Digital media notifications and algorithms risky for children's mental health

Children's childhood is being put at risk and their mental well-being is being severely affected as they get trapped in the web of digital media notifications and algorithms. According to a report by Amar Ujala, these shocking facts have emerged from a massive study conducted on 90 lakh children and youth. The study found that the use of digital media is having a negative impact on children's mental health, sleep, behaviour, and physical activities.

This large-scale study published in 'The Lancet' reviewed various research involving approximately 90 lakh children and youth aged 0 to 24 years. The findings of this review are extremely concerning. According to the research, 71 per cent of findings for children and 80 per cent for adolescents and youth regarding digital media use were found to be harmful. Specifically, adolescents who use digital media more than necessary were found to be 2.27 times more likely to develop mental health issues compared to those who use it moderately.

The report emphasises that while advice is given to keep children away from mobiles, very few questions are raised about the design of apps and social media platforms that constantly provoke them to return to the screen. The design of tech companies' platforms is crafted to ensure the user remains online for a long time. Features such as auto-play videos, infinite scrolling, frequent notifications, and likes, followers, or streaks are specifically designed to keep the user hooked to the platform.

Additionally, algorithms continuously show new content based on an individual's preferences and activities, causing children to remain lost in the digital world for long periods. Researchers believe that in such a situation, it is not appropriate to hold only parents or children responsible for the effects of digital media; rather, it is inevitable to focus on the platform design and responsibility of tech companies.

The report also mentions other risks present on the internet. These include online bullying, misinformation, hate speech, pressure regarding body image, and incorrect health advice available on the internet. Along with this, the need for caution regarding emotional attachment with AI chatbots and digital content specifically targeting children has been highlighted.

Modelling estimates regarding the impact of screen time revealed that among people who spend more than two hours a day in front of a screen, approximately 20 per cent of depression cases and about 15 per cent of obesity cases worldwide are linked to screen time exceeding this limit.

A significant figure regarding India has emerged in this study. According to the report, 77 per cent of children over 10 years of age have used generative AI tools for academic work. This shows that children's digital world is no longer limited to mobile games or social media, but they are extensively using AI-based tools for studies, gathering information, and finding answers to questions.