Since the last three years, veteran psychiatrist Dr Sudhir Bhave has been working as national chairman of the speciality section on cyber psychology and mental health established by the Indian psychiatric society (IPS). Recently, the IPS released a first of its kind publication on cyber psychology. It has chapters by eminent mental health professionals of the world. Dr Bhave is the editor of this publication while Dr Sushil Gawande is the co-editor. In an interview to TOI, Dr Bhave says the pandemic is the best time to learn about cyber psychology and how to deal with uncertainty and more importantly, the overuse of screen space.
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Q. What is cyber psychology?
A. It’s a psychological phenomena associated with emerging technology. Cyber psychology is a study of how the human mind and behaviour changes after introduction, impact and effect of technology. It specifically deals with virtual reality and social media. Indians account for a large chunk of Internet-users in the world. We all are cyberspace users and we get affected by it. As the pandemic has increased our online presence, now is the best time to learn about cyber psychology.
Q. Why is this publication being considered as a milestone?
A. Indians have been facing psychological issues related to technology since years. There was no documentation of these issues. Finally, we have come out with a comprehensive publication with eminent authors as contributors. The book is going to be of valuable help to reduce the misuse of cyberspace. This is one among the very few comprehensive and authoritative texts in the field of cyber psychiatry. It has various facets of psychological problems associated with the use of the Internet. It’s not only for doctors but also for teachers, parents and every person using cyberspace. Being a source of knowledge, it will soon be available in digital format for all on the IPS website.
Q. What are the most common psychological issues faced by Indians?
A. Internet has been affecting human behaviour and social relationships and most of us are facing some or the other issue. Right from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids to cyberbullying, cyberstalking, addiction to surfing, social media, stock trading, online shopping, porn, gaming and gambling — every age group is facing cyberspace-related psychological issues.
Q. Can one avoid or control these problems?
A. Of course, but we have to learn it. Self-control, self-discipline and self-regulation are the keys to reduce your screen time. Gaining control over your screen time is a major step towards resolving these issues.
Q. Screen time of all age groups has increased significantly during pandemic.
A. It has. We are staying indoors and there are restrictions on our movements and gatherings. We have adopted an online working style. Schools and colleges have become online. Work from Home keeps us glued to our screens. Uncertainty and fear of losing jobs and business makes many of us impatient. After almost a year of restrictions, some have got irritated, some have become addicted to screens.
Q. How can children and WFH professionals control screen time?
A. It’s not easy. Parents must monitor their wards. Professionals must understand that nowadays, most of us have a concentration span of 20-25 minutes. Take 5-minute breaks, move around, read, listen to music and then get back to work. This process will refresh you.
Q. What kind of psychological problems are people facing because of the pandemic?
A. The biggest is screen addiction. Even elderly people have become addicted to screens to avoid boredom. The pandemic has created many naysayers around us. An overdose of news on various platforms is adding to the negativity. Unfortunately, our media mostly highlights only the negative side just to make it sensational. The pandemic has changed the way of life of many. People are facing problems in their marital life and other relationships. Many issues remained unresolved during the pandemic as people couldn’t get psychiatric treatment. Many lost their jobs and are depressed.
Q. Your advice for those who lost jobs or suffered losses in business?
A. No doubt losing a job or business is a great loss. But look at your entire lifespan which is 70-80 years and consider this year or two as a passing phase. A ten-year-formula works on most of the problems. Ask yourself whether this problem will be there after 10 years and you will get the answer that most of the problems won’t be there in the future.
Q. How should students approach their forthcoming exams?
A. In the current scenario, it’s difficult to prepare for any exam. There’s a smart phone in your hand as a study material and this device has all the possibilities to distract you from your studies. Self-discipline plays a very important role. Get over the things that distract you. Reward yourself for avoiding excess use of the screen. You can also use apps to monitor your screen time. Ultimately, a good performance in exams is more important than any other virtual achievement.