Chhattisgarh woman's death highlights risks of social media dependency

A tragic incident in Chhattisgarh has raised fresh concerns about the psychological impact of social media addiction, particularly among users of short-form video platforms. The woman, identified as Sarathi, died by suicide following a period of frustration caused by network connectivity issues on her mobile device.

According to her family members, Sarathi had developed a significant dependency on watching reels—short video content popular on platforms like Instagram and YouTube Shorts. She was engaged in viewing these videos on her phone when the internet connection began experiencing repeated disruptions, preventing the videos from loading properly.

The intermittent network problems appear to have triggered a severe emotional response in Sarathi, ultimately leading to the fatal outcome. The incident underscores growing concerns among mental health professionals and families across India about the addictive nature of social media algorithms designed to maximize user engagement.

Experts have long warned about the mental health risks associated with excessive use of short-form video content, particularly the dopamine-driven feedback loops that can develop in vulnerable individuals. The case has prompted renewed discussions about digital wellness and the need for better support systems for those struggling with social media dependency.