Video games have become a major factor in the shocking rise of the digital entertainment sector. In India, the gaming sector is growing with a sizable and active player base. However, there is a darker side to the allure of these virtual worlds. The growing prevalence of video games addiction in India is having a detrimental effect on the nation’s mental health landscape.
According to a recent report by The Economic Times, India has around 570 million active gamers, making it the world’s largest gaming market. Roughly 140 million players, or 25% of the total, paid for the games or made some other financial use of them.
What Is Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction, sometimes referred to as internet gaming disorder, is a habit of excessive and uncontrollably playing video games that has a detrimental effect on a number of facets of life. It is one of the most popular types of behavioral addiction in India which is typically identified by an overwhelming desire to play video games, trouble setting time limits and disregarding other obligations. People who battle this addiction may have issues with their general well-being, including:
- Low performance in the job or school
- Difficulty in maintaining relationships
- Isolation
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Physical health problems
While not everyone who plays video games develops an addiction, it’s important to recognize the warning signs and get treatment if gaming is becoming a problem in your day-to-day activities.
Video Games Addiction In India: Factors Contributing To The Rise
Addiction to video games is becoming a bigger problem in India, particularly among young people. This problem has become more severe because of the nation’s growing gaming industry, rising internet usage, and smartphone ownership. Online gaming is the fourth-largest sector of the Indian media and entertainment industry. By 2025, online gaming in India will grow at a 20% CAGR to INR 231 billion. India currently has around 442 million online gamers.
1. Easy Access To The Internet
Video game dependency is on the rise in India for various reasons. One primary contributor to this situation is that mobile phones and internet connections have become more accessible and affordable. As a result of this increase in mobile phone use and cheaper data packages, gaming has become an easily accessible form of entertainment.
2. Promotion Of Addictive Games
India’s expanding gaming community has introduced many interesting and even addicting games. These games use the most important psychological strategies, such as competitors’ features, social features, and enjoyment systems.
Furthermore, many young people now live in an aspirational environment due to the popularity of esports and the glorification of professional gamers and streamers.
An increasing number of Indian players are paying for online games; the country’s share of first-time paying users increased to 67% in 2022. The FICCI-EY study for 2022 states that transaction-based game revenues increased 39% from 2021 to 2022, reaching INR 100 billion.
3. A Source Of Relief
Academic or professional achievement today puts more demanding pressure on the youth than it has ever been. Anxieties brought about by these expectations may prompt some teenagers to resort to excessive video gaming to calm their nerves. Meanwhile, a lack of socialization and outdoor activities could increase the chances of developing an attachment to games.
Major Mental Health Consequences Of Video Game Addiction
Because of their accessibility and immersive properties, games are very addictive. People who play video games can get an incredibly addictive dopamine rush, which causes them to prioritize gaming over other important things like relationships and duties.
1. Depression
The impacts of excessive gaming on mental health are extensive. One of the most common aftereffects that video game addicts in India are facing is depression. Spending more time in virtual worlds may cause people to retreat from social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. A lack of relationships and achievements in the real world might intensify a sense of emptiness and pessimism.
2. Anxiety
Another widespread mental health problem linked to addiction to video games is anxiety. When players fear that they might miss out on game events or progressions, it creates a constant feeling of uneasiness and anxiety. Besides, there are times when the pressure to perform in competition brings about increased levels of anxiety.
3. Insomnia
A major symptom associated with video game addiction is sleeplessness. This is because video games are exciting and thus tend to interrupt sleep cycles, causing insomnia, daily fatigue, and cognitive decline. In addition, if one goes for long without sleep, then they may worsen existing mental health problems or develop new ones.
4. Social Isolation
The biggest concern for people with an addiction to video games is social isolation. It can damage ties with family and friends. Instead of relying on real-world connections, using virtual ones can affect our society a lot simply because we are becoming less engaged in them.
5. Low Academic Performance
When it comes to academic performance, overindulging in gaming often has a negative impact. High school students addicted to video games often find themselves neglecting their studies, hence experiencing poor grades and educational complications. They find it difficult to focus or concentrate on learning because they are constantly distracted by the excitement of playing video games.
6. Aggressive Behaviour
Addiction to video games can also cause people to behave aggressively. The glorification of aggression and violence in some video games may lead players to become indifferent toward the acts of violence taking place in the actual world around them. This kind of exposure could heighten hostile feelings, thereby making it harder for someone to manage their impulses.
Importance of Comprehensive Approach In Overcoming Video Games Addiction In India
This spreading issue of gaming disorder in India requires a multifaceted strategy and specialized treatment programs. It’s important to spread awareness and knowledge about the risks associated with video game addiction and get timely assistance.
- Educators, parents, and healthcare providers must educate themselves about the signs and symptoms of addiction, as well as the available treatment tools.
- In addition to enhancing their physical, technical, and social action designs, game developers need to incorporate features that promote responsibility among young users.
- Educating gamers about the dangers of excessive gaming gives them the power to make wise decisions.
- People suffering from video game addiction should enroll in addiction treatment programs and seek help from professional therapists. There are addiction therapists who assist the afflicted individuals in dealing with their difficulties. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used for treating this type of addiction because it helps an individual identify and change depressive thoughts.
Overall, video game addiction has severe effects on mental stability. Due to the captivating aspect of games, they are very destructive to the mental health of young people. By understanding the problem, promoting prevention, and providing effective treatment, the concern of video games addiction in India can be addressed. This approach would help in protecting the mental well-being of the citizens of the country.