Impact of technology on mental health stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 12 2025: The two-day National Seminar on "Technology and Mental Well-Being", organised by the Department of Psychology, Manipur University, concluded today at the VC Court Hall of the varsity.

The final day of the seminar witnessed the presence of delegates, scholars, and faculty members coming together for a deeply insightful session with Dr RK Lenin Singh, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal.

In his address, Dr RK Lenin spoke extensively on the advantages and disadvantages of technology on mental health, reflecting deeply on the changing patterns of behaviour, relationships, and cognitive development in the modem era.

He remarked that while technological progress has made communication faster and more convenient, it has also opened the door to a range of psychological and social challenges that threaten the emotional stability and mental well-being of individuals, particularly among the youth.

He highlighted that cyberbullying has become one of the most pressing mental-health concerns today, noting that the misuse and morphing of personal photographs on social media often leads to humiliation, blackmail, and, in tragic cases, suicide.

Many young people, he said, are not equipped with the necessary coping skills to handle such trauma, underscoring the crucial role that mentalhealth professionals must play in supporting victims and promoting awareness.

Dr RK Lenin further addressed the growing misuse of the term "viral", which has become deeply embedded in digital culture.

He observed that images and information are frequently shared without consent or verification, creating long-lasting emotional damage and violating personal privacy.

He stressed that such behaviour should be met with accountability and that society must adopt a more responsible digital ethic to prevent further harm.

Turning to the broader psychological effects of technology, Dr RK Lenin Singh expressed concern over how human connections and communication skills are being compromised in an age dominated by screens and artificial interactions.

He explained that as people become increasingly dependent on technology for social contact, emotional expression and empathy are diminishing, weakening one of the core foundations of mental well-being-human connection.

He also pointed out that overreliance on digital tools and artificial intelligence for simple cognitive tasks, such as calculations or information retrieval, is leading to a gradual decline in critical thinking and cognitive ability.

"We have started outsourcing our thinking to machines.

The more we depend on them, the less we use our brains", he cautioned, describing this as a worrying trend among the present and upcoming generations.

Discussing the social implications, observed that the constant use of gadgets and social media has reduced face-to-face interaction and outdoor activities.

Children and adolescents, he said, often prefer staying confined to their rooms, immersing themselves in the virtual world that has slowly replaced the real one.

This lack of physical and social engagement, he warned, contributes significantly to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

Dr RK Lenin Singh also reflected on the cultural erosion brought about by digital influence.

He lamented that younger generations are increasingly adopting global trends and online identities while drifting away from their own roots, traditions, and cultural values.

He further noted that social media has, in many cases, become a factor behind infidelity, separation, and divorce, inflicting deep emotional wounds on families and especially on children.

Such patterns, he said, demonstrate how technology can alter moral values and interpersonal trust within relationships.

Despite these challenges, Dr RK Lenin Singh acknowledged that technology has also brought positive transformations-especially in making mental-health services more accessible.

Online consultations and therapy sessions can now be conducted virtually, allowing people from even the remotest comers of Manipur or any part of the world to access help.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, technology played a vital role in supporting psychological well-being amid global panic, as the demand for mental-health care rose worldwide.

In response, the Government of India launched the Tele-MANAS initiative, further expanding access to professional mental-health support.

Teletherapy, digital counselling, and online awareness programmes have helped bridge geographical and social barriers, enabling many to seek help who otherwise could not.

However, he firmly stated that no machine or artificial intelligence can ever replace the empathy, compassion, and emotional understanding that human mental-health professionals provide.

"Al may assist in analysis, but it cannot feel.

The healing touch of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist lies in their humanity, which no algorithm can replicate", he said, earning heartfelt appreciation from the audience.

The seminar concluded with words of gratitude to all contributors and participants.

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