Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing your anguish over the suicide by youngsters to complete the video game blue whale. Suggest someway to tackle the menace of the game. You are prabha/anoop of house No. 13,Park Avenue, Gurgaon
Answers
According to experts, teenagers are more vulnerable because the virtual world allows them to act freely -- without the restrictions prevalent in the real world -- which seems to give them an adrenaline boost.
“Teenagers generally take these risks because they are vulnerable and prone to seek validation. Also, it makes them feel like they are a part of something that is bigger than them,” Samir Parikh, director of the Department of Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare, New Delhi, told IANS.
“It has been observed that some teenagers have very low self-esteem, and rely significantly on peer approval. For them, the external environment becomes a source of inspiration, which is why they are willing to do anything to (project) a certain image,” said Sameer Malhotra, director, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi.
According to a report in The Sun on July 31, the game has been linked to the deaths of around 130 teenagers across Russia alone.
During the course of the game, the participants could be asked to watch horror and psychic movies, cut their hands with blades and needles.
“People who are drawn to play such games may themselves be going through psychological issues like lack of focus, interest, feeling inadequate or incompetent,” said psychiatrist Jyoti Kapoor Madan from Paras Hospitals, Gurugram.
“Such individuals are lured towards challenges which give them a sense of purpose while defying the socially accepted norms which they may have failed,” she added.
The victims may have got involved with the game out of curiosity, but find themselves being psychologically manipulated into continuing with the tasks, according to the experts.
Unable to recognise the harm it was causing, or scared to share the details of such games, either due to fear of judgment or lack of support, the victims could become easy targets for continuing the process.
According to media reports, 22-year-old Philipp Budeikin -- who is believed to be the creator of the deadly game -- said in an interview in St Petersburg that his purpose was to cleanse society by provoking people who think they are not worthy of being alive to commit suicide.
“Developers of such games are well aware of the vulnerabilities of the teenagers and know that they succumb to peer pressure easily. They are also well aware of the fact that teenagers nowadays are finding themselves unhappy, directionless and lacking goals,” added Mrinmay Das, Senior Psychiatrist, Department of Behavioural Medicine, Jaypee Hospital, Noida.
House no 13
Park Avenue
Gurgaon
Dated: 25-02-2019
To
Hindustan Times
Sub: Blue whale game- a threat to youngsters
Sir,
Through the column of your esteemed newspaper I would like to draw the attention of the parents of the children to kindly keep their attention on their children as nowadays a new game has emerged in the internet that targets youngsters to commit suicide. This game is very deadly as this game demands daring challenge and at last blackmails the youngsters to commit suicide. This has caused immense anguish as is it takes the lives of children. I would request the parents not to give mobile phones to children as it could harm them.
I also request the authorities to crack down on this game and prevent it from spreading to other children that may cause fatal consequences.
I hope this letter of mine will find a place in your esteemed newspaper.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Prabha/Anoop