Buddhist Leader Warns Youth Against Digital Dependency, Urges Real-World Engagement

Buddhist spiritual leader Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche has issued a call for young people to reduce their reliance on digital devices and virtual platforms, warning that prolonged screen engagement may undermine psychological development.

Rinpoche argues that heavy dependence on screens and artificial intelligence systems creates a passive mentality among youth, limiting their capacity for independent thinking and personal growth. He contends that digital environments, while offering convenience and connectivity, cannot replicate the developmental benefits of tangible human experiences.

According to the spiritual leader, direct engagement with real-world challenges and adversity plays a crucial role in cultivating essential human qualities. Facing difficulties in physical and social contexts builds resilience—the capacity to endure and recover from hardship—while fostering genuine compassion through authentic human interaction and mutual support.

Rinpoche's message reflects broader concerns among educators and mental health professionals across Asia regarding the psychological impacts of excessive digital consumption among younger generations. His call emphasizes the importance of balancing technological access with meaningful offline activities and community involvement.