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Yoga authority Dr N Ganesh Rao blames digital addiction for depleting minds, peace, and humanity and making humans replaceable
Our gadgets become outdated overnight, and we look for newer models for more efficiency, not realising that with each upgrade, the quality of the human being declines. (Pixabay)
The impact of digital life on mental health is becoming impossible to ignore. More Indians are now reporting anxiety, sleeplessness, and social withdrawal. India ranked third globally in smartphone screen time in 2024, with users spending an average of five hours daily, according to an EY–FICCI report.
At a recent International Yoga Day webinar hosted by Hellomyyoga, yoga scholar Dr N Ganesh Rao jolted the audience with his plain-speak and clarity of thought. “You’re not evolving, your instruments are,” he said, warning that in keeping up with the digital world, we’re paying a huge price with our well-being—and our uniqueness.
But there’s hope. “Yoga is well-equipped with tools that will empower you to put your foot down,” he added.
Here are edited excerpts from his talk.*
The Cost of Digital
Though ‘digital’ refers broadly to connectivity, computers and long-distance communication, for most of us today, it simply means our smartphones—with social media and video consumption dominating.
We’re always available, constantly consuming. We fear ‘missing out’ and want to keep up. So, our becoming prey to the digital world seems inevitable.
That might still be acceptable had our lives been happy and peaceful. Instead, we’re more restless. Societies are advancing technologically, but as human beings, we are worse off.
We’re fortunate to still call ourselves human beings. But the pace at which we’re succumbing to this juggernaut of digitisation, we’re at risk of being rendered numbers and digits—and losing what makes us human.
You’re Not Evolving—Your Instruments Are
Our gadgets become outdated overnight, and we look for newer models for more efficiency, not realising that with each upgrade, the quality of the human being declines. [This happens] Physically, emotionally, intellectually, and in willpower because the gadgets are doing most of the work.
We’ve entered a phase where each of us is dispensable. If not you, someone else. Because there’s nothing unique about you.
It’s your phone, clothes, car that stand out—not your thoughts. You’re not evolving, your instruments are.
When Even Children Need Counsellors
Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal tendencies are now common. Childhood, a time for carefree play, now needs full-time mental health counsellors in schools!
What does this say? That we’re admitting, “I’m unable to control my own mind.” It’s not about others troubling us; we’re troubled by our own mind. Then something is seriously wrong.
In a Dream And Unable to Wake Up
Screen addiction is now so universal, it’s as if each of us is in a dream. Aware of it, yet lack the strength or will to wake up and face reality.
History shows how invaders sometimes gained control not by force, but by flooding the population with drugs. With the youth and all villagers in a state of altered consciousness, there was hardly any resistance. The digital world is doing the same today.
The mobile phone in your hand is like a toy given to the child to keep him quiet. Your full attention is now on the toy, not on things that matter.
Only Information, No Absorption
There’s a flood of information, and we’re just consuming. Before we can reflect on one piece, 10 more show up and our focus shifts. In reality, we’re only browsing, not thinking.
Analysis without action is paralysis. Unless we pause to absorb, think, and act, all analysing is meaningless.
Reels, Influencers & Our Misguided Consciousness
We share reels to be seen, to feel counted, and continuously check our statistics. But do we reflect on whether this really adds value to our life? Influencers are shaping trends, but what’s the impact? Where are our conscience and consciousness headed?
Use Digital—But Don’t Lose Yourself
Digital tools are not the problem. Like a knife, they can make our life easier or harm us—it depends on how you use them. You must take advantage of this progress. But in the process, are you getting swept away? Then it’s no longer taking advantage but losing yourself.
Deluge of Information Doesn’t Make Us Knowledgeable
In Yoga, mere shravan is meaningless unless followed by manan (reflection). You may gather information from many sources, but it becomes knowledge only when processed.
Even that knowledge is useless if it stays in the intellect. Only when implemented in day-to-day life—nidhidhyāsana—does it become part of you.
Today, we’re only consuming—not even tasting, let alone digesting or assimilating. Most of it is trivial information; your life would remain the same without it.
We’re Wired for Negativity
Social and mainstream media thrive on sensationalism.
Of the four fundamental emotions—bhaya, krodha, sukha, dukha (fear, anger, happiness, sorrow)—only one is positive. That means human minds are 75-per cent negative. And digital platforms know this well.
We eagerly lap up crime, war, and disaster updates, but aren’t interested in the good.
This stream of negativity ultimately clouds our mental environment. The joy of living goes, so does the spark on your face—just from taking in this information!
Put Your Foot Down—Say No to the Trivial
It begins with awareness. The goal isn’t to be popular—it’s to live life in the richest manner possible. That’s only possible when you’re not under constant public gaze.
When something lands on WhatsApp, ask: If I skip this, will my life change? If not, ignore it. This mind has limited space. If crowded with unnecessary content, it can’t accommodate what’s essential. This nonstop bombardment of information keeps the brain in survival mode—not growth.
Sat Chit Ananda—You Are Blissful by Nature
Write down on a piece of paper: What do I want from my life? This is very important.
We’re given limited time of 60, 70 or 80 years, along with energy, consciousness, and tools of mind and body.
Indian philosophy tells us: “sat chit ananda” — you are blissful by nature. When you have energy, consciousness, and tools that have infinite capacity, what more do you want? Do I want to spend this limited time on reels and scrolling, just to keep up? Or do I want to carve out my life meaningfully?
Real Progress Happens Only Inside
Social media keeps you engaged in the external world—but real progress of human beings happens only inside. Outside progress enhances the means at your disposal. But to grow and evolve, inner progress is important. Out of body, mind, energy and consciousness, most of us are living only at the level of body—far from our full potential.
*This is Part One of a two-part series on Yoga for Digital Overdose. Watch this space for Part Two next week for specific Yoga practices.
The author is a journalist, cancer survivor and certified yoga teacher. She can be reached at swatikamal@gmail.com.
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