Research Collaboration on Online Gaming Behavioral Patterns

- The Department of Consumer Affairs collaborated with NIMHANS, Bengaluru to research disruptive impulse control behavioral patterns in online gaming. - Objective: Develop a predictive model for protecting digital consumers, provide policy inputs for consumer protection guidelines, and assist the industry in minimizing risks. - Online gaming addiction leads to social isolation, neglect of responsibilities, mental and physical health issues, excessive time and money consumption.

Key Points:

• The study aims to build a responsible digital consumption model focusing on online gaming initially.
• Secretary(CA) highlighted the need for a model to predict, alert, and intervene in excessive online content consumption.
• Collaborations with various organizations and authorities for data collection and analysis by age groups and socio-economic segments are crucial.
• The research will guide consumers for optimal technology use and help in minimizing risks economically and physically.

Potential Exam Questions:

• Why is the collaboration between the Department of Consumer Affairs and NIMHANS significant for research on online gaming behavioral patterns?
• Discuss the detrimental effects of online gaming addiction on individuals as outlined by the Secretary(CA).
• Explain the aims of the study and how it intends to benefit consumers and the online gaming industry.

Director, NIMHANS emphasized that the project is a necessity of the time, pointing to the urgency in addressing disruptive online gaming behavior.

Exam Preparation Summary:

Collaborative research between the Department of Consumer Affairs and NIMHANS targets understanding and mitigating online gaming addiction's impact. The study aims to guide policy formulation, industry behavior, and consumer habits towards responsible digital consumption.