A Buddhist Inquiry into Digital Addiction

In an era where digital engagement permeates every aspect of life, digital addiction has emerged as a subtle yet universal crisis. Digital addiction is often misunderstood as a mere behavioural or technological issue. This paper argues that digital addiction is fundamentally a mental and spiritual disruption that is rooted in trishna, and avidya. Drawing from the timeless insights of Buddhist philosophy, this paper explores how ancient teachings such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts offer a meaningful framework for understanding and addressing the compulsive patterns of digital consumption. It also highlights how modern technology, while expanding and offering convenience and connectivity, silently reshapes human consciousness- leading to isolation and emotional dysregulation. By applying Buddhist concepts to the contemporary condition, this inquiry reinterprets digital addiction as a deeper form of suffering disguised as pleasure. It calls for a mindful and ethical engagement with technology, guided by introspection, discipline, and awareness- essentially walking the Dhamma path in the digital age.