New Delhi | Amid growing debate over smartphone usage in the armed forces, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has said that while smartphones have become a necessity in today’s digital age, soldiers must learn the crucial difference between reacting impulsively and responding thoughtfully on social media.
Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi, General Dwivedi acknowledged that the new generation entering the military is “digital by nature” and smartphones are now an integral part of daily life. However, he emphasised that discipline in their use is essential.
“Phone Ban Not Practical; Discipline More Important”
General Dwivedi said it is neither practical nor necessary to impose a complete ban on smartphones in the Army. Instead, soldiers must follow strict guidelines on usage.
“When a young cadet joins the NDA, it takes three to six months to explain that life is possible without a phone,” he said. “But smartphones are a necessity today. Whenever I meet soldiers, I tell them I don’t oppose phone usage. A jawan posted in the field wants to see his child’s smile—how else will he see it except on the phone?”
He stressed that phones help personnel stay connected with families, manage personal responsibilities, and maintain emotional balance during long deployments. A complete ban, he said, could adversely affect morale.
React vs Respond: The Crucial Difference
Highlighting the risks of careless online behaviour, General Dwivedi urged soldiers to understand the difference between an impulsive reaction and a measured response.
“Reacting is immediate, often emotional and without full context,” he said. “Responding requires thought, analysis and maturity.”
He said troops must be especially cautious on platforms like X (Twitter), stressing that while monitoring information online is acceptable, posting instant public replies should be avoided.
Digital Generation in Uniform
General Dwivedi noted that the armed forces must adapt to the realities of the digital era. The goal, he said, is not to restrict technology but to use it responsibly.
“Today’s youngsters are digital. Smartphones are part of life. What we need is training—training to think before reacting, training to maintain discipline online, and training to differentiate personal emotion from professional responsibility,” he added.
General Dwivedi’s remarks come at a time when the armed forces are increasingly integrating technology in operations, communication, and battlefield awareness, while simultaneously dealing with challenges posed by social media behaviour, data breaches, and online misinformation.
