Authors’ reply

Sir/Madam, We sincerely thank the reader for the insightful letter and for engaging thoughtfully with our article, “Does Social Media Addiction (SMA) Disrupt Mindful Attention of Students in Health Colleges at a University in Saudi Arabia?”[1] The reflections provide a valuable expansion of the discussion on digital dependency, particularly in the context of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We appreciate the reader’s emphasis on the multidimensional nature of digital dependency and its intersection with sleep, diet, stress, caffeine use, and social support. This aligns closely with our findings that SMA is not only a consequence of screen exposure, but also a behavioral-health phenomenon with biopsychosocial determinants. We are pleased to see our findings on the inverse association between SMA and mindful attention contextualized within global trends from other LMICs, which further supports the broader relevance of this issue. The letter highlights the growing influence of short-form video platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels. Our data reflect similar concerns, fragmented attention, and reduced cognitive endurance of students, underscoring the need for structured digital-literacy and digital-wellness initiatives. The comparison of digital dependency to established public-health risks is both appropriate and timely, particularly in settings where the youth depend heavily on online engagement owing to minimal recreational alternatives. We especially appreciate the reader’s focus on solutions. There is evidence that mindfulness-based interventions can meaningfully improve attentional capacity and emotional regulation. For instance, a study on medical students in Saudi Arabia demonstrated that structured mindfulness training significantly reduced stress and anxiety while enhancing mindfulness.[2] This evidence complements our recommendation that institutions should consider integrating mindfulness programs, digital-wellness education, and culturally adapted behavioral-health initiatives into their curricula. We fully agree that intersectoral collaboration is essential for addressing digital dependency at a policy level. Developing locally validated screening tools, implementing preventive education, and promoting accessible mindfulness programs represent practical, low-cost strategies suitable for LMICs. We would like to thank the reader for the recognition given to the contribution of our study. We hope that the discussion stimulated by this exchange would encourage further research and support the development of effective, context-appropriate interventions to protect attention, well-being, and academic performance in the digital age. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.