On February 15th, 2024, Willdoo Education, in collaboration with Yi Puducherry, conducted a highly impactful session titled “From Addiction to Awareness – Preparing Yourself for the Digital World” at Annamalai Reddiyar Government Higher Secondary School, Koodappakkam, Puducherry. This session addressed one of the most pressing issues faced by today’s youth—digital addiction, particularly on social media platforms. The event was a huge success, thanks to the active participation of both students and teachers.
Tackling Digital Addiction
Digital addiction has become a growing concern, especially among students. With the average individual spending 2.5 hours a day on social media, it’s not surprising that the younger generation is increasingly vulnerable to its negative effects. In this session, we explored the various dimensions of digital addiction, from binge scrolling to the “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO), and discussed how these behaviors affect mental health and productivity.
Willdoo Education’s COO Mr. Sankaranand shared insights on the psychological mechanisms behind social media addiction—dopamine hits, peer validation, and social comparisons. Using relatable examples and interactive discussions, students were encouraged to reflect on their digital habits and how these may be influencing their emotional well-being. The session emphasized the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness when navigating the digital world, urging students to critically evaluate their use of technology.
Engaging the Audience
The engagement from the students and teachers was inspiring. The lively participation in the Q&A session reflected the eagerness of students to understand how they could regain control over their digital habits. Teachers expressed gratitude for the timely session, acknowledging the need for such initiatives to help their students develop healthy digital consumption patterns.
The discussion was enriched by real-life examples and strategies to manage digital habits, such as setting screen-time limits, transitioning from phone to desktop usage, and involving oneself in passion-driven projects as alternatives to excessive screen time.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Annamalai Reddiyar Government Higher Secondary School for hosting this meaningful event and to Yi Puducherry for their invaluable collaboration. Together, we are working to promote digital well-being and equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the digital era.
As technology continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of how to engage with it responsibly. The success of this session demonstrates the growing recognition of the need for digital literacy and awareness in schools. At Willdoo Education, we are committed to continuing these conversations and providing educational experiences that empower students to make informed, balanced decisions in their digital lives.
Stay tuned for more such awareness programs as we continue our mission to foster a healthier digital future for the youth!
