Dr. Alok Kanojia, widely known as Dr. K, has become a leading voice in the fight against gaming and technology addiction. His personal battle with video game dependence during his college years led him on a transformative journey to India, where he discovered meditation and mindfulness. This experience not only helped him reclaim his life but also inspired him to pursue psychiatry and neuroscience. Today, Dr. K combines Eastern spiritual practices with Western science to help individuals struggling with tech overuse. Through platforms like Twitch and his organization Healthy Gamer, he reaches millions each month, offering peer coaching, educational content, and practical tools for families. His approach emphasizes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and intentional tech use rather than strict restrictions.
A Personal Awakening: The Roots of a Lifelong Mission
In the early 2000s, during his undergraduate studies in the United States, Dr. K found himself overwhelmed by gaming addiction. Despite having supportive parents who were both physicians, traditional medical knowledge fell short in addressing his struggle. After nearly dropping out of college, he was sent to India by his father—a turning point that would change his life. In Bangalore, he entered an ashram with no plan and no phone, filled with shame and uncertainty. Though initially resistant, he gradually embraced meditation under the guidance of a fellow student. Over time, this immersive experience taught him how to regulate his emotions, understand his mind, and rebuild his sense of identity. Upon returning to the U.S., he completed his education and eventually earned a position at Harvard Medical School.
Building Bridges Between East and West
By 2015, Dr. K noticed a gap in understanding around gaming addiction within mainstream psychiatry. Many professionals lacked firsthand experience with digital culture, prompting him to take action. He began speaking directly to gamers, especially young men living at home and struggling to find purpose. As word spread, parents started reaching out, seeking guidance on how to connect with their children. To meet this growing need, he launched streaming sessions on Twitch, breaking down complex brain science into digestible insights. His efforts quickly gained traction, making his channel one of the fastest-growing on the platform at the time.
Shifting the Narrative Around Tech Use
Dr. K’s perspective challenges conventional approaches to addiction. Instead of focusing solely on screen time limits, he encourages families to cultivate curiosity and empathy. He believes true recovery begins when individuals rediscover their identity beyond digital interactions. By promoting restraint over restriction, he empowers users to build internal discipline and healthier relationships with technology. His work underscores the importance of emotional intelligence, mental resilience, and mindful engagement in the digital age. For parents, educators, and young people alike, Dr. K offers not just solutions, but hope—proving that healing is possible when we learn to listen to ourselves first.