VIRTUAL TRAPS: UNDERSTANDING TEEN GAMING ADDICTION IN INDIA

Research suggests, between 1.3 percent and 19.9 percent of teenagers are suffering from gaming addiction in India. As we all are aware, the rise in smartphones, easy access to internet facilities, and lots of gaming options have become significant, leading to severe online gaming addictions. Excessive gaming can have severe effects on the physical and mental well-being of an individual.

Gaming addiction begins when teenagers become too occupied with video games, which affects their day-to-day activities such as doing schoolwork, going out to play with friends, etc. They start playing video games for hours and fantasize about it even when they are not playing, which leads to a lack of eating, sleeping, and maintaining personal hygiene.

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Causes of Gaming Addiction

  • Social Factors: Gaming can help in forming connections with people around the world, creating a community, and can provide instant gratification, which can influence them to play.
  • Seeking Escape: Playing video games can help teenagers escape from the real world and the difficulties they might face daily. It supports them in avoiding unwanted thoughts and seeking comfort in gaming.
  • Peer Pressure: When most of your friends are involved in playing video games and they force you to engage in it as well, it can be a factor in gaming addiction.
  • Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness among parents and children regarding gaming addiction and how negatively it can impact them is also one of the causes of excessive gaming.

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Effects of Gaming Addiction

  • Mental Health Concerns: Unable to focus on academics, lack of concentration on other activities, irritability, showing signs of aggression related to video games, and isolating themselves socially.
  • Physical Health Issues: Fatigue, migraine, eye strain, poor posture, disturbance in sleep patterns, and sitting for hours, which leads to obesity.
  • Financial Restraint: Online gaming lures participants into spending money on rewards and app purchases, leading to debts.

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Preventive Measures to Tackle Gaming Addiction

  • Spreading Awareness: Educational programs must be put in place to make children, parents, and educators aware of the negative effects of gaming and how the games can be played mindfully.
  • Parents’ Involvement: The involvement of parents in monitoring and regulating their children’s gaming activities can make a huge difference in creating a balance. Also, encouraging open communication and building a trusting relationship with their children can help them share their feelings and if they are facing any difficulties.
  • Government Regulations: The government can ensure the safety of teenagers by setting age limits and content ratings. They can also provide tools for users to manage their gaming habits.
  • Encouraging Balanced Activities: Motivating children to balance gaming and other activities such as music, art, or sports can be impactful. Setting time limits and boundaries for gaming can be helpful as well.

Conclusion

Gaming addiction in teens in India is a multidimensional issue that calls for collaboration from parents, educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers. Though gaming itself is not bad, it’s how it’s balanced between the virtual and real world that’s essential. Awareness, communication, and structured interventions can ensure that teenagers enjoy their games responsibly without compromising their overall development.

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