Concerned over rising online gaming addiction among youngsters, the Indian government will undertake a research study to better understand the issues, curb impulsive behaviour and promote healthy digital habits.

The study, to be piloted by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, will identify the factors resulting in excessive consumption of online content, and prepare a framework to “predict, alert, and intervene with appropriate coping mechanisms”, a PTIn report from New Delhi stated.

According to an official statement, the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Bangalore “proposes to undertake a research on the disruptive impulse control behavioural patterns of digital consumption that may cause vulnerabilities.”

Meanwhile, the government statement, accessed by Indianbroadcastingworld.com, stated a meeting was yesterday in this regard under the chairmanship of Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs. It was was also attended by Anupam Mishra, Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs,  Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director NIMHANS and Dr. Manoj Sharma, Professor of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS.

Secretary Singh observed that online gaming addiction leads to social isolation and neglect of real-life responsibilities. It often involves compulsive gaming behaviour and can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health. Online gaming can consume significant amounts of time and money, leading to neglect of other important activities and financial strain.

The findings of the research, would not only provide policy inputs for framing of guidelines for protecting the interests of the consumers in online gaming, but also to industry on their behaviour to ensure optimum use of technology to minimise the risk, the statement said.