India to conduct study on online gaming addiction among youth

Jenny Ortiz March 5, 2024

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India to conduct study on online gaming addiction among youth

The Indian government has expressed concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of online gaming addiction among young individuals, according to local reports.

In response, they have announced plans to conduct a research study aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the issue, addressing impulsive behaviours, and fostering healthier digital habits.

Led by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the study aims to pinpoint the factors contributing to excessive online content consumption and develop a framework for predicting, alerting, and intervening with appropriate coping mechanisms.

The Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore, intends to explore disruptive impulse control behaviours associated with digital consumption.

During a recent meeting chaired by Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, concerns were raised about the social isolation and neglect of real-life responsibilities resulting from online gaming addiction.

Singh emphasized the compulsive nature of such behavior, which can have adverse effects on mental and physical well-being, as well as financial strain due to excessive time and money spent on gaming.

Creation of responsible digital consumption model

The study’s primary objective is to establish a responsible digital consumption model, initially focusing on online gaming but with potential scalability to other digital platforms.

The Director of NIMHANS, Pratima Murthy, highlighted the importance of collaboration with various organizations and institutions to gather comprehensive data. Analysis of data segmented by age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds will inform the development of interventions tailored to specific demographics.

Murthy stressed the urgency of implementing mechanisms to promote healthier digital habits and prevent excessive consumption, underscoring the project’s relevance in the current context.

Policymakers’ guide?

The research findings are expected to inform policy guidelines for consumer protection in online gaming and provide insights to the industry to encourage responsible technology use.

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