“I am lost in that reality, and I'm just playing the game”

A qualitative study exploring gaming behaviour and its effect on young adults in India

Bibliographic Data

ID21516353
AuthorsAnuradha Sathiyaseelan (0000-0001-6771-9413, Christ University), Sathiyaseelan Balasundaram (0000-0001-9593-871X, Christ University), Bishal Patangia (0000-0002-7693-3275, Christ University, corresponding author), M Ashwini (0000-0003-2077-7442, Christ University), Ashwini M (Christ University)
Year2026
Volume54
Issue2
Pages227-241
Publication date2026-03-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Journal of Guidance and Counselling (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0306-9885 • E-ISSN: 1469-3534
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03069885.2024.2429397
OpenAlexW4405485312
LanguageEN
References cited38

The current study aims to explore gaming behaviour among young adults in India and its effects on their physical and emotional health, productivity, interactions, and social life. Data were collected from 12 avid gamers through in-depth semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the global theme and organise themes from the data. The global theme was the “exploration of contemporary gaming behaviour”. The habit theme included the origin of the game, practice, and change over time, while the effects’ theme focused on the physical and emotional health, productivity, interactions, and social life of young adults who engaged in gaming. The findings suggest that gaming behaviour has become an established habit among young adults in India, significantly affecting various aspects of their lives. The study highlights the need for increased awareness of the potential negative consequences of excessive gaming and emphasises the importance of moderation in gaming

Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Child Development and Digital Technology · Educational Games and Gamification · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology

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Open DOI