Ghaziabad: The growing addiction to online gaming and immersion in the virtual world is emerging as a frightening and deadly social reality. Two tragic incidents reported from different parts of the country on the same day have shaken society and raised serious questions about our collective negligence, changing social fabric, and the unseen dangers of digital obsession—especially among adolescents.
In a heart-rending incident in Ghaziabad, three minor sisters aged 12, 14 and 16 jumped to their deaths from the ninth floor of a residential building. The girls were reportedly addicted to an online Korean game and dreamt of settling in South Korea to start a new life. When their family, distressed by their obsession, confiscated their mobile phones, the sisters reportedly slipped into severe stress and depression, ultimately taking the extreme step. On the same day, in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, a 15-year-old Class 10 student died by suicide, allegedly unable to cope with the emotional shock of losing contact with an online foreign gaming companion.
These incidents are not isolated. Similar cases reported earlier from Jhabua, Bhopal and other regions indicate how the virtual world is increasingly overpowering real life. Online gaming in itself is not a crime, nor is technology an enemy. However, when it turns into addiction, especially for children and teenagers, it becomes a slow poison—silently distorting thinking, emotional balance and decision-making abilities.
Experts warn that excessive gaming weakens impulse control, reduces the ability to assess risks and increases emotional instability. Denial of access to games often leads to anger, depression and despair. Alarmingly, some adolescents begin to view suicide as a “game over,” a perception that is deeply dangerous and reflects a serious mental health crisis.
Changing family structures, parental busyness, lack of communication and the easy availability of smartphones have further worsened the situation. In many households, mobile phones have become a convenient tool to pacify children, replacing time, affection and guidance. Ironically, many parents themselves struggle with digital addiction, weakening their moral authority to regulate children’s screen time.
The role of government and society is equally critical. While the online gaming industry is expanding rapidly, regulatory oversight on its psychological and social impact remains inadequate. Strict enforcement of age-appropriate content, screen-time limits and warning mechanisms is no longer optional. Schools must also go beyond textbooks and include digital literacy, mental health awareness and life skills as integral parts of education.
Mental health support must be normalised. Early signs of depression, withdrawal, aggression or emotional distress in children should never be ignored. Seeking psychological help should be seen as responsible parenting, not social stigma.
The Ghaziabad tragedy compels society to introspect: have we given our children dialogue or merely devices, values or just facilities, time or only instructions? These incidents are a stark warning. If ignored, such tragedies will only increase. Technology cannot be rejected, but accepting it without control is equally suicidal. Balance, communication and collective responsibility are the real safeguards. This is not just a question of technology—it is a question of life itself.
