E-sports addiction deepens on college campuses

A growing wave of e-sports addiction is sweeping through college campuses across India, with students increasingly dedicating long hours to competitive gaming often at the cost of sleep, health and academics.

While educators and psychologists raise alarms, many students insist that spending time on e-sports is a “productive investment” and even a potential career pathway.

Over the past year, counsellors from Delhi University and several private colleges have reported a sharp rise in cases of students skipping classes, failing assignments and withdrawing socially due to excessive gaming. Yet, for many students, the lure of online tournaments, live streaming and virtual rankings seems stronger than ever.

E-sports is ‘worth the time’

For many young gamers, e-sports is not just an entertainment, it feels like an opportunity. “People keep saying it’s a waste of time, but for us it’s a skill,” said Rishabh Mehta, a DU student who spends nearly six hours a day practising competitive shooters. “Top players earn lakhs every month. Even if I don’t reach that level, gaming teaches quick thinking, teamwork and strategy. It’s better than scrolling Instagram for hours," he added.

Aayushi Garg, a commerce undergraduate, said the community aspect keeps her hooked. “When I play, I feel confident. I feel like I belong somewhere. College is stressful, and gaming helps me unwind. I know I play a lot, but at least I’m doing something I enjoy," she said.

Some students even argue that focusing on e-sports is a viable backup plan. “Careers are changing,” said Manan, who participates in online tournaments every weekend. “Not all of us want conventional jobs. If e-sports can give me recognition or income, why shouldn’t I give it a chance?”

Addiction, not opportunity

Educators and mental health professionals, however, view the trend with growing concern.

“This is not casual gaming anymore. It has become compulsive for many students,” said Dr Ritu Sharma, a Delhi-based clinical psychologist. “We’re seeing students who play until 3 or 4 am every night and struggle to stay awake in classes. Their concentration is affected, their social interactions decline and their grade sheets tell the story.”

Education experts warn that the high intensity engagement of gaming rewires attention patterns.

“E-sports conditions the brain to expect constant stimulation,” explained Prof Arvind Malhotra, a counsellor at DU. “Academic work, reading, writing, analysing feels slow and unrewarding in comparison. That’s why students find it hard to focus, even if they want to.”

Impact on health, daily life

Doctors say the physical impact is becoming evident too, notably eye strain, headaches, anxiety and severe sleep disruption. Students who play long hours often skip meals, neglect hygiene or avoid social interactions outside gaming groups.

“The symptoms are similar to behavioural addictions,” Dr Sharma said. “Irritability when unable to play, loss of interest in other activities, craving for online recognition and repeated failed attempts to cut back.”

Shifting focus away from careers

Counsellors note that many students originally preparing for competitive exams or professional programmes have lost momentum due to excessive gaming.

“Several students tell us they will ‘catch up later’ or ‘study after this season’, but the cycle never ends,” Prof Malhotra added. “Their long-term career goals get blurred, and the immediate thrill of gaming takes over.”

Growing challenge for campuses

Institutions are now considering awareness workshops, stricter attendance checks and mental-health support systems to help affected students. Experts emphasise that the goal is not to ban gaming but to promote healthy digital habits.

“E-sports can be fun and even rewarding,” Dr Sharma concluded. “Without boundaries, it can derail a student’s future.”

As e-sports continues to rise in popularity in India, colleges face the tough task of ensuring that passion does not turn into dependency and that students' virtual victories do not come at the cost of real world opportunities.