ऑनलाइन गेमिंग की लत - कारण और परिणाम
ऑनलाइन गेमिंग बच्चों, किशोरों और युवाओं के बीच एक व्यापक वैश्विक क्रेज बन गया है
When used constructively and in moderation, It is sure providing entertainment and social interaction as well as professional opportunities these days. It is safe to say that the gaming industry in India is thriving and businesses will only benefit from it’s further growth.
However, the growth of online gaming industry has a major side effect, its addictive nature. This has raised significant concerns in India and globally. Online gaming addiction is a behavioural issue that affects individuals psychologically, socially, and physically. It often leading to serious consequences such as deteriorating mental health, academic failures, financial losses and strained relationships.
What Stimulates Online Gaming Addiction?
Online games today are easily accessible. The competitiveness and the thrill of these games keeps the players on the hooks. These games are designed with a strategy which provides instant gratification like reward points, badges in game currency and level ups. This stimulates the brain and provides reward induced sense of achievement, encouraging prolonged and addictive gaming habits.
These days where people are almost living virtual lives with their devices, in person interactions have become less. People spend a major part of their day within the digital ecosystem. This has made people aloof and introvert. Online multiplayer games allow players to interact with friends and strangers, sometimes even building personalities which are quite different from their reality. An introvert may feel more connected in this virtual ecosystem than being amongst actual people off of the screen. Many players use gaming as an escape mechanism from real-life problems such as academic pressures, family and relationship conflicts or personal insecurities. These interactions bring a sense of belonging and provide an emotional connection.
Consequences of Online Gaming Addiction
The consequences of gaming addiction are far-reaching and impact lives of people, the players, friends and families involved.
- Effects on Health: Excessive gaming leads to physical problems such as eye strain, poor body posture, obesity, insomnia or other sleep disorders. Increased stress, anxiety, and depression are common among gaming addicts.
- Behaviour Change: Gaming addicts often display aggression and frustration when unable to win or play. Students and working professionals addicted to gaming often struggle with concentration, resulting in declining grades and productivity.
- Monetary Losses: Many online games involves in-app purchases, loot boxes, and gambling-like elements. The satisfaction of earning new elements compels the players to pay for these leading, they are unable to draw a line on how much to spend and it leads to significant monetary losses.
- Social Isolation: Excessive gaming reduces real-world social interactions, causing individuals to lose touch with family and friends.