New Delhi: On Sunday, Dwarka’s Ranjit Vihar-I was the setting for a focused community dialogue on tackling the everyday impact of excessive screen use. Locals came together to engage in a structured conversation around digital habits, exploring how constant connectivity is shaping routines, relationships and overall well-being.Organised as part of The Times of India’s ‘Let’s D-Stress’ initiative, the session approached digital overload not just as a concern, but as a behaviour that can be examined and improved.The discussion opened with an interactive segment, encouraging participants to reflect on common patterns, such as frequent scrolling, notification-driven distraction and prolonged screen exposure.The conversation was led by Dr Sameer Malhotra, principal director of the department of mental health and behavioural sciences at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. Emphasising on mindful use of technology, “No technology is bad. We all need mobile phones. But a lot depends on how we use it. We should not use it in bed before sleep, as blue light disrupts melatonin,” he said.Malhotra highlighted sleep quality, noting, “Most kids sleep late and wake up late. They get eight hours, but sleeping from 10:30 pm onwards is most important. Sleep improves brain health and is crucial for mental wellbeing.”He also stressed the importance of family interactions: “Never have your phone on the dining table. If you use it, others feel ignored. Also, don’t use phones in the washroom. Not using phones at these places solves many problems.”A key element of the event was self-assessment. Attendees were invited to take a psychological test by scanning a QR code to understand their level of digital dependence. Building on this, the initiative introduced a structured 14-day challenge designed to promote conscious habit change. Participants were encouraged to replace 20 minutes of daily screen time with reading The Times of India, through a complimentary subscription offered at the venue.The challenge is designed to be measurable. Participants begin by taking the assessment, following a consistent reading routine over two weeks, and then retake the same test to evaluate shifts in their digital behaviour. The goal is to create awareness through action, using small and consistent changes to encourage healthier routines.The session saw active participation, particularly from parents concerned about their children spending excessive time on electronic devices.Deshbala, a local, highlighted how phones have become a key source of everyday stress, even as they remain essential tools. “Phones are the main element of stress. They are important and helpful if used properly,” she said, pointing to a fine balance between utility and overuse. She also noted how screen habits are affecting families. “Little ones ask for phones and watch videos on them,” she said. Sharing a glimpse of daily challenges at home, she said, “If I tell my husband, ‘Put the volume of the phone down,’ he says he’ll have to take it to another room.”Another local spoke about how difficult it is to completely disconnect. “I keep the phone at home and go for a walk. But then I wear a smart watch, so that’s another problem,” he said, adding, “It is impossible to shun the phone completely.”
