Gaming has become an obsession that’s not easy to give up. It’s common to see someone sitting quietly in a corner, phone in hand, eyes locked in intense focus—playing not just for fun, but with frustration, anxiety, and aggression. So absorbed are they in virtual battles that their real lives begin to suffer. Gaming addiction rarely makes headlines, yet its consequences are visible everywhere. Today, industry giants ensure every age group is targeted, whether it’s PUBG, Free Fire, or even something as seemingly harmless as Candy Crush.
Escaping stress, entering a new trap
“We used gaming to escape stress, but now that escape has become the biggest stress itself,” said Ganesh Suktekar, a postgraduate student, reflecting on how gaming addiction contributed to his academic downfall. Rather than solving their problems, people now turn to games to run from them. What was designed for short breaks has become a burden. Young people are unknowingly trapping their minds in the colours and designs of games, only to make their lives more complicated.
It’s time to take this seriously
“When your whole day is spent sitting in front of a screen, your time may move on — but your life stands still,” remarked Bhuvan Subodh Shirsat, a fine arts student and aspiring filmmaker. Gaming addiction is no longer just a casual issue. It’s a psychological and lifestyle crisis that demands urgent attention before more lives fade away in silence.
Mental health and lifestyle at risk
Gaming is fostering a personality prone to anxiety, sleep issues, and poor focus. “Students nowadays can no longer concentrate on studies. Their entire focus is on clearing a few game levels, ignoring everything else,” shared Shubham Singh Rajput, an MBA student from Caranzalem, currently enrolled at the Akademia School of Business Studies in Porvorim.
Some have even lost money to in-game purchases. “Certain games have cost people real money, making the addiction financially damaging too,” said Maurice D’Souza from Porvorim, a former Master of Tourism and Travel Management student from Dempo College, who once actively played online games. This excessive gaming habit has robbed many of their peace of mind, time, productivity, and creativity. It’s no longer just about entertainment—it’s a slow erosion of mental and emotional well-being.
Never too late to recover
Dr Kshipra Vora, a psychologist and academician at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, explains, “Gaming addiction can significantly impact mental health. Prolonged, compulsive gaming often leads to depression and anxiety, fuelled by social isolation, disrupted sleep, and a growing sense of failure in real-life responsibilities. It may also heighten aggression, particularly in those heavily exposed to violent content or who use gaming to escape unresolved emotions. What starts as a way of coping over time, the virtual world can become a crutch, making it harder to cope with real-world stress and relationships. The risk of gaming addiction is severe and can even mimic substance use, abuse and withdrawal.”