A student from China lost his life after relentlessly streaming video games for an incredible duration of 240 hours across 26 days.
Streaming up until his death
The young streamer, simply known by his surname Li, was reportedly paid to undertake this grueling task, which resulted in him working through five straight nights, leading to fatal exhaustion.
The trend of live streaming has taken the world by storm in recent years.
Streaming has changed the world
It has become an integral part of our lives, turning into a routine for most teenagers.
But as Gen-Z increasingly turns to this digital platform for entertainment, education, or social interaction, people are failing to understand just how addictive and dangerous streaming can be.
On one side, it allows individuals to connect with a wider audience, and share their thoughts, experiences, and talents, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
For many, it can be a source of emotional support, providing an avenue for self-expression and validation.
It’s changed how we communicate with one another
It can also be an educational tool that nurtures intellectual growth and creativity.
However, when used excessively or misused, live streaming can become a potential threat to one’s general health.
This sad story in China has stunned social media while simultaneously bringing to light not only the dangers of digital addiction but also the exploitation in the rapidly booming live-streaming industry.
Li, who reports say was a bright student with a promising future, paid a heavy price for his passion for gaming.
He was paid to stream
He was part of the burgeoning live-streaming culture in China, where streamers are paid to play and broadcast their gaming sessions online.
The media company Li was working for – Henan Qinyi Culture – denies any wrongdoing.
They claimed they didn’t tell him to overwork himself to make his money.
Per China Daily, the firm did admit that many streamers tend to struggle to find a balance between streaming to make an income and overworking themselves.
He overworked himself with little rest
The student streamer was engaged in this online activity for approximately 240 hours stretched over close to four weeks.
This extreme exertion translated into five continuous nights of gaming without any substantial rest or sleep.
As a result of this relentless grind, Qinyi succumbed to exhaustion and tragically lost his life.
His death has sparked serious discussions about the negative impacts of excessive gaming and the exploitative nature of certain sectors within the digital economy.
Li’s death has shed light on the reality that lies beneath the glitzy surface of the live-streaming industry in China, where young people are often pushed to their limits for the sake of entertainment and profit.
The competitive environment and financial rewards often mask the physical and mental toll it takes on these young streamers, resulting in serious health implications.
The company refuses to take the blame
Henan Qinyi Culture further said that Li was not a “formal” employee and that his death took place in his own home, indicating that they don’t want to be liable for his death.
According to Metro UK, they offered to pay the family approximately $700 in hopes that they could assist his loved ones in some sort of way.
But if they are hoping to get more, both parties will have to go to court.
The digital world offers countless opportunities for creativity and connectivity but it should not come at the cost of one’s health or life.
The pressure to constantly create content and remain “‘live” can lead to mental fatigue.
The need to always be “on” can also take a toll on a person’s mental well-being, leading to burnout and exhaustion.
Moreover, the blurred lines between personal and online life can lead to a lack of privacy, causing additional stress.
Social media says that Li’s story is a call to action for necessary regulations and safeguards within the live-streaming industry in China and across the world.