IES Holds Session on Technology Addiction and Mental Health
IES Holds Session on Technology Addiction and Mental Health
‘The cost of being plugged in is being disconnected from what's real in our lives.’
The pervasive influence of technology is increasingly dominating our daily lives, with its continued integration having undeniable effects on both the physical and psychological well-being of individuals. In observance of World Mental Health Day, a global concern, an educational session focusing on the theme of 'Technology Addiction and Its Impact on Mental Health' was meticulously organized by Indian Education School, Bhavans Kuwait, for the students of grades 9 and 10 on October 5th, 2023. This event underscores the institution's commitment to holistic education and the well-being of its students. The enlightening session was conducted under the aegis of the Department of Psychology at IES and featured Dr. Susovana Sujit Nair as the keynote speaker.
The school Counsellor, MS. Preethi Nair welcomed the resource person with deep gratitude. Akshita Rajesh from grade 10 presented Dr. Susovana Sujit Nair a bamboo plant symbolizing growth and vitality. Dr. Susovana Sujit Nair is a renowned medical oncologist at the Kuwait Cancer Centre and a distinguished researcher. She was honoured with the 'She: The Change - Nari Udyami Award 2019' for her significant work in women's empowerment. Dr. Nair is a prominent public figure in Kuwait, actively leading numerous medical seminars, and workshops to raise awareness within the expatriate community on various health-related aspects. During her session, Dr. Susovana emphasized the paramount importance of effectively managing stress. She passionately discussed the critical need for striking a balance between our desire for connectivity and the adverse consequences of excessive device usage. Dr. Nair highlighted the fact that excessive use of social media has been linked to a heightened risk of developing depression, severe anxiety, diminished self-esteem, and body image concerns, particularly among the youth. She further elucidated that reduced face-to-face interactions can result in feelings of isolation, hinder communication skills, and have a profound impact on an individual's overall development.
The resource person delved into the direct correlation between obesity and the excessive use of gadgets. Dr. Susovana elaborated on how sleep deprivation among adolescents and young adults, primarily due to night-time device usage, can lead to the disruption of sleep and hunger hormones, subsequently affecting appetite and causing an inclination towards consuming high-calorie foods.
Dr. Susovana also discussed the adverse effects of multitasking with multiple screens, which can lead to reduced focus and concentration, ultimately impairing cognitive function. She shed light on various health concerns related to extensive technology usage, including the potential risk of brain cancer due to radiation exposure from digital devices, computer vision syndrome resulting from prolonged screen time, the constant urge to check notifications driven by the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), the development of poor postures leading to conditions like "tech neck" and repetitive stress injuries, as well as issues such as hearing loss and eye strain. Additionally, she highlighted the health risks associated with unhygienic device usage.
The presentation included detailed illustrations and compelling case studies that captivated the students' attention, effectively demonstrating the detrimental impact of technology overuse. During the session, students posed numerous questions related to tech usage, which Dr. Susovana Nair expertly addressed. Ms. Meenakshi Nayyar, the Senior Vice Principal, commended Dr. Susovana for delivering an informative session that enriched the students' understanding of a highly relevant contemporary issue.
Akshita Tagore, a Grade 10 student, presented Dr. Susovana a special artwork she created under the guidance of the Art teacher. The session was highly beneficial for both students and teachers of Grades 9 and 10, as it's an issue that has gained significant attention in recent years, as technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives.
