Jaya Bachchan blames internet for rise in anxiety, Shweta Bachchan counters "It has always existed"

Jaya Bachchan blames internet for rise in anxiety, Shweta Bachchan counters "It has always existed"

In a resurfaced episode of What The Hell Navya, hosted by Navya Naveli Nanda, a candid family discussion took an unexpected turn when veteran actress and parliamentarian Jaya Bachchan blamed the internet for rising anxiety levels among young people. Speaking with her granddaughter Navya and daughter Shweta Bachchan, Jaya sparked debate with her bold statements on modern mental health issues.

Jaya expressed deep concern about how the digital world, particularly social media, is impacting the mental well-being of the younger generation. She argued that constant engagement with phones and the internet leads to increased pressure and a growing need for validation.

“Navya, what happens among your generation is that ‘answer to the calls quickly, reply to texts quickly’. You get your validation from what you see on the internet and your phone," Jaya said. “Are we looking nice? Are we thinking correctly? If you are saying the right thing? All this increases your stress levels.”

When Navya asked if she believed the internet was directly linked to rising stress and anxiety, Jaya responded firmly, “Definitely.” She emphasized that the concept of anxiety attacks was virtually unknown during her younger years. “We hadn’t heard of an anxiety attack when we were kids. Let alone our childhood, we never heard it in our midlife also,” she remarked.

According to Jaya, the overwhelming exposure to curated lifestyles, beauty routines, and the constant influx of information on social media is detrimental. “There’s too much information. You don’t know what to do with it. That’s what creates confusion and anxiety,” she said.

Also Read: From Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor to Veer Pahariya: Actors who chose unconventional roles early in their careers

However, her daughter Shweta Bachchan offered a contrasting viewpoint. Visibly surprised by her mother's claims, she interjected, “We never heard of it?” Shweta suggested that anxiety has always existed, but society is now more open to acknowledging and discussing it. “Anxiety was always there. It’s now more identifiable. It’s more spoken about,” she said.

Shweta went on to note that even Jaya herself has admitted to feeling anxious on occasion. “It’s just more vocal,” she added, emphasizing that mental health issues are no longer hidden or stigmatized the way they once were.

The exchange between the three generations shed light on the evolving perceptions of mental health in India. While Jaya Bachchan blames the internet and information overload for today’s mental struggles, Shweta Bachchan views the growing awareness and dialogue as a step toward better understanding and acceptance.