PUBG Addiction: A Comprehensive Overview of Financial and Social Impacts

In the realm of online gaming, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) has garnered a significant following, but for some players, it has become an addictive pursuit. This article delves into the various dimensions of PUBG addiction, focusing on the time spent playing, social impacts, emotional attachments, financial investments, physical health effects, and escapism. We also explore a real-life case study that highlights the severe consequences of excessive gaming.

The Time Spent Playing

For many players, PUBG addiction manifests in the amount of time spent playing the game. Some invest several hours daily, prioritizing it over other activities such as work, school, and social gatherings. This excessive time commitment often leads to neglect of personal responsibilities, social obligations, and academic pursuits.

Social Impact

A notable consequence of PUBG addiction is social withdrawal. Players may isolate themselves, neglecting their relationships, work, and academic responsibilities. This can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and disconnection, leading to more significant social and psychological issues.

Emotional Attachment

Players often develop a strong emotional attachment to the game, experiencing elation with victories and frustration or anger with defeats. These intense emotional responses can be a significant driving force behind the addiction, as players seek validation and recognition within the game's environment.

Financial Investment

The financial aspect of PUBG addiction is substantial, with players making significant in-game purchases. These include cosmetic upgrades, new skins, and other in-game accessories. The use of in-game currency (UC) purchased with real money further deepens the financial investment in the game.

Physical Health

Prolonged gaming can lead to various physical health issues. Players may develop poor posture, eye strain, and a sedentary lifestyle, which can negatively impact overall health. Furthermore, the repetitive nature of gaming can lead to repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal issues.

Escapism

For some players, the game serves as a form of escapism from real-life issues. This dependency on gaming to cope with stress and challenges can lead to a significant increase in gaming reliance. As a result, real-life responsibilities and problems can become less significant, while the game becomes the primary focus.

Real-Life Case Study: A 17-Year-Old Teen in Punjab

A striking instance of PUBG addiction is the case of a 17-year-old teenager in Punjab, India, who reportedly spent a staggering 16 lakh (approximately 200,000 USD) on the game. This teenager, living in Kharar, used funds from his parents' bank accounts to purchase upgrades, accessories, and other in-game items. His father, a government employee, stated that the boy had told his mother he was extensively using his phone for studies, while in reality, he was making online transactions to fund his in-game purchases.

According to reports, the boy would use his mother's mobile phone to conduct transactions and delete the purchase records to avoid detection. The father further mentioned that he saved the money for his medical needs and his son's future. The lockdown period heightened the situation as the father was stationed away from home, and the teenager had even used his mother’s phone from his father's posting location.

This case study underscores the severe financial and emotional impacts of gaming addiction, highlighting the need for awareness and intervention to prevent similar situations from arising.

Conclusion

PUBG addiction encompasses a multifaceted set of issues, including excessive time spent playing, social withdrawal, emotional attachment, financial investment, physical health effects, and escapism. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for both players and stakeholders, as it can help in identifying and addressing gaming addiction. Additionally, it is essential to promote healthy gaming habits and provide support systems to mitigate the negative impacts of this addiction.