On October 23, 2023, two representatives from the State of Ceará’s Military Firefighters, Lieutenant Colonel José Edir Paixão de Sousa and Captain Francisco Eduardo Fideles Dutra, attended a public hearing at the Federal Senate.
The invitation, extended by Senator Eduardo Girão, was for the officials to present their research and analysis regarding the correlation between gaming addiction and the potential risk of homicide or suicide. .
The officials presented scientific literature and cited practical experiences that indicated that the use of games in general and (specifically gambling/betting) mainly through technologies in an exacerbated manner without due monitoring by parents and guardians can generate addictive behavior in children, adolescents, and adults.
Additionally, they emphasized that video game simulators and other games that mimic human death are associated with real risks of lethal aggression, based on operant conditioning and social learning.
The firefighters expressed their gratitude for the platform to discuss their findings and stressed the importance of crafting training, educational, and preventive resources.
This would focus especially on the use of smartphones and other technologies that provide access to the internet.
The insights presented by the Military Firefighters from the State of Ceará at the Federal Senate shed light on an emerging concern in the world of technology and gaming.
As the digital age advances, understanding the potential risks associated with gaming addiction, especially in young individuals, becomes paramount.
The firefighters’ emphasis on the need for training, education, and prevention is a clear indication of the gravity of the situation.
It is essential for both parents and technology stakeholders to be aware and take proactive steps to mitigate these risks.
*Please note that this article may have been translated using automated software; unintended translation errors may be present.
