Hooked on screens: Is your mental health paying the price? Let’s face it: we need a reset
PTC Web Desk: Have you ever sat in a room full of people and felt utterly alone? That’s not loneliness—it's modern life. Whether we’re at home or out in a restaurant, one thing is common: eyes locked on screens, fingers scrolling endlessly, and attention split between pixels and the people right in front of us. It’s almost like we’re present, but not really there.
When togetherness meant something else
There was a time—just a couple of years ago—when the doorbell ringing meant joy. Relatives or friends would drop by unannounced, and laughter echoed through the rooms. Conversations flowed like music, and the living room would turn into a place of connection, storytelling, and warmth.
Now, that same doorbell often brings surprise. “Who’s come over uninvited?” And even if someone does manage to visit, we all know the scene too well: Five minutes of polite chit-chat and then poof—everyone is back into their digital worlds. It’s not awkward anymore; it's normal.
A scene that speaks volumes
Just a few days ago, I went to a popular café. A young couple sat beside me with their toddler. I couldn’t help but notice—rather, be disturbed—that neither of them looked at each other, let alone the child. Both were immersed in their phones, scrolling, typing, lost in a digital trance, while the child played alone. The sad part? This isn’t rare. This is our new reality.
We’re living in times where a screen often gets more attention than our loved ones. We share stories with strangers online but forget to ask our partner how their day was. We double-tap pictures on Instagram but don’t even look up when our child is calling us.
The price of constant connection
We talk a lot about staying "connected" through smartphones, but emotionally, we're growing distant. Phone addiction is not just affecting our relationships, it’s silently eating into our mental health. Rising anxiety levels, constant need for validation, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), and disturbed sleep cycles—are we even realising the cost?
Even nature is missing our presence. Remember when walks in the park were about noticing birds or the rustle of leaves? Now it’s about finding the right filter for your ‘Evening Vibes’ story.
It’s time for a digital detox: Let’s face it: we need a reset
One "no-screen" day every week could be our first step. A day where phones are kept away, and hearts are open. A time to just talk, feel, breathe, and be—without notifications stealing our moments.
And how about a simple rule—no phone after 10 pm? Let nights belong to rest, family, and dreams—not reels. Because let’s be honest—once the lights go out, the glow of our phones begins. We scroll until the device literally drops on our faces. Funny, yes. Sad, absolutely.
Disconnect to reconnect
This isn't about quitting technology. It’s about reclaiming balance. Our phones were meant to connect us, not disconnect us from what truly matters.
So, next time you're with someone—be with them. Look up. Smile. Talk. Laugh. Share. Feel. Because these are the real notifications that matter. Let’s not wait for a crisis to realise the value of human connection. Let’s start today. One less scroll, one more hug. Because life isn’t meant to be lived through a screen—it’s meant to be felt, face to face.
- PTC NEWS
