Tagged With "problem gaming"
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Re: Problem Gaming Q&A with Elaine Uskoski (May 6-7, 2021)
Thanks for asking me to be a part of this event, Marie-Claire. I'm happy to answer questions in order to help others have a good understanding of gaming addiction from mine and my son's experience. Q What were some of the things that you and Jake worked on together during that time when he was first stopping/reducing his video gaming? A The first time Jake detoxed from gaming, after he had time to rest and get back on a regular sleep cycle, he joined me in morning fitness classes in order to...
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Re: Problem Gaming Q&A with Elaine Uskoski (May 6-7, 2021)
Thanks for your question Anita. Q Hindsight is 20/20. It’s always easier to reflect on what you might have done differently when you have the knowledge of what came before. Looking back, were there warning signs that you are more aware of now that you can share with other parents/caregivers? A Yes, there were warning signs. Jake had lost interest in the sports activities he’d loved. He spoke mostly about online friends and much less about friends at school. He had more difficulty waking in...
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Re: Problem Gaming Q&A with Elaine Uskoski (May 6-7, 2021)
Hi Elaine! This is a really interesting conversation. Thanks for sharing your experiences and approaches that inform your work. I had a few questions I’d like to ask as well: What are some of the main challenges parents/caregivers face when addressing gaming or video game addiction with their children/kin? What have you found to be effective in addressing these challenges? Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected how you speak about gaming? In what ways?
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Re: Problem Gaming Q&A with Elaine Uskoski (May 6-7, 2021)
Thank you for participating Tara. Q What are some of the main challenges parents/caregivers face when addressing gaming / video game addiction with their children/kin? What have you found to be effective in addressing these challenges? A The biggest challenge I see is that parents do not follow through with consequences of poor behaviour of their child. They don’t have clear rules in place, and so the child ends up making decisions on what is acceptable behaviour. Restrictions are not made...
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Re: Problem Gaming Q&A with Elaine Uskoski (May 6-7, 2021)
Great question Mahfuz What I find often is that parents are rewarding children for following rules, rather than setting up a system where the child has a consequence of losing whatever their personal currency is when they don't follow through with expectations. I suggest parents make a list, that is clear for the child to follow, that contains both personal responsibilities as well as chores that are required. This list can be discussed and created with the child. But some of the items are...
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Re: Problem Gaming Q&A with Elaine Uskoski (May 6-7, 2021)
Thanks for your questions, Chloe. Q How would you help parents differentiate healthy and enthusiastic gaming from problem gaming? A Recreational gamers are able to self-regulate their gaming time. They play for short periods of time and understand there are many translatable skills that gaming offers such as problem solving, team dynamics, determination and tenacity, and micro and macro managing. These players still enjoy a variety of other activities outside of gaming. Escapers and High...
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Problem gaming & social media treatment research
For those of you who checked out the webinar, " What we know about treating problem gaming " in Late March this year (archive linked if you haven't!), the article the presentation was based on has just been published which you can find here . Some highlights: We reviewed 41 treatment studies for problem gaming, and did not find any for problem social media use. 8 studies were categorized as pharmaceutical, with Buproprion showing the most promise 26 studies were categorized as psychotherapy,...
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Gambling Awareness Jeopardy Game
Hi everyone, I recall attending a workshop a few months ago and someone shared that they have an awareness tool using a jeopardy style game to educate regarding gambling and gaming, and that this was available for anyone to use. Of course, I can't find any link or information on this now. Any help in tracking this down would be much appreciated!!
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JGI Special Issue Now Available! The Converging Worlds of Gambling, Video Gaming and Technology Use
Editorial A few months ago, the Journal of Gambling Issues ( JGI ) announced that it was opening its doors to papers on other behavioral disorders and in particular to papers on video gaming. Video gaming is a rapidly growing industry that attracts a worldwide audience and therefore a worldwide impact, but few journals that specifically focus their attention on video gaming. According to a quick internet search, the worldwide video gaming industry is valued at $151.06 billion US in 2019 and,...
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Webinar reminder: Problem technology use in adults on June 17th!
For those interested in how problem technology use affects adults, GGTU is hosting a webinar next Thursday June 17, 2021 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT! Dr. Mark van der Maas, Rutgers University, will be presenting new research during this webinar titled, 'Problem technology use in adults.' For more information about the webinar, please visit the event page in this COI's content stream and register here . This webinar is accredited by the Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board and the...
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Webinar archive and replay: Problem technology use in adults
If you missed the engaging webinar on June 17, 2021 called 'Problem technology use in adults' presented by Dr. Mark van der Maas of Rutgers University, please check it out in GGTU's archive! This webinar focuses on a recent study of problem electronic device use among Ontario adults and encourages reflection on how much time we spend on our devices. To view this webinar and accompanying slides, please visit GGTU's Trainings and Webinars archive page and select the Archive tab.
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Time spent gaming and psychiatric symptoms in childhood
Many parents of young children worry about how much time their kids play video games and if that may cause mental health problems later on. However, few longitudinal studies have been done to examine how playing games at a young age impacts psychiatric symptoms later in life. A Norwegian team of researchers looked into this and found the following in a sample of 791 children: More ADHD symptoms at age 8 predicted more gaming at age 10 Gaming did not predict any more psychiatric symptoms The...
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Re: Time spent gaming and psychiatric symptoms in childhood
This is a really interesting study. Thanks for sharing.
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YGAM report to MPs highlights online abuse of girl gamers
Sharing this interesting report from YGAM * about the experiences of girl gamers of a variety of ages. This report summarizes the experiences of harassment and misogyny experienced by gamers who are women in online gaming communities. The report sets out recommendations that will be presented to UK MPs on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Video Games and E Sports about how to safeguard young women, educate parents and young boys about topics such as rape culture and discrimination. It's...
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Re: Gacha Games - The merging of gambling and gaming
This podcast/YouTube series is great! One of the key quotes for me was: "I've never seen the appeal of casinos... they're scary but to me, Gacha is [like] paying for an experience, I want this thing I'm paying for... I know exactly what I'm getting into" But then... the price you're paying for an item is variable and the thrill of eventually getting it will elicit that dopamine hit. I appreciated the hosts arguing some of the nuances of Gacha vs casino gambling! I wonder how it would be...
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Re: New panel interview on single-event sports betting!
Great clip! Thanks for sharing Tara Marie and great to see Dr. Turner speaking on this panel. Curious to see the data on how popular regulated SESB becomes in Ontario as this rule comes into force... I know in the UK single events betting deals are highly advertised during major events such as football matches and horse racing.
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Re: New panel interview on single-event sports betting!
Also curious to know how popular regulated SESB becomes! I predict we may also see many new ads for these activities here.
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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: New panel interview on single-event sports betting!
Great clip - I agree that Dr. Turner had some balanced views. Definitely think we'll see some increased advertising! I'm interested in the points made that legalized SESB will likely divert money into legal streams that have the potential to: 1) help people come into contact with responsible gambling (RG) platforms and 2) a portion of that diverted money can be used to fund treatment and education. I'm also curious how likely the first point is, given these types of bets might not be made in...
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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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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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Facebook Whistleblower
A former Facebook product manager and whistleblower has indicated that the company is, "optimizing for content that gets engagement or reaction, but its own research is showing that content that is hateful, that is divisive, that is polarizing, it’s easier to inspire people to anger than it is other emotions." Facebook denies these claims, however some leaked documents from the whistleblower support these claims. You can read more about it here . In Canada and many first world countries,...
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New Offering: Introduction to Problem Technology Use
Introduction to Problem Technology Use is a five-week facilitated course (16 CEU’s) which provides a basic overview and knowledge on important topics related to problem technology use with a focus on problem gaming and problem social media use. Topics will include general overviews, risks, assessments, treatment options, and current issues. In the final week (December 6-10, 2021), learners will work directly with a simulated patient to practice what they have learned during the course...
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Cybersickness: Emerging thoughts and research
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in screentime for many of us, including how we work, shop, socialise etc. With this rise in screentime, some of us are beginning to experience negative physical effects such as nausea, headaches and eye strain. Cybersickness is receiving increasing attention from researchers and the media as tech continues to develop. This article from The Converation describes Cybersickness as the following: " Cybersickness refers to a cluster of symptoms that...
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Webinar Today - Registration is free! ConnexOntario (Discover Mental Health, Addiction and Problem Gambling Services): A brief history and overview.
So much has transpired in mental health and addictions over the last two years during the COVID-19 pandemic and there is much to learn from our colleagues at ConnexOntario. Anne Counter, Director of System Navigation and Information Services will be taking us through the history of ConnexOntario, providing us a refresher of their services, as well as sharing current data in regards to trends specific to gambling and technology use. We will also learn about the impact of COVID-19 on the...
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Re: Webinar Today - Registration is free! ConnexOntario (Discover Mental Health, Addiction and Problem Gambling Services): A brief history and overview.
Looking forward to listening to recording. Thank you!
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Webinar Replay! For everyone who would like to stay “Connex”ted! Do we know what is new in our community and how to stay connected?
On February 24, 2022, GGTU hosted Anne Counter who was our star presenter, “ConnexOntario (Discover Mental Health, Addiction and Problem Gambling Services): A brief history and overview” . With COVID-19 changing the world and accessibility platforms being constantly revised to meet new technology advances. Anne’s presentation was really timely with relevant information on new and innovative initiatives being rolled out by ConnexOntario. They still strive to ensure they bridge services for...
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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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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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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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Therapist Survey on covid impact training needs
Research and knowledge exchange opportunity Dear EENET members: We are still conducting our survey of the impact of Covid on treatment services and service providors. Please click on the link below to participate in this anonymous survey. I've also attached a summary of the results from the first round of this survey as feedback to the EENet community. Original post. Dr. Nigel Turner at CAMH is conducting a short survey aimed towards at clinicians who help people with addictions and mental...
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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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Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems Podcasts
Check out a podcast that is produced and hosted by problem gambling counsellors in British Columbia - Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems. Episodes feature people with lived experience and focus on specific issues, e.g., help with gambling debt, managing online gambling and effects on family. Counsellors and other contributors also share relevant information and strategies for overcoming gambling addiction. A great resource for people facing gambling problems, along with their families, and...
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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...