13/11/2025
|| National Seminar on “Technology and Mental Well-Being” Concludes at Manipur University
Imphal, November 12, 2025: The two-day National Seminar on “Technology and Mental Well-Being”, organised by the Department of Psychology, Manipur University, concluded today with an enlightening valedictory address by Dr. R.K. Lenin Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal.
The seminar, held on November 11 and 12, 2025, brought together delegates, scholars, and faculty members for in-depth discussions on the relationship between technology and mental health. The event featured inaugural and technical sessions, along with poster and oral presentations conducted in both offline and online modes.
Delivering the valedictory address, Dr. R.K. Lenin Singh elaborated on the dual impact of technology on mental health, emphasizing its advantages in enhancing communication and accessibility, while cautioning against its psychological and social drawbacks. He highlighted how excessive dependence on digital media is altering behaviour, relationships, and cognitive abilities, particularly among the youth.
Dr. Lenin identified cyberbullying as one of the most alarming challenges of the digital age, citing cases of online humiliation, blackmail, and su***de stemming from the misuse of social media. He urged mental-health professionals to take an active role in spreading awareness and supporting victims of such trauma.
He also expressed concern over the misuse of the term “viral,” noting that unverified and non-consensual sharing of images and information often leads to emotional distress and violation of privacy. “Society must cultivate a responsible digital ethic to protect emotional well-being,” he said.
Discussing the broader psychological impact of technology, Dr. Lenin remarked that human connections and empathy are eroding in an era dominated by virtual interaction. He cautioned against overreliance on artificial intelligence and digital tools, warning that “we have started outsourcing our thinking to machines,” which could lead to a decline in critical and cognitive abilities.
He further observed that excessive screen time and social media use have reduced outdoor activities and real-life interactions among children and adolescents, increasing cases of isolation, anxiety, and depression. He also spoke about the cultural and moral consequences of digital overexposure, noting that younger generations are drifting away from traditional roots while global trends reshape local identities.
Dr. Lenin also discussed how social media influences family dynamics, sometimes leading to infidelity and relationship breakdowns. Despite these concerns, he acknowledged technology’s positive contributions, especially in improving access to mental-health services through teletherapy and online counselling, which proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Referring to the Tele-MANAS initiative by the Government of India, he lauded its role in expanding mental-health support nationwide. However, he emphasized that technology cannot replace human compassion, stating, “AI may assist in analysis, but it cannot feel. The healing touch of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist lies in their humanity, which no algorithm can replicate.”
The seminar concluded with expressions of gratitude from the Department of Psychology, Manipur University, to all speakers, participants, and contributors. The event was widely appreciated as a resounding success, fostering meaningful dialogue on the intersection of technology and mental health and inspiring future research in the field.
