A growing number of health professionals are warning that smartphone and social media dependency is now a serious public health concern. Ryan Erispe, head of clinical at The Cabin, a rehabilitation centre in Thailand, says the world is underestimating how much constant digital stimulation is affecting the mind, relationships, and sleep.
He explained that many people believe they are using their devices responsibly, yet their behaviour often reflects dependency rather than choice. “What starts as convenience becomes compulsion,” Erispe said. “Devices and social media are powerful tools, but they should serve us, not control us. By setting boundaries and prioritising real-world connection, we protect our mental health and nurture the relationships that truly matter.”
New research raises alarm about digital behaviour
Recent studies have shown that unhealthy tech use can lead to serious mental health problems. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine followed more than 4,000 young people and found that those who showed signs of addictive screen use were up to three times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviours. The findings suggested that the issue lies not in the total time spent online but in the emotional dependency created by constant engagement.
A 2025 review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that factors such as peer pressure, loneliness, and urban living contribute to compulsive technology use. Other experts are calling for “digital well-being” programmes to be rolled out in schools and workplaces to help people recognise harmful patterns early.
Clinics are now responding to the growing need for intervention. In India, a new digital well-being clinic has opened in Mysuru, offering treatment for people who find themselves unable to limit screen use. The centre focuses on helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders that have been linked to overexposure to digital devices.
Signs that use may be turning into dependency
Mental health specialists say there are clear warning signs when technology begins to take control. Constantly checking a phone on waking or before sleep, feeling anxious when disconnected, losing track of time online, and neglecting social or professional responsibilities are among the most common symptoms. Emotional changes can also appear gradually, such as irritability, restlessness, or sadness after long periods on social media.
Erispe says these behaviours are increasingly common among patients seeking help at The Cabin. Many describe feeling unable to switch off, even when they recognise the toll it takes on their emotional well-being. “We see people who are mentally present in their digital world but absent in their real one,” he said. “It damages relationships, focus, and confidence.”
Rebuilding balance through awareness and small changes
Experts recommend starting with simple steps to restore balance. Setting specific times when phones are put away, turning off unnecessary notifications, and keeping devices out of bedrooms can help reduce dependency. Engaging in activities such as walking, reading, or mindfulness exercises allows the brain to recover from overstimulation. Spending time with friends or family without screens also reinforces real emotional connections.
New findings also suggest that reflection plays a major role in recovery. Understanding the emotional triggers that drive device use (such as boredom, loneliness, or stress) allows people to replace scrolling with healthier coping mechanisms.
A growing public health issue
As global awareness increases, countries are beginning to explore policy measures. In California, a new law now requires social media platforms to carry health warning labels similar to those used on tobacco products. Policymakers say the move reflects mounting concern about the long-term effects of technology on mental health, particularly among younger users.
Erispe believes such initiatives are important but stresses that personal awareness remains the most effective form of prevention. “We cannot expect technology companies alone to solve this,” he said. “It starts with individuals recognising how their habits affect their minds, then choosing to reclaim control.”
With more research emerging and new clinics opening worldwide, experts agree that digital dependency should be treated with the same seriousness as other behavioural addictions. The message is simple: technology can enrich life when used consciously, but left unchecked, it can quietly erode the very well-being it once promised to enhance.