On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, a video went viral showing Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stumbling on the stairs of the Parliament House. The incident, which could have resulted in serious injury, has sparked discussions about the dangers of multitasking, particularly while using mobile phones in motion.

Tharoor was descending the stairs when he lost his balance. Fortunately, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, who was nearby, quickly rushed to assist him, ensuring he did not sustain any visible injuries. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing a variety of reactions.

The incident has reignited the debate about the cognitive demands of using mobile phones while performing other tasks, such as walking. Neurologists have long warned about the potential risks, explaining that the brain's capacity to effectively handle multiple streams of information simultaneously is limited. "The brain is not truly capable of multitasking," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading neurologist at the Global Brain Institute. "When we try to do two things at once, especially if they both require focus, our attention is rapidly switching back and forth. This can lead to errors, decreased performance, and an increased risk of accidents."

Dr. Sharma notes that activities like walking require a certain degree of attention to maintain balance and navigate the environment. When a person is engrossed in a phone conversation or texting, their attention is diverted, making them less aware of their surroundings and more prone to trips, slips, and collisions.

The question of whether individuals should be fined for using mobile phones while walking, similar to laws in place for distracted driving, has also surfaced in the wake of Tharoor's stumble. Several cities around the world have already implemented such regulations, citing pedestrian safety concerns. Honolulu, for example, has a ban on texting while crossing the street.

"The idea behind these laws is not to punish people, but to raise awareness and encourage safer behavior," says David Miller, a traffic safety expert. "We've seen the effectiveness of distracted driving campaigns in reducing accidents, and a similar approach could be beneficial for pedestrian safety."

However, such proposals have also faced criticism. Some argue that it is an overreach of government authority and that individuals should be responsible for their own safety. Others raise concerns about enforcement and potential for discriminatory targeting. "It's a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides," Miller acknowledges. "Any potential legislation would need to be carefully considered to ensure it is fair, effective, and does not infringe on individual liberties."

While Tharoor's incident appears to have been minor, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of distracted walking and the ongoing discussion about how to promote pedestrian safety in an increasingly mobile-centric world.