Tagged With "video games"
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New panel interview on single-event sports betting!
Soon, on August 27, the federal government will make it legal to gamble on individual sporting events . The provinces and territories will be able to set rules for new online and physical-venue forms of single-event sports betting (SESB). With Canadians spending approximately $10 billion per year on SESB through illegal networks, plus additional billions via opportunities in offshore jurisdictions, the new legal changes provide opportunity to regulate and control SESB, and divert money from...
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Re: Can jurisdictions effectively impose limits on videogame use by kids?
I saw a similar article earlier last month where Tencent, one of the larger Chinese video game companies, made a pledge that they would reduce play time for minors to an hour during weekdays and no more than two hours during vacations and holidays. They did this after Chinese state media made a comment about video games being “spiritual opium”. The company also implemented measures such as facial recognition systems for certain games to prevent kids from using their parents’ IDs to buy...
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A $25 Opportunity for Youth Gamers
The YMCA-Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) is looking for Canadian youth 18-26 years old to take part in a focus group on gaming and gambling. The purpose of the focus group is to examine the types of gaming and gambling activities that youth engage in and their experiences with loot boxes/loot crates/player packs, esports, gambling activities etc. Youth will be also presented with questions for an upcoming survey on youth gambling and gaming, and asked for feedback, ideas, and...
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Re: A $25 Opportunity for Youth Gamers
Hi @Registered Member I think the link might be broken? I tried and it says survey closed. If you can share the link I'll pass on to my network
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Re: A $25 Opportunity for Youth Gamers
Hi @Registered Member, sorry for the delayed reply. I've heard back from the team running the survey and they've closed it because they've filled both sessions. That being said, we're running a similar opportunity in early October and will be posting information about it this week. So if you like I can let you know when this opportunity goes live
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Re: A $25 Opportunity for Youth Gamers
No worries! It's great to hear all the spots were filled!
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Beyond Betting - YMCA Limited Podcast Series
🔈 Check this out! 🔈 In the first episode of The Beyond Betting Podcast hosted by the YMCA of Greater Toronto's Youth Gambling Awareness Program ( # YGAP ), the hosts tackle the topic of player packs in video games like Madden and FIFA, while sharing real-world advice for staying safe while playing these games! To listen 🎧, go to: https://youtu.be/rpisfMp9HGw
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Re: Beyond Betting - YMCA Limited Podcast Series
Congrats on the podcast! Excited to listen to your first episode!
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Re: Gambling and advertising: Should there be more regulations?
My short answer is yes, including the way that media reports on when people win the lottery jackpots. They potentially propagate gambling myths by saying things such as: they won by playing the same numbers for the past 36 years and you could be next, or they picked their numbers by using birthdays and anniversary dates and it finally paid off. This gives people a message that they can somehow influence the outcome of the game. There is lots more to say but I will leave it at this for now.
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Video Game and ADHD Video Resource
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R634ytgt7fw 1) By discussing the feedback loop in video games, this video helps to increase understanding on why things offline start to feel less rewarding compared to video games, along with why it is easier to focus / be motivated with a game. 2) This video offers ADHD target information, which is of extra benefit since having ADHD is a risk facture in developing problematic gaming behaviour. However, this information can still be applied to neurotypical...
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Re: Video Game and ADHD Video Resource
Hello Rosarie, Thank you for your sharing. Definitely the feedback loop is a way to tackle problem technology use. A behavioral conditioning would be useful to minimize screen time.
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How Playing Video Games Affects Your Brain
https://youtu.be/PcDbL0lGw2U This video suggests engaging in video game play influences brain functioning. It would be interesting to compare the regions of the brain affected by excessive video game play and how they compare to the regions affected by an individual who is addicted to substances I think the link between emotion regulation, problem gaming and treatment strategy will be key in my new role as a Youth Case Manager. Is there potential for using strategy games as a harm reduction...
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Re: Video Game and ADHD Video Resource
This video is great for explaining one of the motivations for gaming and how else to possibly get that same need filled in other ways. Understanding motivation and what need is being filled by the behaviour is vital information.
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FREE Virtual Webinar: When Gaming Meets Gambling
Are video games like Candy Crush gambling? How do video games promote gambling among youth? What is a Freemium Model game? All these questions and more will be discussed in this free webinar being conducted by the YMCA of Greater Toronto's Youth Gambling Awareness Program. Game-Bling is an interactive webinar designed for service providers and parents of youth, during which we will explore the dangers of the blurred lines between gaming and gambling and provide tools to understand and...
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Microtransactions in Videogames
Attached are an article and youtube video on the prevalence of microtransactions in videogames. For those of you who may be unaware, microtransactions are purchases that can be made inside a video game for cosmetic items or gameplay advantages. In many games, these purchases come in the form of a "loot box" system, where the only way to get the item that you are interested in is to "roll" for them, forcing you to buy multiple useless items as well. This is essentially an early introduction...
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Game Over: Game Quitters – Online Peer Support for Gamers
Game Over: Game Quitters – Online Peer Support for Gamers www.gamequitters.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/dyOLc5cl6ck Cam’s story is one that many would resonate with. He is the founder of Game Quitters which is an online support page for gamers who are concerned about their gaming habits. It is a safe space that offers a chance for individuals to connect with others who are experiencing similar struggles with gaming addiction. It is well formatted with resources in various forms including...
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Gaming helps
9 Benefits & Positive Effects Of Video Games | GEICO Living - The article shared 9 advantages gaming can bring to an individual. Which shows that gaming can help people develop skills that are useful in everyday life. - More focus should be put on how gaming can be beneficial. Instead of demonizing it - there should be regulations on game development to make the game less addictive.
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Client Video on Confidence with Gaming vs Offline World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wngVZR8ISBU In this video by Cam from Game Quitters (a self-help group for people with video game addiction and their family that also has treatment services for a fee) outlines a common concern within the gaming community. The idea that gaming is the only thing the person can do well, and that cutting back or quitting games will take away the only way they can feel accomplished. Not only is this a fear that many clients for problem gaming can relate to, but...
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Concerns about Video Gaming
https://mediasmarts.ca/video-games/concerns-about-video-games Relates To Problem Use - Spoke to how adults/ parents can try any differentiate between problematic use by such questions, becoming excessive, less socializing, grades and or health declining. Clinically Relevant - I liked how this article spoke about age-appropriate games. I suppose I forgot that there may be a fair amount of children/ teens out there playing games that are rated for only adults. This may be a good question to...
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Re: Anxiety, loneliness and Fear of Missing Out: The impact of social media on young people’s mental health
Given the scope of this topic area, it seems necessary to "focus on our focus" and attend to health aspects of PTU while keeping an eye on other aspects of PTU (such as technology, game design, business strategy and more).It seems that the concept of "balance" is critical. Exciting ways of conveying mental "balance" seems welcome for psychoeducation approaches. The premise is that if mental health is "in balance" then behavioral addiction or substance addiction will be less likely, less...
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Re: Health effects of gaming
This article has fairly recent (2021) stats on prevalence around the world but doesn't separate Canada out from a larger study that included the US, UK, Canada and Germany which showed the same percentage as the above article. Iran apparently has the highest rate and in Korea it is considered a public health crisis. Video Game Addiction Statistics 2021: Is the World Addicted to Video Games? | Healthy Gamer
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Problematic Online Behaviors Among Gamers
Article posted for COI was: Rozgonjuk, Dmitri & Schivinski, Bruno & Pontes, Halley & Montag, Christian. (2022). Correction to: Problematic Online Behaviors Among Gamers: the Links Between Problematic Gaming, Gambling, Shopping, Pornography Use, and Social Networking. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. Accessed May 16, 2022 at https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11469-021-00590-3.pdf Three Bullet Points – How Article Relates to Gaming Behaviors listed...
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YouTube video about replacing gaming with other activities
I came across this video after seeing another by the same youTuber, 'game quitters', linked in a classmate's post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgC4DM1EZ5A I liked that, while the content appears to have some basis in research (presenter is citing evidence, and the content as parallels with the course content), the material is being presented by a peer and in a format that will be comfortable for many of my clients: a quick youTube video. I think the discussion of needs met by gaming is...
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Re: Effects of Video Gaming on Youth's behaviour and Mental Health
I have always been a fan of using social learning theory when working with my substance use clients, and I can totally see this with how my kids act. We went out as a Mario Cart family for Halloween last year - my son was Mario, daughter was princess peach, I was Luigi and my husband was the actual car. My 4 year old had never heard of mario - she just wanted to be the princess. After actually playing Mario Cart and some other Mario game we have, I have noticed that when she "plays princess"...
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Autism, PTU, and Video Game Therapy
Article Jiménez‑Muñoz, L., Peñuelas‑Calvo, I., Calvo‑Rivera, P., Díaz‑Oliván, I., Moreno, M., Baca‑García, E., and Porras‑Segovia, A. (2022). Video Games for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2022) 52:169–188. Accessed May 23, 2022 at https://link-springer-com.proxy.library.upei.ca/content/pdf/10.1007/s10803-021-04934-9.pdf How It Relates to Gaming Video game-based interventions were effective in alleviating...
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Three hours a week: Play time’s over for China’s young video gamers
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/video-games/three-hours-week-play-times-chinas-young-video-gamers-rcna1816 In 2021 China imposed restrictions on video game play for under 18’s, 1 hour of play Fri, Sat, and Sun between 8pm and 9pm. An intervention China said was required to “pull the plug on a growing addiction”, gaming once described as “spiritual opium”. Has this been helpful, should other countries adopt this strategy? In China gaming companies are required to have Real-name verification...
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Re: Gaming helps
Brian, Your article had 212 comments so it must "have something to say"! The nine points are substantive, practical, and succinct. Video games need a new image where benefits and harms are balanced. When VG developers put their heads to it, maybe the helps and harms can be integrated into each game. Is it not somewhat like driving cars, ATVs, planes, or other forms of tech except that the concerns may be more on the mental side than the physical side.
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One Girl's Experience With Online Gaming And Strangers
https://www.screenagersmovie.com/podcasts/one-girls-experience-with-online-gaming-and-strangers 17 minute podcast. Dr. Delaney Ruston speaks with 11-year-old Mira, regarding what she likes about the popular gaming platform Roblox and the video game Minecraft. 1. Mira notes how her gaming has allowed her to have fun, be creative, and improve in some math skills. 2. She also shares experiences of strangers making attempts to connect with her, commenting on her attractiveness and making...
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Video game play is positively correlated with well-being
Video game play is positively correlated with well-being | Royal Society Open Science (royalsocietypublishing.org) - This study shows an overall positive correlation between video game play and an individual's mental health - It studies people playing the new Plants vs Zombies and Animal Crossing games, which are fairly "casual" gameplay experiences. I am curious what the study would look like when run on more "competitive" gamers like MMO, MOBA and FPS players - They also noticed an...
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Problem Gaming Use
The following article on Problem Gaming outlines the prevalence and negative outcomes associated with gaming addiction. They highlight how the motivations for gaming do not all relate to the tendency to become addicted. The characteristics of an addictive game are also covered. The article explores the comorbidity of gaming disorder with other mental health diagnoses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8552989/
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The Association Between Video Gaming and Psychological Functioning - Journal Entry
Journal article - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01731/full 1. I think it is easy for us to fall into a thinking trap of "all gaming is bad" or that there are no benefits of gaming. This article sheds light on some of the positives of gaming. 2. Researchers did find a medium-sized relation between potentially problematic video game use and poor psychological functioning with regard to general psychological symptoms, maladaptive coping strategies, negative...
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Re: How the Pandemic Changed Social Media
I liked the highlighted point of the change in social media in peak hours in relation to working from home. I think it also creates a game of when do I post this content to get the most likes/attention.
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Commentary - Chinese Video Gaming Policy
The article discusses 1) alleged ineffectiveness, 2) alleged Draconian-ness, and 3) emerging evidence of identifiable benefits. Read on if interested in these aspects of the policy! See article attached.
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Re: Commentary - Chinese Video Gaming Policy
The article discusses 1) alleged ineffectiveness, 2) alleged Draconian-ness, and 3) emerging evidence of identifiable benefits. Read if interested in these aspects of the policy. Reference: Xiao, L.Y. (2022). Reserve your judgement on "Draconian" Chinese video gaming restrictions on children. Commentary on: Draconian policy measures are unlikely to prevent disordered gaming (Colder Carras et al., 2021). Accessed June 3, 2022 at https://www.researchgate.net/p...er_Carras_et_al_2021 (pasted ...
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State of the Research: Gaming Disorder (YouTube)
This 12-minute video (Youtube) is a great, accessible summary of the research into Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The presenter discusses the current debate surrounding the diagnosis criteria of IGD, concerns from some researchers and clinicians, along with the corresponding research papers. This is a visual, interactive way of accessing this information that can often feel quite technical and dry. We cover similar topics and discussions in our Introduction to Problem Technology Use...
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Screen Time - effects on the social, cognitive and emotional development of children and youth
https://informedfutures.org/wp...tive-development.pdf ; The article speaks to the effects of ‘screen time’ on the emotional, social and cognitive development of children and youth, including gaming, social media, and educational type virtual activities – both positive and negative. It mentions some emerging evidence on structural changes within the brain associated with increased use and how it relates to non-educational screen time. It mentions a factor around ‘stimulation overload’...
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Internet gaming disorder: A real mental health issue on the rise in adolescents and young adults
https://ct.counseling.org/2021/09/internet-gaming-disorder-a-real-mental-health-issue-on-the-rise-in-adolescents-and-young-adults/ This article describes the pros and cons of playing video games and how it becomes an addiction. Video games can be a source of entertainment and relaxation, provide opportunities for social connection, and improve a person’s cognitive and communication skills. The potential negative impacts of video game addiction are insomnia, obesity, isolation, unhealthy...
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Problem technology use, academic performance, and school connectedness among adolescents
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8871851/ 1. This article discuss about the problem technology use and the related effects on academic performance and student life. This article was prepared based on data collected from students. 2. The article clearly picturizes that females are more affected by excessive technology use and the resulted academic complications than male. The study also points to the fact that the connection between problem technology use and academic performance...
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Gaming and Autism
A quick google search shows that videogames can be helpful and/or harmful for Autistic youth. While video games can provide a sense of belonging and self-esteem for some autistic youth who may struggle with social skills, too much time spent gaming could become a problem. Autistic youth may have difficulty transitioning from the gaming activity to real life social, learning, and work opportunities which may be less reinforcing for them. There has been research (Beaumont et al., 2021) to show...
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Re: Gaming Addiction story
Hi Andrea, I just watched the video for your post and found it so insightful with the first hand experience of how a video game addiction ruined a man's life. It does also demonstrate to me that he has made incredible leaps in his recovery and now took what was an addiction and has redirected it into something he enjoys. This for me is so relevant because my job is to counsel individuals with a video game addiction. I have not had any clients yet in my new role, but it being able to hear...
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Internet gaming disorder in an adolescent during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case report
1. This case study reports the case of a 16-year-old student with a "typical" pattern of internet gaming disorder (IGD) developed during the pandemic, which improved after weeks of treatment with pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions 2. This study suggest that the combination of pharmacological treatment such as antidepressants (SSRI) and antipsychotics with individual and family-focused psychosocial interventions are useful in improving problematic behaviors. 3.This study pointed...
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FREE Virtual YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program Webinar
I wanted to let you know about our upcoming Game-bling webinar hosted by the Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) with the YMCA of Greater Toronto. Game-Bling is an interactive webinar designed for service providers and parents of youth, during which we will explore the dangers of the blurred lines between gaming and gambling and provide tools to understand and support youth. The webinar is FREE to attend and is being offered on: Friday, February 10 th at 1:00pm EST - 2:00pm EST. If...
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Gaming and gambling: What’s the difference?
Video games often have elements of gambling, and there are blurred lines between games of skill and games of chance. It’s important to understand the definition of gambling, how the lines are blurred and the signs of a potential problem. The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) defines gambling as “risking something of value when you don’t know if you will win or lose.” “It’s a myth that you can only gamble with money,” says Dua Fatima, Youth Outreach Worker for YMCA in Toronto West.
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Dispelling Myths Around Youth Gambling
When it comes to gambling, there are many misconceptions — and perhaps the biggest one is that youth don’t (or can’t) gamble. That’s because we often associate gambling with playing poker or blackjack in a casino. But gambling takes many different forms. In fact, 68 per cent of Ontario youth said they participated in a gambling activity in the past 12 months, according to YMCA’s Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) Youth for Youth Digital Media Awareness Campaign in 2020. YGAP defines...
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Setting Healthy Boundaries
Youth Gambling Although they may not be of legal age to enter a casino, youth may be already engaging in gambling behavior to some degree, even from a young age — whether that’s making a bet with a rare Pokémon card or playing a claw machine game to win a prize. Gambling at any age has risks associated with it and the potential to cause harm. Some video games have elements of betting or gambling, even in skill-based games. Loot boxes are an example which typically offer players a chance to...
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IPTU Fall 2023 TEDtalk- Technology Addiction and What you can do about it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0adeZP6aDQw TEDtalk- Technology Addiction and What you can do about it. Ben Halpert TEDxSaintThomas (2015) Entertaining Talk about h ow society is guiding children from infancy to adolescence raised on technology- in many aspects of their lives and ways to balance technology use to prevent overuse and addiction. This is very applicable to the course as it highlights common themes that people may take for granted without considering the consequences. Ben...
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Current Topics IPTU
I have chosen the following article: https://www.theguardian.com/so...ing-gaming-disorders Scale- The news article looks into some of the realities of problematic technology use through the experience of a clinic supporting those with video game addiction (Bowden-Jones, 2023). The article explains that they were overwhelmed by the amount of referrals and people needing help, receiving 800 referrals in 3 years when they expected to see 50 people a year (Bowden-Jones, 2023). I feel this shows...
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Risk factors among elementary students
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334779116_Problematic_Internet_use_among_elementary_school_students_prevalence_and_risk_factors This study develops a new version of the problematic Internet use scale suitable for senior elementary school students. It includes six subscales: time management, compulsive Internet use, emotion adjustment influence, interpersonal and academic influence, preferred online social interaction, and daily life influence. This research utilized the survey...
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Topics in Gaming Loot Boxes and Gambling
Reference: Little, S. & Bala, J. (2023, March 7) UBC research draws new links between video game ‘loot boxes’ and gambling. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/9535007/loot-boxes-gambling-research/ Looked into research between the connection on loot boxes in video games and gambling Many games offer loot boxes often for purchase with real money for a randomized chance to win a large prize which is similar to gambling In the study it was seen that those who send more on loot boxes in...