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Major new study reveals that half of all people fear the internet and smartphones are damaging wellbeing

Global research from KSA-based cultural institute paves the way for Sync – a public campaign and annual summit on digital wellbeing
– Comprehensive study in partnership with ASDA’A demonstrates tangible wellbeing concerns
– 42% of people believe the internet and social media are reducing time spent with loved ones
– 50% of Gen Z respondents complain of tiredness, poor sleep, and headaches due to tech use
– 41% of people admit to getting withdrawal symptoms without access to their devices
DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As the world adjusts to a post-pandemic reality dominated by technology, public concerns about the dangers of over-consumption are gathering pace. According to a major new survey[1] from Saudi-based cultural institute, Ithra, almost half (44%) of all people are worried about the impact of internet and smartphone use on their health. At an event to launch their digital wellbeing program – Sync, Ithra announced plans for an annual global summit, to take place in December.
Abdullah Al-Rashid, Director of Ithra’s Digital wellbeing program says: “As an organisation dedicated to individual enrichment, we at Ithra want to understand the cultural impacts of mankind’s growing reliance on the internet and social media. Unfortunately, our research shows that half of all people believe over-reliance on these platforms is damaging their wellbeing. This is why we are launching Sync – a new initiative designed to raise awareness about digital wellbeing, support novel research in partnership with global entities, and unite thought leaders globally to find new ways to protect the public.”
A powerful force for good
According to Ithra’s survey, the overwhelming majority (88%) of respondents worldwide agree that technology can be a great force for progress, with the key benefits including access to news, connectivity and freedom. Many of these benefits were brought to the fore by the COVID-19 outbreak, with 64% crediting technology with having helped combat the pandemic. The outcome, however, is that almost everyone (91%) is spending more time online as a result.
Tempered by mounting concerns
Despite this underlying positivity, Ithra’s findings highlight significant concerns about the damaging effects of unchecked access:
In terms of relationships, 42% of respondents believe technology reduces time spent with loved ones, and over a third (37%) blame it for blurring the lines between work and social lives. Parenting is also affected, with 44% of people with children admitting to letting them use a computer or smartphone unsupervised. These figures are even higher in North America (60%) and Europe and Central Asia (58%). Turning to technology’s impact on health, half (44%) of all people say they are concerned. Respondents in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia appear most worried, with 74% and 56% respectively fearing the negative consequences of the internet on wellbeing, compared to only 27% in Europe and Central Asia. Consistently with the group’s increased device usage, younger people are experiencing more physical symptoms than their elders: 50% of Gen Z respondents complain of tiredness, poor sleep and headaches as a result of digital consumption. Almost half (48%) of respondents are spending more time online than they would like to, with 41% admitting to getting withdrawal symptoms without access to their devices. Sleep deprivation is also a significant issue, with 51% of respondents skipping sleep every week, and one in four (24%) daily, to use technology. A commitment to prioritizing digital wellbeing
Conscious of the long-term potential impact of these trends, Ithra is championing a signature program – Sync – to support and promote efforts to prioritize public digital wellbeing. This includes a symposium in December 2021, bringing together global thought leaders, institutions, influencers, and the public to raise awareness of digital wellbeing concerns, and develop new ideas to protect the users of digital media worldwide. To find out more, visit https://sync.ithra.com/ 
About Ithra
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential cultural destinations, a destination for the curious, creatives, and seekers of knowledge. Through a compelling series of programs, performances, exhibitions, events and initiatives, Ithra creates world-class experiences across its interactive public spaces. These bring together culture, innovation and knowledge in a way that is designed to appeal to everyone. By connecting creatives, challenging perspectives and transforming ideas, Ithra is proud to be inspiring cultural leaders of the future. Ithra is Saudi Aramco’s flagship CSR initiative and the Kingdom’s largest cultural centre, comprising an Idea Lab, Library, Cinema, Theater, Museum, Energy Exhibit, Great Hall, Children’s Museum and Ithra Tower.
For further information, please visit: www.ithra.com.
Follow Ithra on social media: Facebook (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), Twitter (@Ithra) and Instagram (@Ithra) #Ithra
[1] Survey of 15,000 people in 30 countries, conducted online in June and July 2021 by PSB Middle-East.

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Vikram Vedha to open its advance bookings in 1250 multiplexes from 24th September

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the audience’s wait, the makers are all set to start the advance bookings of the film today.

Moreover, Vikram Vedha will have the largest international distribution for a Hindi film, with a record-
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appeal, and many countries have already begun advance bookings.

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Manoj Bajpayee will take 1 week off from his schedule to attend all the rituals on his fathers 1st death Anniversary day.

Three times National Film Awards and the Padma Shri winning actor Manoj Bajpayee who has completed three decades in the showbiz business and Juggling with multiple projects between different genres, characters and mediums. Manoj Bajpayee is a powerhouse actor when it comes to Indian cinema. Even if you haven’t seen many of his movies, you will have heard of talented actor Manoj Bajpayee’s name because of his brilliant performances in his films. The finest actor has become synonymous with content-driven subjects who also have been consistently working in multiple film industries.

The finest actor of Hindi cinema Manoj Bajpayee who has several movies lined up this year, will be taking 1 week off from his current project, which is directed by Apurva(Aspirant fame & produced by Vinod Bhanushali in mid september and will be leaving for his home town with his wife and daughter to attend all the puja rituals on his father’s 1st death anniversary day. Manoj Bajpayee’s father RK Bajpayee passed away at 83, last year in Delhi.

The actor believes that a family is a very important & priority in his life, in spite of his erratic schedules or no matter where he is, it is his first priority to always be with his family with all his support & spend time with them in any situations.After finishing all the rituals puja and family work,Manoj will immediately resume his shoot to finish his project on time without taking any time for himself.

Manoj Bajpayee has recently finished his 3 upcoming projects, one with Ram Reddy’s untitled film, which also has talented actor Deepika Dobriyal in the film. After that he finished RSVP’s Despatch, (A investigative thriller set in the world of crime journalism.) directed by Kanu Behl. Abhishek Chaubeys’s film which also has star cast like Konkana Sen, Sayaji Shinde,Naseer sir and some well known talented actors from south. Fox Stars Studios,Chalkboard Entertainment, Autonomous Works film, Gulmohar directed by Rahul Chittella ( who was assistant of Meena Nair) working with Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, and Amol Palekar along with Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi) and Simran Rishi Bagga in pivotal roles.

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Here comes the title of Jackky Bhagnani’s Jjust Music upcoming RVD’s soulful creation ‘Raaz’

Jackky Bhagnani’s Jjust Music has been coming up with some really amazing songs one after the other and now they are here with the title of their upcoming heart-touching melody by RVD, a soulful creation ‘Raaz’. It’s a melodious song by an Indie rap artist, RVD that evokes his potential lover to become his secret as that way she’ll go down to the grave with him and stay with him forever. 

The song captures a glimpse of feelings that brings a boy close to the emotions of his lover encapsulating his zest for involving her in his life a secret that will stay with him for life. Jotting down his deepest emotions learn from his life, RVD beautifully communicates through his art in music a feeling of true happiness that can only be appreciated and enjoyed in privacy as the unconditional bond they share is completely sacred which the world won’t understand as they’re not in our shoes. 

Moreover, the artist in a true sense, RVD is an artist who’s been given all the love by the world but battles and deals with his own loneliness by making music, he talks about how he has learned ‘you can’t be lonely if you’re comfortable being alone’ in the process, and through only music, he can express these thoughts. He is an artist who makes modernized music with a blend of cultural touches in Urdu and Punjabi languages, which makes him stand out from the general crowd.

RVD, is an Indie rap artist from Kolkata, West Bengal who’s been making much sound on the east side. Performed alongside pan India artists like Mohit Chauhan, Dino James, Zareen, Kayan, Gully Gang, etc. With tracks like ‘Riha’ and ‘Iteyhaas’ which have done extremely well, RVD has even caught a lot of attention and traction in the general crowd and the gaming world on a pan-India basis.

Meanwhile, Jjust Music made it to the headlines for it’s first PAN India music video Mashooka starring bold and quirky Rakul Preet. The song turned out to be a huge success and was received well by the audience.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ci2B4nfA-K6/?igshid=ODBkMDk1MTU=

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