Jaya Bachchan recently sparked a debate about the impact of the internet on the younger generation's mental health during an episode of her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda's podcast, "What The Hell Navya Season 2". The veteran actress asserted that the internet is to blame for the rise in anxiety attacks among young people, a phenomenon she claims was virtually unheard of during her childhood and midlife.
Bachchan voiced her concerns about Gen Z's constant need for validation through online platforms. She pointed out how younger individuals are perpetually glued to their phones, rapidly responding to calls and messages, seeking approval from the digital world. This incessant quest for validation regarding appearance and opinions, according to Bachchan, significantly contributes to heightened stress levels. "You get your validation from what you see on the internet and your phone," she stated, questioning, "Are we looking nice? Are we thinking correctly? If you are saying the right thing?". She believes that this constant pressure and the overwhelming influx of information, ranging from unrealistic beauty standards to ever-changing lifestyle trends, are taking a toll on young minds, leading to anxiety.
In contrast to her mother's views, Shweta Bachchan Nanda offered a different perspective during the podcast discussion. While acknowledging the immense pressure and information overload that young people face today, Shweta suggested that anxiety has always existed but has become more visible due to increased awareness and open conversations surrounding mental health issues. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing these concerns, even admitting that she and her mother experience anxiety from time to time.
Shweta's apparent surprise at her mother's strong stance on the internet's impact was evident when she exclaimed, "We never heard of it". This highlights a potential generational difference in understanding and experiencing anxiety. While Jaya Bachchan attributes anxiety to the relatively recent proliferation of the internet and social media, Shweta suggests that it's more about increased awareness and willingness to discuss it openly.
The podcast conversation also touched upon other aspects of modern life and technology. Jaya Bachchan expressed her dissatisfaction with online shopping, while also sharing her views on Artificial Intelligence. She mused that AI might initially be embraced but ultimately rejected as people yearn for a return to simpler times.
The exchange between Jaya, Shweta, and Navya offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between the internet, validation, and mental well-being. It underscores the potential dangers of unchecked social media use and the importance of fostering a culture of mindfulness and moderation in the digital age. It also highlights the generational divide in perspectives on mental health, with older generations perhaps less aware of the prevalence and impact of anxiety in today's society.
