What started as a harmless gaming hobby became a source of tension, isolation, and heartbreak inside a Doha household — revealing how easily digital obsession can blur the line between play and pressure.
According to neighbors and local reports, a 17-year-old student from Al Rayyan spent most of his time indoors, deeply immersed in a competitive online game. His parents, once supportive of his interest, grew increasingly worried as his grades dropped and family interactions vanished.
“He wasn’t the same cheerful boy anymore,” recalls one family acquaintance. “He lived in his headset — meals, conversations, everything revolved around the game.”
As the boy’s involvement in online tournaments intensified, family conflicts over screen time and online spending followed. What appeared to be a typical modern argument soon became a national talking point when the teenager’s sudden breakdown caught media attention.
Psychologists in Doha see this case as a sign of a growing generational divide — where digital life provides validation that real life sometimes cannot.
“In Qatar’s fast-changing society, many teens find identity and friendship online,” explains Dr. Haya Al-Mansoori, a behavioral specialist. “But when the virtual world becomes the only source of self-worth, any disruption feels catastrophic.”
Local schools and community centers have since launched new awareness programs about gaming addiction and online balance. The Ministry of Education is reportedly considering mandatory workshops on mental health and screen discipline.
For many in Doha, this story serves as a wake-up call — not just about gaming, but about communication, family time, and understanding the pressures of youth living between two realities: one physical, and one behind the screen.