Education
Beyond The Screen: Virtual Battles, Real Consequences
In the vibrant corridors of Eduson College, amidst the chatter of aspirations and the rustle of textbooks, lived the story of Rishi, a student whose world oscillated between the realms of academia and virtual battlegrounds. With the close of each school day, Rishi, like many of his peers, descended into the digital trenches of PUBG, where victories were counted in kills and survival was the sole creed.
Rishi’s descent into the gaming vortex was gradual but consuming. The initial allure of camaraderie and challenge on the virtual battlefield soon morphed into an addiction that blurred the lines between entertainment and obsession. Night after night, the glow of his screen illuminated his singular focus, as the real world, with its demands and duties, faded into the background.
The consequences of Rishi’s digital dalliance were manifold. Physically, the hours spent in gaming marathons manifested as blurred vision, a constant crick in his neck, and an unwelcome weight gain. Academically, the sharpness and concentration that once defined his scholarly pursuits dulled, replaced by a pervasive lethargy that clouded his thoughts and ambitions.
But the ramifications extended beyond the tangible. The aggression and competitiveness that were once confined to the game began to seep into Rishi’s interactions, straining relationships and isolating him from those who once comprised his support system. The virtual victories, once a source of exhilaration, now served as a stark reminder of the disconnect between his online persona and the person he aspired to be.
As the reality of his situation dawned on him, catalysed by a reflective conversation with a concerned mentor at Eduson College, Rishi began to question the path he was on. Was the ephemeral thrill of digital dominance worth the erosion of his health, his relationships, and his future?
This narrative, while fictional, echoes the experiences of countless young adults ensnared in the web of gaming addiction, challenging us to confront the shadow it casts over their lives.
Following Rishi’s tale, it’s imperative to ground our understanding with tangible insights. A recent survey conducted among 200 students aged 18 to 20 years, as published in the International Journal of Science, Technology and Management (IJSTM), sheds light on the gripping nature of gaming addiction. The study revealed (undertaking 122 boys and 78 girls) that students have been significantly impacted by frequent engagement with violent video games such as PUBG. Key findings underscore the learning of aggressive attitudes and behaviours, diminishing eyesight, and reduced concentration in studies as the three primary adverse effects of prolonged game play.
As we navigate the story of #BeyondTheScreen, a crucial question beckons for reflection: How can we, as a society, educators, and families, foster environments that encourage balanced engagement with technology, ensuring that the digital worlds our students explore enhance, rather than detract from, the richness of their real-world experiences and potential?
To read more on such trends that need to be called out and #un-trended, head to the April issue of our magazine here.