Neuropsychiatrist Compares Screen Addiction to Substance Abuse at Hyderabad Campus Event
In a stark warning about modern digital habits, consultant neuropsychiatrist Dr. Charan Teja Koganti declared on Thursday that "screen addiction" has reached a severity comparable to alcohol and gambling dependencies. Speaking at The Times of India's 'Let's D-Stress: Campus Conversations' held at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad, Dr. Koganti, who practices at KIMS Hospitals & Jade Clinics, highlighted how individuals often lose hours on devices they intended to use only briefly.
Dopamine and Muscle Memory Drive Compulsive Phone Use
Dr. Koganti detailed the neurological mechanisms behind compulsive screen engagement, explaining that repeated interactions with devices evolve into "muscle memory". This phenomenon causes users to instinctively open applications without conscious deliberation. He attributed this automatic behavior to dopamine, the brain's primary reward chemical. "Your brain becomes hooked on quick gratification. Scrolling from one reel to another continuously delivers small dopamine hits, making it extraordinarily difficult to stop," he elaborated. This session marked the inaugural campus edition of TOI's national Let's D-Stress initiative in Hyderabad, gathering students for a crucial dialogue on digital well-being during periods of intense academic pressure.
Screens Prevent True Mental Rest and Disrupt Sleep
Challenging the common belief that screens aid relaxation, Dr. Koganti asserted, "Your brain is constantly stimulated—visually, emotionally, and cognitively. It never truly rests." This perpetual activation, he warned, leads directly to mental fatigue, heightened anxiety, and significantly reduced attention spans. Addressing prevalent sleep issues among students, he introduced the concept of 'revenge bedtime procrastination,' where individuals deliberately delay sleep to reclaim personal time on their devices. "The light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation. This makes it considerably harder for the brain to switch off and achieve restorative rest," he added, emphasizing the physiological impact.
Behavioral Signs and Long-Term Cognitive Risks
The neuropsychiatrist also outlined clear behavioral and psychological indicators of screen dependency, including:
- Phantom vibrations: The sensation of a phone vibrating when it is not.
- Battery anxiety: Intense worry when device battery levels drop, driven by fear of missing out (FOMO).
He cautioned that excessive screen time could drastically impair attention spans and potentially alter brain function over extended periods. On the topic of digital learning, Dr. Koganti made a critical distinction, stating that reading on screens is not equivalent to reading physical books. Beyond the eye strain caused by prolonged blue light exposure, he noted that typing instead of writing reduces hand-eye coordination, which may adversely affect cognitive development and memory consolidation processes. The engaging discussion was moderated by RJ Chaitu, providing scientific insights into the growing impact of screen dependency on young minds.
