Are you addicted to social media? Let me rephrase that—have you ever paused to realise that the harmless habit which began as a casual “just like that” indulgence has now spiralled into a full-blown addiction? One that silently grips your day-to-day life, from the moment you wake up to the moment you sleep?

What? That question sounded a bit too long and dramatic? Perhaps. But it reflects the reality many of us are unwilling to confront.

According to recent reports, over 70% of the global population uses smartphones, and nearly 64.7% are active social media users. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent a behavioural shift, a change in how we consume, connect, and exist in the modern world.

I am not quoting these figures to brush up your general knowledge, but to offer a context—an entry point into the thought-provoking short film The Scroll That Stole Time by Kaushik Sharma, which is currently streaming on YouTube.

The film stars Phillips Neog in a captivating performance, portraying an unnamed protagonist who is completely consumed by what Kaushik refers to as the “tiny world”—the vast, limitless realm of social media that fits right into the palm of our hands.

From the very start, we see this character waking up to the glow of his screen and ending the day the same way. He scrolls mindlessly through feeds, reels, and posts, missing the vibrancy of the world around him—books collecting dust on a shelf, the soothing rhythm of nature outside his window, the warmth of friendship, and other real, tangible experiences that offer mindful distractions and deeper fulfilment.

The Scroll That Stole Time, as the title suggests is about that small little scroll we do on our phones for 5 minutes, but end up wasting 1 hour.

The Scroll That Stole Time is more than just a commentary on our digital habits—it is a quiet, almost poetic exploration of what we are slowly losing in this endless pursuit of virtual validation.

What makes the film stand out is its storytelling technique. It is a largely silent film, with no dialogues spoken by the protagonist. Instead, a voiceover guides us through his journey, his addiction, and perhaps, his redemption. This bold choice to rely almost entirely on visuals and narration creates a reflective atmosphere—urging the viewer to introspect rather than passively consume.

Kaushik Sharma has done a remarkable job in conveying a universal message with simplicity and nuance. His clever use of metaphors and symbolic frames adds depth to the narrative without making it feel preachy or heavy-handed.

Addressing such a vast and relevant topic within the limited span of under ten minutes is no easy feat. Yet, Kaushik manages to capture the essence of a growing modern-day crisis with conviction and creative flair.

Interestingly, the film shares thematic similarities with the recent Zee5 release Logout, starring Babil Khan. Both delve into the consequences of digital overdependence, but while Logout opts for a more dramatic route, The Scroll That Stole Time chooses subtlety, introspection, and a deeply personal lens.

In many ways, The Scroll That Stole Time is a mirror—one that reflects not just the habits we have developed but the connections we may have lost along the way.

It is a must-watch for anyone who feels tethered to their screen, constantly scrolling yet feeling increasingly empty.

As we move through an era where likes, shares, and notifications often outweigh real human interaction, The Scroll That Stole Time is a timely reminder that sometimes, the most powerful stories are told not through noise—but through silence.

So, the question remains—can we escape the algorithm once we are caught in it? Perhaps watching The Scroll That Stole Time might help you find your own answer.

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