Anugul: In a disturbing incident shedding light on the perils of online gaming addiction, a 24-year-old youth from Angul allegedly attempted suicide by slitting his throat following a series of losses in an online game. The incident has sparked concerns over the detrimental effects of excessive gaming on mental health, particularly among the youth.
According to sources, Soumya Ranjan Nayak, a resident of Jeranga village, Angul, succumbed to his frustration after repeatedly losing in the popular online game, Free Fire. The intensity of his emotions escalated to a dangerous level, leading him to take drastic measures to end his life. Nayak reportedly resorted to self-harm by using a blade to slit his throat, resulting in severe injuries.
Upon discovering Nayak in a critical condition and bleeding profusely, his family members promptly sought medical assistance. He was rushed to the Angul District Headquarters Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Despite the gravity of his injuries, Nayak’s condition has been described as stable by hospital authorities.
This distressing incident comes in the wake of a similar tragedy in Balasore district, where a 19-year-old student from Guda village allegedly took his own life after incurring substantial financial losses from online gaming. These incidents underscore the alarming trend of online gaming addiction leading to severe consequences, including mental health issues and suicidal tendencies among the youth.
The prevalence of online gaming addiction has become a growing concern in today’s digital age, with a significant number of adolescents and young adults succumbing to its allure. Reports of individuals, particularly teenagers, losing substantial amounts of money and plunging into depression due to excessive gaming have become distressingly common occurrences.
Efforts to raise awareness about the risks of online gaming addiction and promote responsible gaming practices are imperative to mitigate the growing mental health challenges faced by today’s youth. Additionally, measures to provide support and counseling services for individuals struggling with gaming addiction must be strengthened to prevent further tragedies.
