Dr. Trideep Choudhury, Consultant Psychiatrist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, reveals that while "screen addiction" has no official diagnosis in the DSM-5, its behavioral parallels with recognized addictions are impossible to ignore marked by compulsive use, loss of control, and withdrawal-like irritability when disconnected. Sleep disruptions are often the first visible red flag, with blue light exposure reducing melatonin and deteriorating sleep quality.

Beyond the restlessness, excessive screen time hampers cognitive and emotional development. Children may experience weakened attention spans, impaired memory, and socio-emotional underdevelopment; it even challenges neuroplasticity through overstimulation. The motivations differ by age and context: social media drives many young users, fueled by FOMO, while others particularly gamers may mirror gambling behaviors, chasing validation or refusing to quit even after losing. Gendered patterns surface too: girls lean toward social interactions online, and boys toward immersive gaming, though impulsivity is a shared trait. 

Dr. Choudhury suggests early detection through parental and institutional awareness recognizing irritability offline, declining academic focus, or screen lying. To restore balance, he recommends cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, regular physical activity, deliberate screen breaks, and reinforcing healthy routines. While official labels may lag behind, the fallout—sleep disruption, cognitive strain, emotional turbulence is already here. Identifying warning signs and cultivating mindful use is urgent.