MANY agencies reported a remarkable rise in the use of new media during the lockdown period. The immoderation basically resulted from inability to pass the unprecedented free time. An overall uncertainty and a creeping anxiety about corona also led to a compulsive desire to stay updated multiplying the media use to a great extent.

 

While the consumption of every form of new media increased in the lockdown, the intemperance could be found most with social media which imports and circulates unconstrained, unsolicited and diverse content from various other media in the form of news, views, audios, videos and a sea of links. Though to a reduced degree, the over indulgence continues in the unlocking phase too. Post lockdown too, a substantial portion of our daily life continues to be inhabited by digital media. Working from home, online education of children and a host of virtual activities have also lead to an elevated screen time as one finds every family member glued to the ever engaging digital screens either for work or entertainment.

 

Sadly ‘staying home’ for many has became synonymous to ‘staying on screen’ as millions of sanitised fingers swipe uncountable smart screens or briskly handle touch pads and TV remotes immeasurable times in a day. The overuse of digital media can be greatly damaging for the overall mental health of the country not to speak of its harmful impact on physical fitness. Experts in the field of Human Psychology already warn that excess media use not just adversely affects every cognitive faculty: Perception, ideation, belief, reasoning, imagination, memory, attention span, even volition but it also leads to anxiety, irritation, frustration, dissatisfaction, mental fatigue and negativity. In the present COVID crisis already a great challenge lies ahead in preservation and restoration of mental health of millions of people that has been undoubtedly affected by the predicament. The days to come demand our great mental poise focus and sustained vigour as we endeavour to make up unfathomable losses caused due to COVID-19.

 

Consciously distancing from the digital screens is vital at this crucial time for we cannot really afford to further lose our valuable time, energy and attention in the virtual world. Digital distancing is a significant measure that we all should undertake at this time.

 

Resolutely keeping a reasonable mental and physical distance from any and every form of media is a simple measure that can conserve and preserve our mental and physical health. While media may be rationally and fruitfully used for essential activities, its unwarranted use for amusement and lollygagging needs to be avoided. If we do not observe digital distancing if we really do not stop frequently checking our gadgets or picking up television remotes (a bad habit that corona has put our systems into) our mental as well as physical well-being is at great risk. On a lighter side, we may regularly put our gadgets in quarantine. And if we cannot, let us lock the screens and forget the passwords. Let’s all rationally use digital media. Let us make an undaunted effort to break the bad mental habit that COVID-19 has gifted us. Let us ensure a safe distance from it. While we practise social distancing, let us also adopt and implement digital distancing. It will certainly keep our mind body and spirit in harmony. It will help us connect within-- to our core virtues, values, good beliefs, attributes, to our inner ‘self’. It will help us stay gritty, poised resilient and optimistic at this important hour. I am sure, it will guarantee a complete mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being.