India to conduct study on online gaming addiction among youth

Jenny Ortiz March 5, 2024

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.

SiGMA Africa – less than one week away!

Just less than a week away until the highly anticipated SiGMA Africa event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa toward a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.