During the 'Sneh Bandhan' event in Lucknow, UP CM Yogi Adityanath urged students to reduce screen time and embrace books to protect their cognitive abilities and eyesight.

  • Excessive smartphone dependence can weaken critical thinking skills.
  • Students are encouraged to shift focus from social media to inspiring books.
  • Technology should be used as a tool for education, not a source of addiction.
  • High screen time is linked to declining eyesight and mental dullness.

In a significant address to the youth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has cautioned schoolchildren against the rising tide of smartphone addiction. Speaking at the 'Sneh Bandhan' programme held at his official residence in Lucknow, the Chief Minister emphasized that while technology is an integral part of modern life, over-reliance on it poses a serious threat to the intellectual development of the younger generation.

Responding to queries regarding the impact of social media, Adityanath noted that the digital landscape is a double-edged sword, containing both educational gems and harmful distractions. He urged students to curate their digital consumption to focus strictly on academic and self-improvement content, rather than mindless scrolling.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift from deep reading to rapid-fire digital consumption is fundamentally altering how the human brain processes information. As students trade books for short-form videos, the ability to maintain sustained attention is diminishing—a trend the Chief Minister highlighted by comparing smartphone use to the declining mental math skills caused by calculators.

When dependence on technology begins to erode our ability to think independently, it is time to step back.

The Chief Minister specifically pointed out the physiological risks, noting that excessive screen time can lead to significant eyesight deterioration. He advised those spending four to six hours daily on devices to implement a gradual reduction in their usage to safeguard their health and mental sharpness.

Historical Background

Historically, education has been centered around the mastery of language and deep concentration through literature. The advent of the digital age has introduced 'distributed attention,' where the brain is constantly interrupted by notifications, a phenomenon that educators worldwide are now struggling to combat in classrooms.

Did You Know?: Reading physical books has been shown to improve empathy and reduce stress levels more effectively than reading on a digital screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main risk of smartphone use mentioned by the CM?
The main risks include weakened thinking abilities, reduced memory retention, and damage to eyesight.

2. How should students use technology according to Yogi Adityanath?
Students should use technology as a tool for accessing online education and high-quality informative content.