periods. Now, AIIMS is turning to similar technology to predict and counteract digital addiction. This creates a paradox—one where technology is being used both to sustain and to regulate human behavior.
The debate around digital addiction also extends to the role of government intervention. While many view this initiative as a necessary step in safeguarding mental health, others argue that screen time regulation overreaches into personal choice. Defining “healthy” versus “excessive” screen use remains a challenge, especially in a world where work, education, and social interaction are increasingly digital. The issue is not just about screen time but about the broader shift in how people consume information, interact, and engage with the world.
AIIMS’ move signals a larger shift in how nations may address technology dependency. If successful, it could set the stage for similar policies and intervention strategies across other sectors. If it struggles to create tangible change, it will reinforce the complexities of managing digital habits in an era where technology is deeply embedded in daily life. The conversation is no longer about whether digital addiction exists but about how societies choose to manage it.
