In today’s hyper-connected world, social media is no longer just a pastime—it’s a powerful force shaping careers, relationships, and daily routines. The latest episode of DD Morning Show on Doordarshan National dives deep into this reality through its popular segment “Sapno Ki Dhadkan” (Heartbeat of Dreams). Titled “Social Media & Screen Time”, this thought-provoking discussion features young Indians sharing honest, unfiltered opinions on how platforms like Instagram and reels are transforming their lives—for better and for worse.
Hosted as part of DD National’s flagship morning program, the segment—produced by Anjay Mishra—brings together everyday youth voices to reflect on a very modern paradox: social media offers endless opportunities and recognition, yet it quietly steals hours from our days through rising screen time.
The Host Chat: When Reels Become an Addiction
The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted yet revealing exchange between the hosts. Ratika ji is complimented on her reels by co-host Shehnaaz, who asks:
“So is it like you also go to your account again and again and try to see how many likes you have got, how many views you have got?”
Ratika ji laughs and admits:
“Yes, I mean obviously, whenever I upload a reel, I definitely check after some time to see how many likes it has increased, how many views it has received…”
Shehnaaz then hits the nail on the head:
“Don’t you feel that by going to your social account again and again, your screen time has increased a lot?”
The response is refreshingly candid:
“Yes, you have said it right Shehnaaz… because once you go to watch any reel, then you don’t even realize where the hours go.”
The hosts sum it up perfectly: social media is giving us recognition, but it is also dramatically increasing our screen time. This sets the stage for the real stars of the segment—the young participants.
What Today’s Youth Really Think
The segment moves beyond the studio to capture raw opinions from young Indians. One participant sums up the new normal:
“Phone as soon as I wake up in the morning and phone before I go to sleep at night.”
Social media, they note, has evolved from pure entertainment into a major medium for information, learning, and conveying one’s message to the world.
Manish shares how he primarily uses Instagram:
“I use Instagram the most among all the social media apps… I have seen that people have both advantages and disadvantages in it but I use it for the advantage. Mainly I mostly see all the things related to health care on that social media and some things related to our politics.”
For Manish, the platform is a practical tool for self-improvement and staying informed rather than mindless scrolling.
Akshay Sharma, an actor trainer and well-being coach, explains his professional approach:
“I generally use social media mostly to highlight my page. All the things that we train.”
He treats social media as a career amplifier—building visibility for his training sessions and coaching work.
These voices highlight the segment’s core message: young people are actively navigating the digital landscape, using it to learn, grow, connect, and build careers while remaining aware of its addictive pull.
The Double-Edged Sword of Digital Life
The Sapno Ki Dhadkan discussion beautifully captures the duality of social media in 2026 India:
The Bright Side
- Builds connections and explores new opportunities
- Provides instant access to health, wellness, politics, and learning content
- Offers recognition and a platform for self-expression
- Helps professionals like Akshay Sharma promote their work and reach wider audiences
The Growing Concern
- Screen time skyrockets without us noticing
- Reels and notifications create an endless loop of checking likes and views
- Morning-to-night phone dependency is becoming the default lifestyle
- The “where did the hours go?” phenomenon affects productivity and real-life interactions
As the description of the episode notes, social media is “shaping lifestyles, careers, and daily routines” in profound ways.
Why This Conversation Matters Now
Aired on DD National—India’s public broadcaster—the segment reaches millions and sparks an important national dialogue. In an era where average daily screen time for young Indians continues to climb, “Sapno Ki Dhadkan” reminds us that awareness is the first step toward balance.
The youth featured aren’t rejecting social media; they’re learning to harness its power while guarding against its pitfalls. Their message is clear: use it wisely, stay mindful of screen time, and let your dreams (sapno ki dhadkan) beat stronger than your phone’s notifications.
Watch the full segment here: DD Morning Show | सपनों की धड़कन | Social Media & Screen Time
What are your thoughts? Has social media boosted your dreams or stolen your time? Share in the comments—we’d love to continue the Sapno Ki Dhadkan conversation!
