Internet Addiction
TikTok settles social media addiction lawsuit ahead of court trial
TikTok agreed to settle a landmark social media addiction lawsuit just before the trial kicked off, the plaintiff's attorneys confirmed. The social video platform was one of three companies - along with Meta's Instagram and Google's YouTube - facing claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children. A fourth company named in the lawsuit, Snapchat parent company Snap Inc, settled the case last week for an undisclosed sum. Details of the settlement with TikTok were not disclosed, and the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. At the core of the case is a 19-year-old identified only by the initials "KGM," whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials - essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury and what damages, if any, may be awarded, said Clay Calvert, a nonresiden
 "TikTok settles social media addiction lawsuit ahead of court trial")
K'taka govt launches 'Beyond Screens' initiative to curb digital dependency
In a pioneering effort to promote responsible gaming and digital well-being, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday launched India's first industry-led Digital Detox Initiative Beyond Screens. According to officials, the initiative a partnership between the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology of the Karnataka government and the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), marks a significant step in addressing digital dependency and encouraging balanced technology use and aims to address the growing challenge of digital addiction through structured interventions. "Recognising the urgent need for digital wellness solutions, the Government of Karnataka and AIGF have worked together to develop a strategic roadmap with clear objectives. Powered by Kahamind Healthcare Private Limited, Beyond Screens serves as a comprehensive resource hub for individuals struggling with digital addiction. With a strong focus on education, support, and empowerment, ...
 "K'taka govt launches 'Beyond Screens' initiative to curb digital dependency")
Hooked on screens? Aiims to open India's first digital addiction centre
Excessive screen time is linked to stress, anxiety, and shorter attention spans in youth. AIIMS Delhi's upcoming Centre for Advanced Research on Addictive Behaviours aims to develop solutions for this
 "Hooked on screens? Aiims to open India's first digital addiction centre")
Gaming Disorder: PUBG-like game addiction makes 15-year-old scream in sleep
Video game addiction landed a 15-year-old boy at a disability institution for counselling and treatment. Know more about Internet Gaming Disorders (ISD), its symptoms and prevention
 "Gaming Disorder: PUBG-like game addiction makes 15-year-old scream in sleep")
How to know if your e-shopping habit is a problem and what to do if it is
Like alcohol use - or overeating, watching TV or surfing the internet - online shopping doesn't pose a problem when used as an occasional treat
 "How to know if your e-shopping habit is a problem and what to do if it is")
Internet withdrawal may raise your heart rate, BP, say researchers
Result showed increases in physiological arousal on terminating internet session for digital addicts
 "Internet withdrawal may raise your heart rate, BP, say researchers")
China moots midnight bans to combat internet addiction
The rules also call on schools to work with 'institutions' to help rehabilitate young internet addicts
 "China moots midnight bans to combat internet addiction")