By Soumya Aggarwal, COO, Rishihood University, Lady Sri Ram College for Women, HEC Paris.
It's 11 p.m., and social media timelines are buzzing with stories of parties, late-night work grinds, and celebratory clinks of glasses. But what exactly are we celebrating?
As I look around, a growing trend is apparent among families, friends, and young professionals: glorifying late nights. Sleeping late is normal; breakfasts often happen at noon, and mornings are sluggish. Hookah has become a common feature at social gatherings, and alcohol is increasingly normalized, even in front of children. In many families, parents are out celebrating late nights while children remain immersed in digital screens, exposed to content that might not always be age-appropriate. Is this lifestyle truly serving us or our families?
The common phrase 'aaj kal ke bache' (today's kids) often places blame on the younger generation, but perhaps the shift lies more with 'aaj kal ke parents.' Family dynamics have transformed significantly-not only due to the ubiquitous presence of screens and endless content streams but because of changing daily routines, evolving priorities, and new definitions of celebration.
This cultural shift is reflected in the numbers. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 35% of Indian adults now sleep less than the recommended seven hours a night-a habit linked to heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. In addition to this, in 2022, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for nearly 10% of road deaths in India. The World Health Organization highlights that alcohol consumption has increased by over 40% in the last decade in the country, driven by social acceptance of drinking as part of a modern lifestyle. Not only this, the average Indian spends 7 hours and 19 minutes daily on digital devices, one of the highest figures globally.
Late nights, indulgence, and social media validation have become symbols of achievement, replacing what were once occasional indulgences. In this relentless chase for modern success, we've gradually let go of rituals and routines that brought stability and meaning to our lives. A Nielsen study revealed that Indian families spend 25% less time together than they did two decades ago, primarily due to the rise of individual screen usage and changing routines.
In the past, families adhered to a structured rhythm of life. Days began early, with household chores, morning prayers, and personal hygiene setting the tone. Work and school schedules were predictable, and evenings brought families together for chai, shared meals, and meaningful conversations. Celebrations were intimate and family-centric, often revolving around festivals or milestones, fostering connection over extravagance. Success was measured not by indulgence or material displays but by living a disciplined, balanced life rooted in health, harmony, and shared joy.
Then what has changed? Two psychological theories help explain this cultural shift. The Self-Determination Theory says humans have basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Without meaningful offline connections, people turn to social media to fulfill these needs superficially through likes, shares, and comments. This dependency on external validation leaves little room for authentic family interactions and disciplined living. Another is Erving Goffman's Theory of Impression Management, which explains that People curate their personas to align with socially desirable traits. In modern society, productivity, indulgence, and glamour are celebrated, making late nights and visible indulgence aspirational symbols. Social media amplifies this by creating a feedback loop where validation incentivizes further engagement.
The glorification of indulgent lifestyles has come at a cost. Families are losing their predictability and cohesion. The time once reserved for shared meals, early bedtimes, and grounding rituals has been replaced by late-night scrolling, binge-watching, and individual pursuits.
This culture isn't just unhealthy-it's unsustainable. Chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and superficial social connections are leading to a generation that struggles with mental health and lacks a sense of community.
Reintroducing rituals such as waking up early, practicing gratitude, and engaging in mindful eating can serve as powerful antidotes to today's chaotic lifestyles. Starting the day with even 10 minutes of silence or meditation can ground us emotionally, while a shared breakfast without digital distractions fosters deeper family connections. Establishing consistent bedtimes and setting aside 'screen-free' hours each evening can help rebuild the predictability that families have lost. These small but intentional steps not only restore balance and discipline but also serve as living examples for the next generation to emulate.
At Rishihood University, where I work, the campus opens at 5 a.m. to encourage students to use early mornings for study, sports, or reflection. It's a small but meaningful step toward promoting healthier routines.
It's time to pause and reevaluate our habits. Let's redefine what it means to live a fulfilling life-not in the haze of late nights but in the clarity of dawn. By embracing simplicity, discipline, and genuine connections, we can create a life that is not only sustainable but also deeply rewarding.
Change begins with each of us. By revisiting the values that once defined a fulfilling life, we can set an example for our children and create a healthier, more connected future for all.
Let us begin today. For ourselves. For our families. For the next generation.
