Online gambling addiction triggers a new epidemic
While there has been growing concern over the rising problem of substance abuse in various parts of the country, another alarming menace has been rapidly gripping society internet addiction in various forms.
With latest mobile phones in every hand, the overuse of social media, online gaming, gambling and betting is drawing in hundreds and thousands of people across different age groups. This addiction is not only detrimental to mental health but is also destroying individuals and their families, and eroding the moral fabric of society.
Five days ago, a 20-year-old youth, allegedly addicted to online gambling, murdered his 21-year-old cousin with a sharp-edged weapon in the Rajesh Nagar locality of Mohkampura, Amritsar. The accused, Sanjeev alias Sanju, a BCA student, had developed a habit of stealing to fund his online gambling addiction. The victim had caught him stealing cash.
According to the police, Sanju had previously lost Rs 6 lakh to gambling and had even sold his mobile phone and bike for money.
In a similarly incident that occurred in Odisha, a 21-year-old man killed his parents and sister after they opposed his gambling habit.
“Today, one can see various sports-based gambling mobile applications being promoted by renowned sportspersons on television. Although these ads carry statutory warnings, are they truly effective, considering the large number of youth falling prey to internet and online addiction?” said Shivalika Dhillon, an educationist.
“What is especially alarming is that unlike drug abusers, these patients often don’t even realise that they have become addicts,” said Dr Neeru Bala, Professor and Head of the Psychiatry Department at Government Medical College. She said the problem demands immediate government attention and policy formulation regarding internet use, social media, online gaming and gambling sites.
Dr Rajiv Arora, Associate Professor in the Psychiatry Department of Government Medical College, pointed out that on an average five to six patients of internet addiction approach them every month, with many of them being online gaming addicts.
“There has been a massive surge in online gaming, betting and use of social media in the past few years,” said Sarabjit Singh, a prominent lawyer and member of the Punjab Human Rights Organisation, an NGO. “These companies operate in a highly organised manner. School and college students, as well as women, are scammed on the pretext of becoming an earning member of the family. The existing laws addressing these issues are weak and vague,” he added.
He further stressed the need for parents to monitor their children closely and for awareness campaigns to be launched in schools and colleges.
“A comprehensive policy, along with strict and sincere implementation in letter and spirit, is essential to address this growing social issue. At the same time, individuals must also take proactive steps to combat it,” he added.
Amritsar