Use technological advancements for betterment
We have misused technology badly. Though, people across the globe have been doing so, but when it comes to a place like Kashmir the consequences of misuse of technology seem to be much greater.
In present times one such tool that has been misused to the hilt is internet. Today connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Internet has brought even the most remote corners of the world under a single digital umbrella. But in spite of its huge benefits youngsters in Kashmir have adopted this medium for self-destruction.
Quite often we hear tales about youth falling prey to internet gaming. Many families have lost their fortunes and in many cases even their dear ones to this nastiness. Today we are faced with an alarming rise of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD).
While video games were initially designed for entertainment and recreational purposes, their excessive and uncontrolled use has led to a growing dependence on them.
Presently, many young individuals are deeply immersed in internet gaming, often prioritizing it over real-world activities, including academics, social interactions, and even basic self-care. This excessive indulgence in virtual gaming has led to the emergence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a condition that has become a global concern.
Internet Gaming Disorder is a behavioural addiction characterized by compulsive gaming habits that impair an individual’s daily life. A person suffering from IGD loses control over gaming, prioritizing it over essential activities such as education, work, and social interactions.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has recognized IGD as a condition requiring further study in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According to DSM-5, IGD is defined as the persistent and recurrent use of the internet to engage in gaming, often with other players, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
The Internet Gaming Disorder has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the individual to families and society at large. We are witnessing academic and professional decline among students. Besides, many students are witnessing emotional and psychological struggles.
Though everything cannot be attributed to misuse of internet but it surely is playing a huge role.
Many experts believe that too much dependence on the use of internet and internet gaming students are losing real life skills. This is attributed to excessive gaming which reduces opportunities for individuals to develop essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
All these factors need to make us aware and conscious to the ill effects of the modern technological atmosphere all around us.
We need to stress on collective efforts from individuals, families, educational institutions, health professionals, and policymakers to educate our young ones on the over and misuse of technological tools like the internet.
Educational institutions too need to step in and start educating the students on the misuse of internet and social media. We have to start somewhere so that the some change is witnessed on the ground.
