Dark side of play: Gaming addiction threatening personality growth

Families, educators, and legislators in Sri Lanka have been both excited and concerned by the explosive expansion of digital gaming in recent years.

- BY MILINDA MAYADUNNA

Games may foster creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, but playing them too often can negatively impact a child's personality, social skills, and general development. Teenage aggression, social disengagement, academic degradation, and school absences are all on the rise, which emphasizes the need to recognize and treat gaming addiction as a developing societal issue.

Gaming addiction, often referred to as “Internet Gaming Disorder” by psychologists, is characterized by compulsive playing, loss of control over gaming time, and continued engagement despite negative consequences. The World Health Organization officially recognized gaming disorder in 2018, noting its potential impact on mental health, social life, and emotional development. In the Sri Lankan context, gaming addiction is emerging as a silent epidemic, particularly in urban areas with high access to smartphones, computers, and internet connectivity.

parents and teachers in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle increasingly report that children aged 10-18 spend several hours daily on mobile games, online multiplayer platforms, and competitive esports titles. While moderate gaming can enhance strategic thinking and coordination, addiction can alter personality traits, including patience, empathy, and self-control.

Personality is shaped by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. During adolescence, when individuals are most impressionable, excessive gaming can influence several key personality dimensions:

1. Social withdrawal: Children addicted to games often prefer virtual worlds over real-life interactions. This can weaken communication skills, reduce emotional intelligence, and hinder the development of empathy. A study conducted by the University of Colombo in 2022 found that 38% of adolescents who played more than four hours daily reported decreased social participation in school clubs, sports, and community activities.