India, June 7 -- In an age where social media, messaging apps, and video calls make it possible to stay connected 24/7, it may seem surprising that so many young people report feeling isolated and emotionally distant. More than one in three young adults aged 18 to 25 reported problematic levels of loneliness, according to a new report from Swinburne University and VicHealth. (Also read: Meme-fueled romance: How funny bios, sarcasm and ironic confessions have taken over modern dating scene in 2025)

"Smartphones are part of daily life for most young adults, but their early and constant use is quietly changing how we grow, relate, and feel. At the centre of it is the brain's reward system, especially dopamine, which fuels motivation and ple...