How Years Of Gaming Affects Your Brain

[@HealthyGamerGG]

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[@edwardmitchell6581]

Are there controlled studies on this? And how about KZbin, Netflix binging, and sleep deprivation? After exams I’d always be insanely sleep deprived and depressed. Probably not much learning going on.

[@illusion5342]

@@edwardmitchell6581 You can apply the same logic to KZbin and Netflix binging because its basically the same thing: externally dopaminergic rewards

[@mauronoacontaldomurgia8476]

Are there advantages about being a gamer or just disadvantages?

[@heavymetalmixer91]

When you mentioned that with games we "stop learning", does it apply to games with any level of difficulty? Because one of the characteristics of hard games, whether the difficulty comes from how the devs made the game or playing VS a real person that is better than me, it often forces me to analyze my mistakes, learn from them and create new tactics and/or strategies. Btw, I'm learning to program and I got the part about dividing tasks, that's a crucial part of coding and have to do that again and again.

[@Xyzair]

I feel concerned that there are ads being added to the video, like it means that motivations are intrinsically changing.

[@bryansolberg7309]

As a gamer, my favorite thing about this is that not once did he tell me to stop playing video games.

[@flk2441]

I dont think thats something he would say given the channel name. But yeah feels good & it improves our trust in him (not triggering our subconscious-ego-self-defenses lol)

[@Chizuru94]

@@flk2441 Dr. K is still playing games himself, so :o And gaming is not inherently bad (and way better than watching TV all day, esp. if one also moves around if that's possible with/during the game).

[@arghya_333]

@@Chizuru94 It is good in moderation, just like everything else in life. Too much gaming is bad, too much studying is bad etc.

[@Topsecretprivat]

For me it's Impossible to Stop playing Games since 2003 startet with ps1

[@chloe-sunshine7]

​@@Topsecretprivat it's not impossible. Although, if you want to keep playing videogames, that's fine 😁

[@Gill_consumes]

Having had parents scold me for playing video games without giving me another option of what to do, this was incredibly refreshing to hear.

[@waterwolf982]

Yeah, I agree

[@batdis2046]

Yeah... I've had a traumatising childhood which consisted having no good friends, ignorant strictive parents, abusive teachers. Games have given me an escape from the dark reality and they were just so fun... For a long while, until i was 18. Now I'm 21 and i stopped playing but i still feel that debuff on my brain

[@keldor8302]

My parents literally just spoonfed me videogames and told me to go play and leave them alone. They had no energy or patience after both working 10+ hours a day. And I lived somewhere with no friends conveniently (or safely) nearby. And during a time when being a gamer and otaku was something to be ashamed of and kept hidden. All of which groomed me from a young age to self-isolate and play video games. And as someone with adhd (non-hyper just executive dysfunction), autism (high-functioning), and depression. Video games are just comfortable and familiar. It sucks.

[@SyoDraws]

@@keldor8302 i hope the best for you :)

[@fastrace8195]

@@SyoDraws I hope the best for you too bro

[@jacknichols3449]

Psychology is amazing. This guy just described half of my life's problems without ever having met me.

[@animewarrior3]

It helps he lived those problems.

[@skizorrr]

thats true af

[@d-roya7156]

Right because as a species we all function in the same way but psychology has its weaknesses too because everyone’s brain runs on it’s own path meaning it would be almost quite inaccurate for lots of other people especially the neurologically divergent. There’s probably a ton of mental illnesses and disorders that remain undiscovered due to this same reason

[@baconheadhair6938]

because you have the same problems as everyone

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

The human is a system like any other. It is so great we live in a time when we can explore and document the human system, so we can help each other.

[@CIAG4PNP]

I am a daily gamer in my mid-50s now. Excelled in the Marine Corps. My memory and ability to adapt to things quickly could have been aided by some of the mind games I played. I had zero problems in the outside world. It needs done, I get up, get it done, and game once all the important things are done. Gaming is like a treat.

[@Voice55555]

Yeah, i guess you used video games at his full potentiel benefits. Well done my dude=)

[@TheMadRooster09]

Listening to what he said in the video didn't make sense to me. I too served 8 years in the corps, was a gamer before, during, and after. I have a family, two beautiful intelligent daughters, and am only 32. I question his sources and statistics credibility. I know plenty of gamers who live fulfilled lives. Perhaps he's talking about the new generations. This I can understand because they've grown up on a screen.

[@lucasvasconcellos3040]

I don't think he's talking about all gamers. In fact, I think he's talking about a niche of gamers. People who play A LOT of hours daily. Trust me, the people who he's talking to knows who they are. Most likely people who are not fulfilled at their jobs (or unemployed, or studying) and don't have children. Not necessarily younger gens, but definitely increased in younger gens.@@TheMadRooster09

[@NTJedi]

I have been playing games since the late 70s. Even before we had computer games I would create fantasy games out of clay with my brother. The games were so complex we had a random generation for monsters and items which was a list over 300 where each item or monster ranged from level 1 thru level 8 or the very rare level 9. We eventually switched to computer games and we play a variety of computer games even today. So after 45 years I am a senior software engineer at a fortune 100 company earning almost three times as much as the combined income of the average family. Where would I be today without computer games?? probably one of those fellas in an average family.

[@Lion-Fish]

I think he’s not saying “All gamers will experience this and feel this way” He makes several remarks throughout the video such as “if you feel this way then…” So I believe he is addressing a common occurrence he has seen in his professional experience (as well as his own life) he is not necessarily saying everyone who games struggles with these issues, but If you DO, then here’s some info to help

[@griffithfemto]

For me it worked the opposite way. I had social anxiety and depression all my life and procrastinated a lot. I was a gamer in my teens and then gave up. Just a few years ago I picked up that hobby again and the games inspired me to change my life. I mostly play RPG's and i thought man, i want to be strong and brave as that characters and look cool as them. I actively search for a therapist, I found a job, have more money now, started to reach out to my friends again and go to gaming conventions to meet new people. Also I started to workout, got a new haircut and overall I am happier. Every day I first do all my tasks from my todo list and do something for my personal growth and the reward in the end is gaming.

[@midsizetea8181]

Proud of you bro

[@griffithfemto]

@@midsizetea8181 Thanks bro. Trying my best.

[@RuddsReels]

+griffith Yes! That's the way to do it! Particularly getting your chores or things to do, done early! I'm trying to do this myself. I don't always succeed though!

[@alexsmith1199]

Yeah games kept me out of trouble I use it for patience you don't always have the money to do what you want playing a game buys time till you can afford to do something, I also use it to think while I'm playing a game that some people consider boring it gives me time to think about the problems of the day and figure out something better the next day!

[@plunderersparadise]

I can't reward myself by gaming (and I tried) because it way too comfy for me. I can't stop when I start. It's just the comfort...

[@casemisty3137]

I've been a gamer for over a decade, and before I clicked on the video, I was puzzled by the title. To my surprise, it accurately described my life: subconsciously playing games while ignoring negative emotions, struggling to break down large tasks from real life into smaller ones and complete them, and experiencing stagnation in life's progress. I deeply appreciate the perspectives the author has provided, the issues pointed out, and the advice given.

[@PraveenSrJ01]

That is exactly why I don’t even go down that rabbit 🐇 hole 🕳️ of gaming since it will take over my whole life.

[@givemeyouryummyskin]

It depends. Gaming just like alcohol can be used by people in bad situations as a way to distract themselves from their life, only for it to become too much of a distraction and take over their life. It's all about self-control. Games making you unable to turn large tasks into smaller ones might be a side effect of gaming taking so much time from your daily life that any skills the game doesn't "teaches" you (like turning large tasks into smaller ones, as well as a crap ton of social skills) you start to regress on. I don't want to sound like a devil's advocate, but some soulslike games actually help you learn how to turn large tasks into smaller ones, but then again they don't teach you other skills, so gaming of course should be controlled.

[@NTJedi]

@@PraveenSrJ01 Alzheimer's patients are being told to play video games, memory games, and other brain games since it has an impressive impact on memory and cognition. I've been playing video games every month since the age of 10... usually for multiple hours each day. So how has 40 years of playing video games impacted my life? Well today I'm a Senior Software Engineer earning big bucks, no health problems with a hot girlfriend for the last 10 years who earns even more money. I never could have started working at Microsoft if games did not inspire me to build my own personal computer providing me the first stepping stone into computers. If you're someone who spends hours watching television each day or movies each weekend then you're doing less than someone playing video games each day. If you don't waste time watching television or watching movies then you're on a healthy path.

[@goldmemberpb]

But compartmentalizing is what so many games do. They don't just give you everything the game has to offer at hour 1. You get them slowly over time. If anything, games really help you break down tasks to get you toward that end goal. So, I don't really understand how games specifically hindered that ability. I guess it also depends on what kind of games you play, your personality, learning aptitude etc. Blaming it all on videogames doesn't seem quite right.

[@PraveenSrJ01]

@@NTJedi you make an excellent point and I wish you all the best and am happy for your success and your happiness

[@SapioiT]

As both a gamer and a programmer, the divide-and-conquer is built into my problem-solving mentality.

[@I69CableGuy]

yep the game of life c'est la vie

[@akospapanitz8390]

Yeah, I'm still studying informatics but works pretty good so far. And if I don't know how to break down big tasks I just google it up or watch some videos and voilà. It's really funny how even being a fun person can be learned nowadays

[@SapioiT]

@@akospapanitz8390 Honestly, wait until AI learns to be funny. 😆 We might be working on making demigods, if we're not careful.

[@mirrorcube3709]

I was just now years old when I first understood the actual meaning of the phrase “divide and conquer”

[@SapioiT]

@@mirrorcube3709 Congrats for finding out! Most people have no idea what it really means, and it's being used against them. One lesson at a time, step by step, progress is progress. Good-enough is good enough.

[@draket9364]

This video hit me like a thunderstruck. I’m an addict gamer since my 14 years old (addict cause that’s all I do in my free time, I’m was easily above 20k hours of playing game). Since I was 21 old I realized that gaming was not a good thing for me: “What I have gotten from the past 7 years? next to nothing… My life didn’t change that much, I have no friends, almost no memory of all the games I have played, no one to shares the memory of the games that I remember, no job, no qualification, no lover…“ I realize that all I have done in the past years was just escape my life... And I didn’t want that…. Now I’m 26 old it’s been 5 years that I want to quit gaming but couldn’t do it completely. I completly stopped playing my favorite game since 5 years but it wasn’t enough. I bounced from one addiction to another… Gaming then Facebook then KZbin, then gaming again… I managed to restrict a little bit of those urges and gain some time to do other things like swimming, reading or cooking… But I still feel the urged to play / watching youtube time to time... I still feel the need, from time to time, to divert my thought with something and not feel anxious with my life. But why? Why isn’t reading / cooking / swimming / meditate enough for me? Why I NEED GAMING in my life to not feel bad? And this guy just answer casually at this question. 19:50 “where is the exclamation point?” “what SHOULD I do?” F*ck me. For the first time in my life I realize that all my life I never asked myself “what I want to do?” but always “what SHOULD I do?”. The world give me anxiety for this exact reason. Nobody tell me what to do so I’m scared of picking the wrong choice, having "the bad ending". I’m scare to pick any answer because I think about what people expect of me. But people don’t tell me what to do… they don't care. So I’m lost… I’m like the soldier that have missed his squad and is now all alone on the battlefield. “What SHOULD I do? WHO I am supposed to listen?” On gaming like on a battlefield you learn so hard to listen to someone else that you begin to fear to think by yourself! You became addict to the authority and you seek someone to tell you what to do! And when you are all by yourself you start to panic. Wow, what a revelation! But now I was wondering how to manage my emotions… And Boom! You hit me again with your wisdom dr K. 21:11 “just break your problem into 2… again and again” This sentence had the effect off a thunderstruck for me…. “All the solution of all my problem can be found that easely… why I was worry at the first place?” At this exact moment and for the first time in my life all the voice in my head stopped talking. It’s like all my anxiety was gone. All my problems, that I could barely manage emotionally 20 minutes ago felled now so easy, I was not worry about them anymore. It’s like for the first time in my life since my 12 years old I was back again in the present. It’s like I just was seeing my bedroom, my head and hearing my voice for the first time. It’s like I was not anymore a NPC watching the movie of his life waiting to receive the player… I was the player! This sensation continue to follow me from this day, and I feel like now I don’t need to play anymore because I can now live with myself. Thank you dr K. You freed me from my head, now I feel I'm back in control and I will make sure to stay that way. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@zebatov]

Big fan of AC/DC are ya?

[@kylefugazzotto1520]

I'm 21 now and I'm at the same point you're at. I actually clicked on this video because I've been having a lot of panic attacks lately but I've gone through what you have as well. I started playing at 5 years old and it's been constant bouncing from addiction to addiction when I quit playing video games. I'm so happy I found this video, I hope you're doing well dude

[@frozentspark2105]

I'm 46 and to an extent agree. Im at the age where I just don't care about the outside world anymore

[@yasininn76]

So what you're saying is, you have anxiety, you practiced escapism for most of your life and then you blamed videogames? Yeha I don't think gaming is the problem here, the problem is that you're too anxious to do anything, and the solution for that, is to grow a pair and throw yourself out there. It'll go bad, it'll go well, but trust me that 90% of the times you'll barely be in control of it

[@draket9364]

​ @yasininn76 Wanting to change is difficult when you dont know what you want. I was already aware that, somehow, the problem with my addiction came from me. I just could'nt undestand why I could'nt stop. This video helped me realise 4 things: 1) My anxiety come from the fact I was not feeling in control over my life (thinking "what SOULD I do?" instead of "what CAN I do?" / "what I want to do?") 2) Video game are so addicting to me cause they tell me exactly what I should do to win, they help me divert my thought from my self 3) By the way I use it, vidéo games make me use to think less and less by and for myself causing me to having less and less control over my life then increasing the urge to escape from it and the need of someone (/something) to guide me. 4) The feeling that I was not in control over my life and that someone sould tell me what to do in order to improve IS A LIE, in fact I'm as capable as anybody to think by myself for a good solution to a problem. In fact i'm the only one capable of knowing what I want. What Dr k helped me to do is for the first time vocalize thos feeling and undestand where their coming from. Now I undestand the cycle. Now I know if I dont change, nothing will change, and I will be "dead" all my life (ex : "The dark sad life of boogie2988") Now I know my problem is how I'm seeing myself and the world arround me. Now I know it's not an end in itself, I'm as capable as anybody to change. NOW I WANT to change, because I KNOW I CAN do it.... and that's what I needed. Everybody is different

[@DD-cf2iv]

This was really depressing. I turned to video games as an escape because my life has so much trauma in it. I feel as if I was born with nothing good or no good advantages. It seems like a lot of work needs to be done to get some good in my life, and it feels like there needs to be very little for something bad to happen. In the video game, I feel happy instantly and I can forget how badly my life sucks.

[@jacks6910]

Step 1 for me was realizing that saying I have 0 skills is giving up. You won’t develop any if you never try. No one will believe in you unless you do first. Your comment is well typed and understandable, many people aren’t even capable of that much.

[@IIIISai]

goodluck in life brother

[@TheMeowse]

What has started to help me is to remember that, every time I get an urge to play, my life will be there, waiting in exactly the same state I left it in, once I close the game. Always.

[@IIIISai]

@@TheMeowse beautiful

[@notchs0son]

Most people are born with No advantages over another person yes their is social political and monetary. don’t feel bad that you aren’t what you can become.

[@junhaozhu]

The best thing about this episode is, he knows what it feels like to be a gamer. He can even use words that gamers use to explain things. It's freaking amazing.

[@kaneSbreh]

We gotta practice what he teaches and be able to restrain. Everything in moderation my friends.

[@AceOfTimeYT]

Of course. I hate it when people just tell you "just stop" to end all your problems, while this guy simplifies it to the point where you can watch paint dry and your problems go away.

[@ProjctAce331]

yeah but i still want to know what "optimizing dps rotation" means

[@potatolord9715]

@@ProjctAce331 from what I understand, it’s usually in ability based games like overwatch or that final fantasy mmo where you have a bunch of abilities which get put on a cool down when used. The dps rotation is you using each of your abilities in a sequence. Obviously, then, optimizing the dps rotation is when you find the best sequence of abilities to maximize damage.

[@ProjctAce331]

it all makes sense now@@potatolord9715

[@someoneontheinternet3090]

I'm 42 and this is absolutely me. I feel like if I don't have step by step instructions I become paralyzed. School contributed to this. I never had to think about anything in school. I didn't have to study, I never did my homework and still passed. Even won awards in highschool. But the moment I left I had no idea what to do and I've flopped around like a dying fish for the twenty-ish years since. I never considered how much games probably contributed to this. I started when I was 4. My son was even younger. I'm worried at how much like me he is.

[@SeraphimFaith]

I have to disagree with that mindset though because plenty of well made games encourages the player to try again and ignore failure (which reflects the real world, one failure is not the end of everything). And usually there is more than 1 way or option to clear a game, which means problem solving skills. Learnt more from gaming about that than 14 years of school ever will.

[@Andmau2552]

I'm like you in that school setting, I studied for 5 minutes just to refresh and got 90/100, "that's great, more time for gaming" always top 2 or 3 in class, now at 25 I feel that severe lack in serotonin as I can't lift up my business, hell, even I don't know what I want to do for a living

[@SeraphimFaith]

@@Andmau2552 you're young, you don't have to *know* exactly what you are doing, either try stuff from your course of study or branch out abit, read around, get skills or something, explore your options. too often teachers and parents mistakenly believe a person at 14-16 should know their course in life when no way someone so young would have the wisdom to do so. middle age career changes and all that are more common than led to believe. Also not everyone likes or love their work, some people just choose one they can tolerate and live the life they want outside of work.

[@stephenyarrington1871]

It’s your son but personally I wish I knew all the values of gaming but also be checked if I’m alright in other areas

[@ZReChannel]

You should play more non-linear games like latest zelda, minecraft or baba is you, just to give a few examples.

[@hitempguy]

I find it interesting that you said "it feels like life is passing you by" As a mature student back in university, this is how I feel. I know that my end goal is good, but being in university feels like the world is passing me by.

[@yokiw9265]

We’re in this with you ❤

[@leftiealex3632]

the funny thing is I was born with ADHD and the certain quirks that I had pretty much fit neatly into each of these categories one after another. every shortcoming I have experienced, you have described an answer to. I never really played video games enough to change my brain chemistry like you were talking about, like literally less than 2 hours a week, and despite that, you've given me a perfect template to overcome my independent problems. it kinda felt like being handed the wrong pieces to a puzzle, but finding a way to make them fit inside the puzzle of my own head.

[@victorgil2440]

As a person who also has ADHD, Video Games is just a distraction for me, i've learn to control myself in the hyperactivity matter and video games calm me down, in some way. thought, im not addicted to them either. i played like 5 hours per week, mostly in a span of 2-4 days. And most of the categories that are talked about in the video also fit with some quirks i had

[@venomouspassion5744]

My ADHD on the other hand made me dependent on stimulants and drugs. I live for a surge of Adrenaline and it has begun to disrupt my sleeping patterns even though I work out 4 times a week, eat a healty diet and have a job and get a lot of supplements. I found that I use things like Ritalin, or other meth drugs prescribed for ADHD or Caffeine or gaming at nights a lot to stay alert all the time and also boost my morale up. When I take none of these substances for a day, I feel there is no point to living. I still do my tasks somewhat but I cannot understand the motif. I cannot understand why I wanted to do them or why I had those plans or why I'm even alive. On the other hand when I indulge in them every day, it takes that feeling of empty but it supresses my sleep hormone reproduction (melatonin) and causes a considerable level of stress in my body and It's very troublesome to have to go the gym restless. It slows down my progress too. I'm surprised i'm still building muscle to be honest.

[@corwyncalc4329]

Yea this sounds like ADHD not an issue with gaming

[@Dice-Z]

@@corwyncalc4329 Exactly. And gaming addiction (and sometimes some other issues that have much deeper roots than just adhd, addiction or games). Which is rare amongst gamers. To me it has felt like Doctor K initially always praised video games as good for the brain, as science has always demonstrated, but in the recent couple months/years has capitalized more and more on an audience that related to ADHD and gaming (rather than any mental health like he used to, as a gamer who is for gamers, not against them, but that's what people want now, something to blame, and the easiest thing is video games especially when a lot of his audience with ADHD can relate to the issues he describes, and questionable self-help rethorics are more popular than ever and often demonize gaming), and has been talking excessively about all those absolutely incredibly negative effects gaming now has. He has increasingly made it seem like gaming is a much more widespread and severe issue than it actually is, and it's starting to feel kind of dishonest (even if i don't doubt gaming has those effects on the brain to some extent, and can be devastating for those who are addicted) as if it's more to appeal to an audience than to actually try to help explain and solve mental health issues, to help grow the channel or sell ADHD books. Which i admit would be pretty surprising coming from him, but you never know for sure what a content creator is thinking. I wonder what is actually going on, but something feels off about it. Has our science been wrong all along and making a complete 180° on gaming and all the benefits for cognitive functions, mental health, stress relief, memory, problem solving that they supposedly had, yet is all being backtracked on in the polar opposite direction? But it seems like it would be something that conservatives would push to demonize games as they've always done, yet Doctor K is absolutely not like that, so it makes me wonder how reliable his sources are, even if i trust his ability to be able to find legitimate studies. So what then, is the answer that this is just relevant to a specific subset of video games and susceptible players which make up a minority of them, but have more predatory game loop models, such as some of the biggest AAA games and mobile games? I could definitely see that be a thing, but that would make the way Doctor K has been sensationalizing it disingenuous. I've been wondering if anyone has been noticing this or felt this way. Of course, the videos and the lessons that you can learn from them are still very much universally valuable. I'm not dissing that.

[@alex_ra.]

One difference: ADHD can stay forever

[@blackshinkuu5235]

You can apply this to any sort of escaping reality type of thing, like watching movies or series, sports and so forth. Because mainly without the hobbies we have life becomes very plain. Work eat sleep repeat. Without any hobbies we are all bound to be depressed. It is all about balance, to much of anything is bound to harm us in some way in the long run.

[@bagabeans]

Exactly, excessively doing anything and neglecting yourself is never going to be beneficial. This video is very much like Star Signs or having your fortune read; throw a load of shit and see what sticks. It's much more likely that people predisposed to these problems find solace in gaming, not that it causes them. But if Dr K would like to publish his peer reviewed research to say the opposite then I'll happily change my mind.

[@richardf.6430]

Yes and no. It depends on the hobby. Spending many hours a day playing an instrument is what it takes to reach a good level. Doing intense sports too is very beneficial for the body akd the mind. Cooking, sewing, writing, painting, woodworking... If you spend your free hours doing those kind of things, the upsides simply not comparable to gaming or tv... The fact is, some hobbies definitely are superior to others. The key is to learn to find auch educational hobbies amusing enough to replace gaming amd tv with, say, going for a hike, learning an instrument, or anything new for that sake.

[@fralegend0152]

@@richardf.6430 There is no such thing as a "superior hobby"

[@justl30b]

@@richardf.6430 It depends on the type of gaming, video games are a sport too. I agree that some hobbies are more beneficial than others, but in this case, gaming has bad things like everything else, but also good things, develops mental abilities, pattern recognition, learning new languages, etc. It depends on what you play, it is not the same to play something that you only have to press a button to play something that you have to create strategies, overcome challenges, etc. Can not generalize.

[@SilverDawn010]

@@justl30b the way I engage with video games has definitely caused me to develop cognitive and spatial skills that I never would have otherwise , but at the same time I know people who engage with video games in a way that really doesn’t accomplish anything besides triggering the reward center for pressing buttons

[@grimik3275]

There was a time when video games no longer made me feel good, the spark and hype was gone and my productive life suffered. I started to only play on weekends, like a video game fast and wow man, working hard and then relaxing on weekend afternoons playing Tears of the Kingdom feels glorious and productivity went up too.

[@Grandmaster_Vic]

I took the same concept with Weed. Weed always feels better to smoke on a weekend especially after a long week of work. Having to do it everyday starts to mess me up at work and my social life

[@Foogi9000]

​​@@Grandmaster_Vic I'm trying to quit rn, I'm currently 22 and I've been going overboard with edibles for a year or two. It's just been a depressive downwards spiral that nobody around me seems to get. So I want to quit and kill off that part of myself so I don't regress. No telling how jacked up it's made my brain.

[@Grandmaster_Vic]

@@Foogi9000 you needa figure out where the addiction comes from. Like it could be something lacking your life that you tryna fill a void for. I do recommend seeing a therapist or do some deep soul searching to help you figure it out

[@Grandmaster_Vic]

@@Therealbigsaya there was a time where I would smoke 2 to 4 joints a day. It was a bad period in my life. Once things were turning I find myself not doing it as much

[@Grandmaster_Vic]

@@Therealbigsaya appreciate it bro

[@mysticat]

this was eye-opening!

[@KeyKnight]

Next video when???

[@yessrodd]

I didn't expect you here at all

[@arandompersonontheinternet8690]

real

[@dandabossthesecond3599]

Yo how did u get here

[@elcancer8068]

Tbh, what he says sounds like truth on the surface, but in actuality, it's very shallow. Decades of studies show the very opposite effect. People who play video games have a better ability in learning and problem solving. But it s true that not all games are made equal. Games that promote cooperation between players, puzzle solving, or very complicated mechanics are superior to mindless games in matter of benefits to the brain. Studies have also shown that effects on mental health are minimal, but if abused to escape real-world problems, they do the same thing as any other drug. Personally, there is also the mindset in regard to your approach to life in general. As his example says , feeling good because he beat the river, or because you achieved that or that, that works as long as your mentality says that those achievements realy matter, if you wanna use them to impress people, get a mate or something. But if you re like me, for example, and just do stuff for the sake of having fun, and not to get achievements, no experiment with life and not keep a monotone routine, well the entire premise of the video falls. I'm just saying.

[@Fruitcupper]

3 years ago my dad asked me what was the most hours I had in any game. DOTA2, 3784 hours I replied. My dad then says, Imagine if you had that many hours in your other life passions So I persued 3784 hours of real life. Thanks dad ❤

[@MegaMikeZero]

I got 10k hours. I hate it. I'm actually glad to hear you escaped this path, my dude.

[@rex1800]

@@MegaMikeZero for the past couple years i’ve gotten at least 1,200 hours each year on League, just stopped playing last year

[@oni5909]

what did you end up pursuing?

[@williehrmann]

@@MegaMikeZero Got about 17k hrs on WoW. And I did start playing it in the end of 2012. Before that about 10k hrs in Call of Duty 1+2(didn't like the newer ones). Then there's a lot other games like 4k in cs:go about 2000 in LoL Just end of last year I quit due to some health problems I got. Now I play maybe 5-8 hrs a week at most some casual games. Dota I only have about 600 hrs also starting from 2013 but that game never stuck to me. I'm just bad in Mobas and only good in FPS Games or MMOPRGS. In LoL I also still suck it was only a side game to WoW. So I put those 2k hrs in in a matter of like 6 years. With that little time commitment you can't really get good.

[@mossad_agent946]

@@williehrmann what the actual fuck... that is a diagnose

[@SIC647]

I had the gamer trait before it was gaming. I read fantasy obsessively from I was 8-16 yo. I now realise that it fulfilled all the same purposes for me and penaltied me the same way, as described here.

[@LiliaGrundt]

Yeah, I would've liked a bit of that in the video as well.

[@andreasschmid1066]

Can relate.

[@PaulsonAustin]

Yeah exactly the same I think that was 1 part of the video that I would have liked him to expand upon more. People use all kinds of substances and activities to avoid pain and I agree with the premise of how we use these things to avoid our internal negative emotion. However, I'm not sure I agree with the premise that, "before video games when we felt lonely we'd seek other human connection" as people have coped with loneliness in a myriad of other, much more, unhealthy ways long before video games existed (binge eating, drinking, smoking, self destruction). While I feel like gaming likely has unique characteristics that effect the brain differently I think the root of the issue runs deeper. And much like everything gaming, if done in moderation, is likely a net positive on one's life. I know it's the only way that I can still connect with friends and family who live thousands of miles away multiple times a week. The social benefits of gaming I feel are vastly uncommented upon in most modern "gaming health" debates.

[@LiliaGrundt]

@@PaulsonAustin Yes! Very nicely worded!

[@Hemlocker]

@@PaulsonAustin I think the point is just to clearly illustrate the function that gaming plays in our lives, especially for people who haven't even thought about it this way before. Of course there have been all sorts of avoidance behaviours and addictions in existence for centuries, and maybe he could have mentioned that, but this video is specifically aimed at gamers, and even more specifically at gamers who may not be super aware of this stuff.

[@TheTraveler980]

A lot of these points don't apply to me, but I see how they can affect others. The important thing is to find a way to moderate gaming and fill something productive in such as exercise, language learning, building/construction, farming, etc. Serotonin is produced by absorbing sunlight and doing activities that are engaging + challenging + productive. Youll sleep better for it, too. You dont have to give up gaming... but don't use it to give up everything else.

[@VitalityForGamers]

You should Achieve before Rewarding yourself...

[@kimromero4497]

Agreed, I live a normal life, hang out with friends, hold a stable job in hr, and I spend my free time gaming. My friends are the same and we talk about games, work, dnd, all while bowling. Then we go home and hop on ffxiv.

[@leestrz4153]

Ya I feel bad that people get sucked into a cycle like this. It is a bit shocking to hear.

[@somerandomdude712]

@@VitalityForGamers thee best advice, it is like you hunt then you eat

[@MrChalmers99]

As a gamer with ADHD, i used videogames to help encourage me to do different tasks that i couldnt necessarily do. they were like my reward for doing daily activities. Working out along side that helped to boost my confidence out and about, and talking about videogames is one of the things i am passionate about. My students love it when i bring up videogame references in class too which helps get everyone motivated! it i guess it has a knock on effect

[@MR-ym3hg]

That must be such a cool feeling when you drop the video game reference and see the flash of recognition of their faces, and it totally lands

[@AzuraPichu]

I'm a person who has been gaming pretty much my entire life and since I was young, it felt like when I tried to do something, I always had to struggle with things like procrastination and determination; I could start on something but then at the third day or so I'd quit. It felt like I couldn't control my life. I found myself always going back to games when I felt disappointed, and never actually addressed my negative emotions either. After watching this video I learned why all of this was happening... I'm relieved there are solutions to these problems, as I'm tired of being hold back by my own self when I want to achieve my dreams. I will commit to doing the things you mentioned in this video. Here's to a new start in life. 1. Engage in serotinergic activities 2. Learn to tolerate negative feelings 3. Break down tasks in two

[@v0rteks644]

You got this. I believe in you! Be patient with yourself as you learn. Trust your instincts. Wishing you well on your journey! 😊

[@MCPHH87]

That's awesome to read. The first step is to be aware that you are the one holding you back, and you definitely did. Stay strong when times gets hard. Good luck with your journey my friend !

[@eud64_]

I feel ya Bro, I too have been feeling like you my entire life and FINALLY I've found something that pretty much describes what I need to do. Hope we can achieve it.

[@scottperry7311]

I'm I lot older, I really did not get into gaming alot until my early thirties. So for me gaming is a hobby, I still did and do a lot of the every day things in life, but I would say that gaming does make me procrastinate a little more. Im socially awkward and don't like all the BS people do to each other, so I did retreat at times from social interactions (work was never an issue) to being alone even before I was a gamer, yet still have friends and forced myself to engage in social activities. The thing I see in gaming though is its a lot like life. There is a starting place, the place you are at now and the quest or goal, there are rules in life that you have to know to get to the goal, and there are thing to do in the real world to buff your real world stats to make you better at reaching your goals, like exercising, learning, working (making money), ect. You actually have to keep a lot of things in your head when you game to do well and that's true in life as well. So you might want to try to look at life as you look at a game and systematically break down what you want in life and how to get to your goals, then set a schedule in your life to get those things done in the real world. Here is the thing though, life is a long game and the only one that really counts, it takes time to get where you want to go, there are set backs and you will fail sometimes, that's ok everyone else does too. But if you keep working at moving forward in life you will see progress in time, be patient and work hard at it. You cant really escape your life, your always there, your always you, ignoring that will catch up to you one day. Treat yourself well, its amazing how so many of us treat ourselves in ways we would never treat someone we love,, so as Jorden Peterson says treat yourself like you would treat someone you love, do the same things for yourself as you would do for someone you love to have a better life.

[@kn_halo]

damn that sucks for you I realized this back in 7th grade lol

[@TheDJswordgames]

I’m 33 and this video has described my life so accurately. Over the past year I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and anxiety and I’ve been trying to do a lot of work feel better. This includes playing less games, therapy, doing more stuff outside, and ADHD and depression meds. It’s changed my life.

[@maltsday]

great to hear!

[@molikeur]

Guys I have ADHD I have ADHD -Every sad US citizens these days

[@EZMotion101]

@@molikeur it’s because insurance companies won’t pay for therapy unless the clients is diagnosed with something

[@molikeur]

@@EZMotion101 Makes sense, thanks for that

[@grizzlygoose2772]

@@molikeur also its because alot of people who had ADHD in the past just slipped under the radar and lived a life of difficulty, there isn't an epidemic of cases, there's a realisation..

[@wolfengangen5474]

I started crying watching this... I cant believe i found someone who explains my own feelings to me. Thank you

[@amanewithjesus]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

[@Timbdrhnm]

Cringe

[@azaxYyYyY]

never cry or tell others you cry, be positive, and dont show weakness.

[@qqy]

@@azaxYyYyYbro forgot he’s a human

[@Top10AnimeGerman]

​@@azaxYyYyYTake care of youre emotions. Youre the only one they have

[@lilytea3]

0:16: 🎮 The video discusses the impact of years or decades of gaming on the brain. 3:38: 🎮 The imbalance of dopamine and serotonin in gamers leads to a lack of confidence and difficulty in engaging in the real world. 7:17: 🎮 Engaging in challenging activities that lead to a sense of contentment can help gamers overcome serotonergic aversion. 10:57: 🧠 The video discusses the role of serotonin in treating panic attacks and trauma-related hyper vigilance. 14:36: 💔 Betrayal in marriage can have a lasting impact on trust, similar to the effect of video games on shutting off negative emotions. 18:10: 🎮 Video games provide too much guidance and prevent gamers from developing problem-solving skills in real life. 21:42: 📝 The video discusses the process of breaking down the task of finding a job into smaller, manageable pieces. Recap by Tammy AI

[@AceOfTimeYT]

Ah yes. A true giga-chad I see.

[@gamervet4760]

I have been gaming for 32 years, and I have not experienced any of this. Course I have a very traumatic childhood and games help me mentally. Course I do this all in moderation. I also have insomnia due to CPTSD, and gaming puts my mind to rest so I can get back to sleep. So my case is unique to me as I don't know anyone else like me at all. I should also note that I only play games on their hardest difficulty.

[@GenjiPrime]

@@gamervet4760 I think his target subject is probably chronic gamer, those that do it with no moderation, since you only do it in moderation, that's probably why.

[@gamervet4760]

@@GenjiPrime Fair point. Not everyone goes to therapy for stuff.

[@yokiw9265]

Thank you for this

[@brendangolledge8312]

I was a gamer early and I'm still a gamer, but procrastination was never a problem. The biggest problems in my life were that I'd do all the things that people said they wanted me to do, and then I never got the reward. Constant rejection and work completed in vain were the experiences of my 20s. I suppose maybe that's common for most young men though, whatever their hobbies are.

[@VixeyTeh]

I've got a great LIFE hack for you! Rename your "To Do" list "Quest Log". Assign rewards for each "quest" e.g. mins of game time, favourite foods and snacks, coins, read one page of your favourite comic book, watch 1 episode of your tv show or anime. Make sure they are things you can give yourself right away after each task or at least at the end of the day (Like when you would have handed all your quests in at once, before logging off.) When it clicks in your mind that life is just a series of World of Warcraft daily quests, your productivity will just sky-rocket.

[@Moonshine449]

@@VixeyTehholy shit what a genius, you just solved basically all my problems

[@Volkbrecht]

@@VixeyTeh Completely beside the point. The ultimate reward is other people. You work hard, you get a pat on the back or, in time, a promotion or the ability to grow your business. You work on yourself, you become more popular in your community. But what if that does not happen, or doesn't happen to the extent that you feel necessary for the slog to be rewarding? This is the problem even moderately successful people face these days. They lack the kind of community that would give them the necessary feedback, in terms of directions as well as rewards. Retreating into gaming is just a symptom. Society is disintegrating into cells too small to further support the human experience we evolved for.

[@dnameless2905]

It's such a good thing to have a person who truly understands you, who "have been there before" and knows what he's talking about. This channel can really help those who need it. I guess, I was lucky. I came up with those ideas about "bad thoughts", "small steps" and "easy hard work" almost alone. Buta reminder is always a good thing

[@Mystical_Zeus]

I have been a gamer all my life but since 7th grade I had to be aware of my mental status. I adopted some of the techniques you mentioned today by chance throughout my life. The staring at a wall thing definitely is something I do sometimes for up to an hour. This last year operationalization with my problems helped. They problems don't seem as big as they once were and progress albeit small is still progress.

[@light-chemistry]

Edit: wow thank you so much to everyone for all the encouraging replies. You're all awesome and I believe in all of you! I have ADHD, pretty bad social anxiety, and I was always terrible at most sports, so I found it hard to get into team sports that I could build my social interactions with. Started lifting weights about 6 months ago and it has changed my life. It’s weirdly boring in the action but it still feels so good. I’m a long way away from my personal goals but I’m benching 70 kg/150 lbs and deadlifting 110 kg/240 lbs. Lots of people are much better than that but I’m really proud I’ve found something like this

[@nolew]

Good for you man. I've been thinking about getting into lifting myself

[@rhomboidq7001]

Good job man, I also have ADHD and I think picking up combat sports was my saving grace

[@chrisb942]

​@@rhomboidq7001Yes! Combat sports are great. I'm on the spectrum and have ADHD and it's such a good way to create discipline

[@ochodona]

@@rhomboidq7001 I just wish kickboxing wasn't 160+ a month 😭

[@TheSpecialJ11]

The best part of working out is you don't have to stop being a nerd to do it. You see the majority of the results in doing one hour workouts everyday. You don't have to be a 3 hour gym rat to see results. Get your Mike Mentzer style workout in, shower, eat, and then play video games. Makes life so much better because your body and brain begin to work better, making everything else more enjoyable. Same goes for nutrition. Make your homecooked meals all nutritious and then when you go out and eat junk food with your friends, your body isn't dying because you put yet another empty calorie in it.

[@SIC647]

I am part of the community, but I am also kind of old (millenial) and have a young teen son. This video made me understand a lot about him and his gaming, as well as why I struggle to help him to be motivated to do anything but gaming. And I am not talking about going to ban gaming or being online. That's just silly. I literally mean: Being able to help him appreciate life more and be interested in it.

[@willlamme1988]

I have 4 sons, I game with all of them, honestly the best way I've found to get them to appreciate, work, and aim themselves at a goal is to believe they can, communicate that I expect things of them, validate their dreams when they tell me. Dr. K is describing my father to a T, and one thing my father never did for me was believe in me or himself.

[@milanaisms]

maybe engaging with him in his gaming then offering an activity that you want to do so it can feel like a bonding experience.

[@ivailok3376]

Man, this video hits like a truck. For someone who's been abused and bullied both physically and psychologically by my parents and classmates basically all my life, gaming is all I ever had to keep me going and I probably wouldn't be here without it, but I can see its effects on me now. I probably won't ever stop gaming as that's not the point of the video and also because it's a core part of me at this point, but I'll definitely sit down and think a lot on this. Thank you for opening my eyes, I appreciate it.

[@deejayf69]

Agreed

[@lesscanno]

What happens to a business man that work all day and doesn't have time to do what he loves, is the same for a gamer that forgets take car other parts of life, at the end you will be unhappy. You must have time to do what you love, in this case playing videogames, there is no point of deny that, but it can easily become a vice, and this can literally can make you a mess even ruin your life. Be conscient of what you do with your time and how affects your body and mind. What the video says is scarily true.

[@Linusidk]

@ivailok3376 you perfectly described my life w ur comment lol

[@wdrutherfordium4886]

I hope you feel happier in your life one day knowing that your still here and you haven’t given up!

[@Levi1osa.]

As a 26yo man that has been a tryhard gamer his whole life, that feels behind in life and that struggles with socializing, this video made a huge impact in me. I wish someone told me all of this when I was 15. My mom used to tell me I acted like a drug addict when I was gaming and I used to laugh. Now I understand.

[@charli4815]

the sad thing is you would not have listen to them telling you all this when you were 15. my nom told me but as all kids i would not listen. i just did the same two weeks ago talking to my little cousin (15years younger) on what is better for him. he did not want to know. give him 10 years and he will come back saying he wishes someone would have said that to him (what i did). no one will listen, ever

[@Maeshalanadae]

Why does it matter how others think of you? Don’t let others shame you for your interests. Video games have been getting a bad rap since their invention.

[@mostunique5941]

Put that same confidence, work ethic, consistency and time into real life activities and you will find that you get a lot out of life.

[@tf9350]

I relate with you so much. My mom also used to tell me I was playing too much but I was completely in denial since I was addicted. I also developed issues with communication that got worse over time as I was isolated most of the time, and day to day life was difficult since. I started very young so it took really long to realize it, but now I just saw the bad sides of this hobby and wish I could spend all the time grinding games mindlessly doing other things I enjoy. It saddens me because I was a pretty smart kid and I feel like I wasted my potential. I really think that this is like a trap that you can't get out of by yourself once you get addicted. Of course, this is still entertainment. And if you do it under a controlled environment that's fine. But most kids don't have this awareness and unless their parents set boundaries, it's truly gonna affect them in a bad way.

[@mostunique5941]

@@tf9350 you can’t waste your potential unless your dead. You have plenty of time to do whatever you define as productive or that will lead to being successful. Even if you just tried, you would be doing more then those that don’t which is a massive chunk of the population. Everyone is afraid of failure in todays age, when in reality the most successful people have failed the most, but just learnt from the failures and kept trying

[@eonnnaaa3424]

I’m 23, and this is one of the BEST videos on the internet. Not only is it revolutionary in terms of neuroscience, but in conveying information too. As if nothing was barred or hidden, as deeply opposed to someone sharing an idea with a competitor or rival, to hide as much information as they can from others so that they retain an edge of knowledge. This video truly grasps the concept of giving and sharing information, almost like that of what describes; An Act of True Love. Dr K., you set an exemplary figure that I am highly, and fondly grateful for.

[@dontusethesamenicknameonthenet]

i felt like a 1 lvl character aka a newborn while i was watching the video... he literally explained us why we feel like a shit AND provided us with solutions for this problem. things the author said seem so easy to come across like why wouldnt i think about it??? i truly appreciate your help, healthygamergg 🙏😭

[@UrDadBack]

This video only explained everything about myself from childhood to teenage years. I’ve been struggling from my youngest years with emotions because I lived it rough. I would play video games to make me forget all of my negative emotions without facing them. This video made me cry, it’s free and very useful therapy. Thank you for explaining and enlightening the problems, i’ll be forever thankful

[@nicxlaus]

Dr. K, I used to be in a state of Serotinergic Aversion for several years, and doing 'simple' things like studying, doing laundry, making myself food used to be so hard for me. Gaming was the only thing I found myself driven to do. As of the last year or so, I find myself constantly seeking serotinergic activities like studying, making food, working out, running, etc. However, I also find it hard to sit down and game for hours on end like I used to (not sure if this is a good or bad thing lol). I'd much rather do something 'productive' than game even though I want to game.

[@caseyeaston7470]

How did you make the switch?

[@nicxlaus]

@@caseyeaston7470 For me, I think it started with forcing myself to actually make my bed every morning when I woke up. It’s such a small thing, but it made me start my day by accomplishing something tangible. From there it snowballed over the course of a year or two, where I would keep asking myself: “okay what’s next?”. I was eventually able to regain my love for weightlifting and long distance running among other things like studying and stuff.

[@Mika42069]

I think I'm experiencing something similar!

[@adrianvasquez4351]

I also had a similar experience of gaming less because it wasn't as rewarding as serotonergic activities. In my case I was able to take a shortcut because I has people close to me (mostly family) that ran and exercised at least semi-regularly. I just followed their lead and quickly got into running and joined my high school's cross country team / track & field teams. Because I made friends with people on the running teams I was surrounded by other people who encouraged me to run with them on weekends and further step away from playing games all day. In short, join a friendly / casual running club if you have the opportunity.

[@_WeDontKnow_]

yea at this point im realizing how much worse my emotional state is when im gaming, I try and hop on but it genuinely becomes a bad experience most the time whether I win or lose the most important thing (imo) is the process of replacing all that time which gaming took up. getting off the game isnt an instant good feeling to me, I get this worrying sense of "what now?" and I think responding to that feeling in the right way is so impactful. it genuinely feels like im gonna be stuck with that "what now?" feeling FOREVER without gaming, but that's not the case at all. it's just a process of letting go of that dopamine dependence, and also figuring out what genuinely fulfills you. what makes you enjoy your time. and then working to be aware of that.

[@askolivia.]

You have just described the past 5 years of my life with words that I have never heard of but had many familiar experiences with. I am very glad to hear that there is always someone who will understand my situation and can help me through it. Originally I thought it was just myself that lacked the ability to do things, but now that you have informed me of everything I will try to take a step for change that I have longed for. Thank you. ❤

[@cZero475]

30yrs of gaming

[@rotisserieprotocol3582]

This is really reinforcing to hear, because I've sort of been pin pointing my issues as to why I don't progress much in life (as Dr. K put) and I've been trying to fill my time with chores and more importantly, cooking my meals myself. Take time away from the screen at the very least to tend to yourself in a healthy way. Amazing advice overall. Dr. K gets it.

[@adnan_honest_jihadist5775]

if you already dont spend youre time with technology that much then sell it!!!!!!!!!!!! technology becomes useless once you use it only for small stuff like you said

[@SanHydronoid]

A video that unbiasedly and accurately explains how and why things happen and how to fix them is a thousand times better than someone just telling you to stop doing it. After the gifted child video this feels too relatable and significant to not learn from. GG

[@Coldblade106]

wow, I've been able to relate to your videos before but this one just hit with every word, and it was all making sense. I'm in college but I've always been a heavy gamer and procrastinator which has lead me to get behind in college. My sister graduated early, my friends already have six figure jobs, and I still can't do the simple things in life that I know I have to do. I can't ever stick with a positive behavior pattern for very long, and the cycle of feeling ashamed for not doing what I have to do then not doing it continues.

[@trinitemplar]

36 year old gamer who has been gaming since i was 7 years old..... I'm going to listen to this every day... its so damn helpful...............

[@Carrot_Cyan]

The breaking down your problems is what I've been doing for over 3 years now, I am still struggling to finish the "main quest", but it is a really good advice to give to someone who is struggling with the same problem. If I could time travel back, I would certainly give this advice to past me. I always thought that I was the only one struggling with this problem, but reading the other comments tells me that I'm not alone in this battle

[@joelc3449]

I am a casual gamer in my late thirties, I once was hard-core, shutting it off after twelve hours with that sinking feeling of regret. Though your points are to the extremes, I definitely agree with them and want to summarize that you need to be aware of it all and balance the physical world with the virtual, and this goes for any media device as well.

[@timetotalk2023]

sometimes people are aware but due to other issues they feel unable or anxious at the thought of going out into the physical world and interacting with people in that kind of setting

[@joelc3449]

@@timetotalk2023 that's life. Interacting with people keeps you grounded, as uncomfortable as it may be, the more you do the less scary it is and the less awkward the next round will be. Not saying you won't ever not be awkard, I still am at 40, but I embrace it and people like me for it, it's being unique and genuine.

[@timetotalk2023]

its not about it being awkward or worrying u wont fit in. I personally used to love going out to party's getting fked up with my friends meeting new people and such but then i had some issues with some very nasty people who for about a year straight were trying to break into my house and steal my stuff partly my own fault due to the nature of the business i was in then. i had people pull knifes on me on the street try force me to go bk to mine with them and unlock the door cause they couldn't break it. i got stabbed on multiply occasions try to defend myself anyway now i cant go out without a knife and that's not safe for other people or myself if some1 with there hood up is walking behind me i assume im away to get jumped and im immediately clutching that knife or clenching my fist and 9/10 its just some1 walking minding there own bussiness on occasion i have been so sure ive ending up attacking people who weren't trying to do anything to me. i apologise for such a long repley but this is the short version tbh and this is just my reasons there r many others with other very complex issues that makes things that u mite find everyday and easy extremely diffcult, it is often far more than just fear of being solically awkward or not fitting in @@joelc3449

[@joelc3449]

@@timetotalk2023 yup, didn't see that one coming.

[@timetotalk2023]

i apologise for the rant i don't know why i got so triggered. I have my reasons and you have yours for why interacting with people in the real world or going out can be difficult and nether are any less vaild or difficult than the other nor r the many other reasons other people struggle also. sry again joel @@joelc3449

[@CozzaPerks]

I've found that having a cold bath/shower everyday helps aswell. I started doing it 2 months ago. There has been days where I've completely not wanted to do it and I've had to really force myself to get in. I feel alot better going out in public and genuinly feel more confident outside. That and little exercise not too hard but keeping up the routine has helped me immensely.

[@sophiaisabelle01]

This channel has always been the greatest. We're receiving sufficient knowledge on things rather consistently.

[@luismurag]

Agreed, as soon as I get a notification I come to watch. It's great to learn so much from these videos.

[@_WeDontKnow_]

im always surprised by how often this guy can casually drop the best practical advice, backed by science and a very logical train of thought. his preparation process has gotta be bordering on perfect for these videos

[@Rocky-hm2ho]

Exactly!! Most self improvement channels just make a 10 minute video saying a whole lotta nothing while this guy is giving so much great practical advice, I love it

[@charmedpipper1]

This is what has me stuck. Ive always been a gamer, but after dropping out of college and discovering my ADHD and Autism, i went back to my coping strategy from my childhood- I kept playing games. I carry my switch if I've to go out anywhere and most days I stay in my room and stay in a state of escape. I'll bring this up with my therapist tomorrow. Thanks for the video. ❤

[@pipebomber04]

I am also a doctor now. Finished my residency and fellowship. Became a husband and father. And honestly videogames were always there for me throughout the tough times. But raising a family, i slowly went from gaming 10 hrs a day to just 30 mins many times zero hours lol. Also it helped having other physical hobbies like swimming. I conquered rivers as a child.

[@YoufeelmeTuts]

badass

[@pipebomber04]

@@YoufeelmeTuts not really. Growing up i got punched in the stomach a lot without putting up a fight.

[@danm8004]

​@@pipebomber04not fighting is the most badass reaction to physical threat

[@StaffRecordPlayer]

how scared were you of becoming a dad and the responsibility & lifestyles that come with it?

[@JamieEmmons]

so is acting like you dont care@@danm8004

[@IMakeWhatever]

I am about to hit 30 and really trying to get in control and understanding of my mental and emotional imbalances. I have been playing games since I was a kid, and I was worried that it effected me more negatively then I originally imagined. I finally fought the fear and started watching your videos on how it HAS affected me, and I am really appreciative of this.

[@grooblyn1738]

This is everything I needed to hear. Gaming keeps stealing me away from what I want to do so I'll be sitting there having fun but feeling guilty the entire time and angry at myself for not doing what I need to be doing after work or on the weekends.

[@SimGunther]

*Years of purposeless gaming 🗿

[@vroomzoom4206]

Lol

[@SimGunther]

​@@Dimitris_Half Surgeons can play video games or participate in a similar activity for a set amount of time required to improve their hand-eye coordination without it consuming their life.

[@arthurdias5385]

I came to the comments to say that too. There's a difference between: "wow, the new Zelda has launched, let's see if it's any good" And "I have 300k hours in Overwatch 2, I need a better rank this season"

[@arijan-itanmuratovic7495]

@Arthur Dias that's what you think. Just because you are thinking rationally doesn't mean that the same reactions don't happen in your brain as if you were grinding in Overwatch for 200+ hours

[@danifurka6790]

Only a step away from nihilism

[@justice1447]

Real talk, I just started gaming again, and I literally noticed a change in my life, wasn't motivated to do anything except play games, it a dangerous place to be in life, I hope all who need help finds it.

[@goldmemberpb]

This feels like such a glass half empty look on videogames. I have been playing games since I was probably 6-7 years old and still play them 2 decades later because it is just a fun hobby to have and it is nice to be part of the gaming community and discuss what you like and not like with so many different people. I experience new stories and be informed on just different elements of the gaming industry. It's no different than watching lots of movies or reading tons of books. Sure, there have been times where a game kinda consumed my life like Totk recently for example, but gaming has never been the reason I have a more introverted mindset or feel down on myself or let my life spiral out of control at points. There are so many other factors in life than games to exacerbate that kind of feeling. Just like with anything else, if you have a good grasp on the limits, you shouldn't be encouraged to give up on what you like to do with your own life.

[@SystemLost]

Exactly. This guy had problems so he assumed all or, at least, the vast majority, have the same problems he has which is just not true. Games aren't the reason he's had problems, those were problems he already had that he blamed on video games. Thumbs down to this video.

[@phaedrus3000]

i feel the same. i think he was just stretching a lot of things just so he could make a video on the topic. i would prefer to watch a more honest version

[@Hiruban]

The whole "gamify your life" is why I love the game "Ringfit" and the anime "Bottom Tier Character Tomozaki-kun" : whether it's sports gamified for Ring fit or social interactions gamified for Tomozaki, they both show that everybody is capable of doing stuff, they just need to be shown a way to do it tailored for them.

[@BryMoks]

That anime is so good

[@cynicalia]

Good game

[@usbgamers123]

You may also like Zombies Run

[@quailchicken7517]

I’ve been gaming since childhood. And this video really hit deeply. I didn’t develop other skills or passions outside of gaming that when I became an adult things got worse and right underneath my nose. I think the most dystopian way to live is to work a little above minimum wage and then spend all your free hours gaming. And this, has been my life so far as an adult. In between jobs I’d have free time and not know how to fill it from not having familiar passions or hobbies to latch onto. Then being broke most of the time would reinforce not going out, not spending the money to learn anything like a new hobby and what’s the point of taking risks…when I can stay inside and wait on interviews and new job that’ll fill my time so I deserve to game. But then I’d have this weird cognitive dissonance after three weeks of this and realize this can’t be all I am doing and all I know how to do other than basic responsibilities to live. Then when work starts, the toxic work week takes its toll and the gaming is used to cope from the stress of work. So I do it out of boredom and to cope, because I have nothing better as an alternative and absolutely have I’ve felt an increase in anxiety and like I’ve been missing out on live. Work shoots energy levels even more and then gaming becomes a marriage in hell for me. But of course I’ve realized this recently since gaming has always been a way of life. So at 28, having lived so far having spent my youth in a pretty lackluster way…I tried this video just to see if a problem not so obvious to me could be somehow connected to why I’m not happy in life. And yes, this video is accurate and I have some work to do. Work has been my saving grace and I’ve always loved the skills I’ve learned from work even if the pay is garbage. I just need to get my free time in order and I’ll be a little happier, I know it. So thanks for the video. I learned a lot more about myself than I bargained for and I am grateful for it! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@TankMarion]

I'm only 12 minutes in but I gotta say, this is exactly capturing a lot of my feelings. I've started journaling a few months ago and at some point recently I managed to make a list of issues and negative feelings I have encountered repeatedly. It helps that a couple recent events since the start of the year have given me the drive to start journaling and self-healing, and a clear goal for the future that I'm willing to sacrifice and better myself for. I've recently graduated and been gaming all my life, so I guess this is the turning point. Thanks, doc.

[@pachicleto2129]

Damn, I read this as "I'm only 12, but I gotta say". Was really impressed there for a bit 😂 even when you said graduated, I figured it must be elementary school

[@TankMarion]

@@pachicleto2129 LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL

[@TankMarion]

@@pachicleto2129 Loooooooooooooooooooool

[@wolfguy1894]

Wow, you singlehandedly changed mt entire perspective on mental illness in just under 4 minutes in your “Sit with negative emotions” part. Rather than thinking of them as a hindering, they are a prompt or an incentive to better ourselves. Im now subbed

[@WakingStoic]

This is the video i needed. Holy fuck. Thank you. I have been embracing these negative emotions a lot more these past couple of years because they have become so overpowered that gaming was just exacerbating my anxieties. Im 27 now and the bit about how i feel like progress is slow struck a chord. I look around and I see folks my age buy homes, get married, and live life while I battle these demons caused by my many hours and years given to gaming. I’ve had to delete social media because my brain was so sensitive to negative comparisons that disrupted my peace. My social anxiety I believe stemmed from staying indoors for days on end all through high school, over the summers, and even in college when those should have been times to socialize, fail, and experience life. I try hard not to regret that period of my life because there is nothing i can do about it now. I do not want to live in the past. But progress is progress even if slow and i thank you for validating that chronic gamers have a late start. But who said it’s a quick, competitive race? No one. It’s almost childish to have to break things down to the most basic components but those little successes is what snowballs and builds momentum. You sir are doing the lord’s work. Gaming is only getting more addictive, realistic, and accessible. This is not talked about enough.

[@kuwaizair]

should people be pushy and nosy to get social? like really intrusive and annoying? if nobody invites me to parties, just walk in on people's parties? "hey, nice 4th of July BBQ ya got going," right? that is how it works right?

[@Vanduo610]

​@@kuwaizairIf no one invites you, you can invite or find real friends. I am gamer (started at 9-10 now 17 (almost 18) and every day 8-24 hours per day playing video games, watching TV, etc.) and I am stuck. Literally when I invite someone of my old friends (from the age I was 7-14) to go outside to play games, etc. they just do not respond or does not accept my invite. I know that I am being ignored etc. but I also know that I need to find people who would accept me but because of social anxiety and depresion, I can not even get strength to do it. Sometime it feels better to stay in room for years than interect with people who does not accept you. To make my self more confident I started to workout at home before going to new school which has a lot of people (more than 100). It is low for most of people but for me this number is enought big to have a pnic attack ecen thinking about going to school. So workout helped a little bit. After getting more confident in new school I did not workout anymore. Now I started again because I really want to change but there is like only enemies around me. Next year I will have exams (I want to be accountant I know its hard work and need skills I do not have) 4: history, math, lietrature and IT. I do not know what to do...

[@marcodamota9972]

8:20 is literally music! There are times in the practice that u feel almost frustated, but you go on and then you feel awesome because you passed that passage, you did it!

[@thismakesnosense]

As with most pleasures in life, moderation is key.

[@Williosx]

Nuance isn't really good when you're talking about science. What he is saying is pure fact, he's not giving his opinions. It's up to you to accept truth or not, but if you think you're more knowledgeable than thousands of neuroscientist who studies those subjets everyday for decades, then there is no point of talking about anything

[@thismakesnosense]

@@Williosx I think the word I meant is moderation, you're right

[@Gingie47]

Wow this is actually eye opening, I’ve been playing video games since I was 5 as it was the main way I could communicate with my family due to having autistic gibberish syndrome as I liked to call it 😂. I did not realise that video games were holding me back and it wasn’t just my autism, I thought they were helping and they are but it has it drawbacks and I hadnt realised. The way you explained it was just perfect for me to understand and the way you explained how to overcome it has actually gave me ideas on how to move forward so thank you.

[@IshimuraOrigin]

What's interesting is that, with the right mindset, I feel being a gamer can teach you a lot. Game design for example has real world applications of "How do I get people to do X" or "How can I solve this problem" and can teach higher level pattern recognition. Granted, this means extrapolating from gaming to other stuff, which is the hard part, but it has aided my life a lot.

[@colinfarquhar5638]

Personally I feel like the longer video games are around the better a lot of us will be at teaching our kids how to manage themselves better then we did through this mix of virtual and physical world.

[@celshante1769]

Well put kind sir. We use that as a guide and help, and if a mistake is made in the virtual world its literally nothing. But in rl its difficult. Why should i add more words to your comment, its beautiful thinking the way it is, i meant .

[@juhis5936]

when you say "virtual world" made me think of those fucking online life simulator game things everyone I know who played those 10-15 years ago or whatever is completely fucked in the head (I never did myself)

[@amanewithjesus]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

[@amanewithjesus]

@@celshante1769 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

[@amanewithjesus]

@@juhis5936 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

[@nth2tell]

This video is spot on. The exact reason when I turned to gaming was trying to suppressed negative emotions in life. Sometimes pain is too unbearable and I need an escape. But after a while, when I feel better, I would convert back to normal life.

[@average7374]

Gaming is an addiction I don’t even like gaming anymore but I’m still stuck playing it

[@valery898]

Holy crap. I’ve been watching this channel for a long time and have always found helpful information, but this video feels like it broke barriers. I’d venture to say that this is the best video you’ve made to date. I gasped multiple times while watching because of how relatable yet groundbreaking this was. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@alexgeorgescu2122]

I lost most of my teenage years playing video games, i was playing 10 hours a day sometimes more. I was stuck into an seemingly endless loop of missing oportunities, running from myself and life, and blaming somebody else for my misery. I let myself dragged along in life, doing an college i didn't necesarly choose because i was too busy playing video games to just sit and think abou what i want, where i want to be, how to be happy...isn't happiness the ultimate goal for everybody? Thankfully i woke up soon enough to not lose my 20's also. I hate giving advices in general but i will just say this: take CONTROL, sit in quiet let your mind and body relax, think about what you do, why you do it, and ALWAYS be honest with yourself, its the only person you should never ever lie to. You will fins your way out, i did, and i was pretty messed up. Now i'm in a good place, i still play video games from time to time, but it is me who controls when, not my sense of wanting to run away from it all. Good luck, may you find peace and happiness!

[@zwww_ee5235]

i used to hit the gym a bit and after i stopped and go back to just gaming during freetine, my emotions got much worse along with my self-esteem, so i guess serotonin might be the reason! The 5 minute rule is really helpful! Many people talked about breaking tasks down but never this easy to apply!

[@narottamzakheim5051]

really depends what kind of game you play. Since i been playing an MMO... I actually became more confident and less shy. Through chatting and cooperating with people in the game... I developed social skills that i ported to social media and real life interactions. I think there are a lot of good points in this video but to lump all gaming experieces into one category is a bit limited. I have a very busy and active life and enjoy gaming as a form of relaxation instead of just watching television etc.

[@skyguy1236]

I feel like gaming is more of a symptom of a problem than the problem itself if that makes sense

[@Birdie_]

He explained for 25 minutes how it can be a problem in itself.

[@galatea5455]

@@Birdie_ You're both correct. He spent 25 minutes explaining how gaming is a symptom of a problem (the problem being whatever is fueling the negative emotions), but also explained in the 25 minutes how the symptom (gaming) also becomes it's own problem with what it does to the brain and how it prevents you from figuring out the true problem. Figuring out the gaming problem (the henchman) is one of the stepping stones to figuring out the main problem (the boss).

[@maltsday]

That's right, the problem itself lies in negative complexes, aquired in life, affecting the individual's ability to properly adapt to the outside world. We are programmed to adapt to the outside world, and if we engage too much within pseudo-instinctive environments, such as video-games provide (f.e. feeling of success after leveling up or getting a kill), the unconscious fires signals towards the ego-consciousness and we feel at unease.

[@inkarnator7717]

Symptomps themselves can beget new problems. Not every change in your life will be radical, but rather piece by piece. Treating symptomps can be a good starting point.

[@PrenticeIpanemia]

Gaming is excreting real life drives into a virtual world

[@Rickfernello]

Love all the little metaphors you do. Your work is wonderful and definitely must help so many people. Thank you for this. 💚

[@inconcision]

Indeed, speaking to gamers in 'their' language helps transfer the concepts of what he is trying to teach you.

[@furpan5840]

I am a gamer since the age of 7 for 2 decades, I can relate to that. I am like, if someone shows me what to do and how to do for me, I do great but if I have no idea how to do it, then I quit, I do not research or check what I want actually.

[@epvan2movies]

As a teen, I ran away from emotions as there was too much to handle. Partially because some issues were not mine to solve. However, as a consequence, as an adult, I had to learn how to socialize and how to play the game of life. The people I have met and the environment I found helped me evolve as a human. I'm eternally grateful for those in my path that have helped me develop. Now I can game for pleasure and I learned to not run away from emotions, though sometimes it is still difficult to break the habit as using games to mentally run away seems so comfortable in the moment.

[@brannix7417]

I always struggled with gaining weight as a teen and even into my early 20s, I noticed every time I slowed/stopped playing video games regularly my weight got better. Playing video games had me ignore my hunger to the point where I don’t even notice it since I was so heavily into whatever game I’m playing. I’m 5’8 and have went from 120 pds as a teen to 135 as a 18 y/o when I stopped gaming. When I started again over the coarse of a year I dropped down to 127 and as a 24 y/o rose back up again to 147. This video really put things into perspective

[@ReizokoRyu]

Awesome! I couldn't give up gaming completely, personally - it's a part of my life I enjoy a lot. I have cut back a fair bit on the gaming though and have felt so much more confidence as of late with improving my life and situation 😊

[@Skyler_044]

i love that he doesn't treat games like a disease, he doesn't make you get rid of it, he actually is "gamefying" life, so that its easier to understand, +1 Sub

[@AI-Idiot]

The activities I like to do to raise my serotonin are: -hanging out with friends (yes, that easy, do It's not as effective) -Learning a mundane new skill (like knotting, sewing, drawing, soldering, etc.) -Just learning a specific topic, like engines, electricity, magnetism, a new language, or many others. These are the ones I like and do the most, I don't know how well it can work for you

[@beefstickswellington1203]

I had the opposite... I wasn't taught much of anything by my dad that built up my sense of capability, so I used video games as a crutch to exercise some kind of management and problem solving. So, I definitely was feeling my negative emotions, but also totally disconnected and disassociated. It was/is a weird hybrid. This makes it really easy to understand the upside-down disconnect of the serotonin behaviors and why the last few months I've been reconnecting to my actual anger, because I'm doing difficult things that aren't that pleasurable, but do enhance my overall trajectory in life. Definitely on this path. Been gaming since I was 3. Yep, 3. 33 years. I still do, but am much less reliant on them as a crutch, and I'm able to savor a fun game whilst playing less often. It's more satisfying that way.

[@SavagePrisonerSP]

There have also been studies on the negative effects that different types of games give you. For example, the most damaging and by far the WORST type of game to play for well-being is competitive team multiplayer online versus with and against random people you do not know. These games, when played for a while, tend to bring out the most hostility, and may indeed cause a reluctance to socialize in real life and be the most damaging to well being. (Think League Of Legends, valorant, call of duty) On the other end of the spectrum, the most beneficial type of gaming, studies found, were local multiplayer games. Games where all the people playing are present in the same room/area where they can interact with each other outside of the game. This will actually increase social bonding with people whom you may never get along with otherwise! So think couch co-op or versus like Street Fighter(NOT ONLINE), side-scrollers, etc. (The study was done between a group of teenagers with a group of seniors with nothing in common. After they played games together, locally, they tended to bond a lot better than the control.) Even though local gaming is more beneficial, it is not immune to how much dopamine it will release, but it will give more serotonin than competitive online team versus so there's that. I'm not sure where the exact sources are, but all the sources are cited in the book called "Superbetter". Quite an interesting read.

[@rulinggodsidly2941]

I'd agree that online multiplayer with voice chat,example call of duty is TERRIBLE especially for a young person to get into,it is such a hostile and disgusting toxic environment i watched first hand my young nephew turn into a broken fragment of a once beautiful human solely because of this environment. It was extremely sad to see,he was such a miserable kid. Fortunately im glad to say he's not into that stuff anymore,he prefer girls and being outdoors now. But the damage was done, he's a good kid n it's a process trying to bring him back to a more peaceful mindset. But at least he's on a better course now. Also as someone who grew up before the internet i can attest that playing games together with friends in the same room is a great experience.

[@DiscoMouse]

“Street Fighter (NOT ONLINE)” ah damn, I thought I’d found a loophole lol

[@elefes.]

Thumbs up. We've been playing some Dota 2 with THE BOYZ in the office on Friday evenings (and sometimes nights). Was super fun. Some of the best memories. Playing online with the same people feels more toxic and exhausting.

[@felipedias4205]

Honestly I totally get where you are coming from but I think there are exceptions, at least in my case, I always used to play Singleplayer games and such, and in my personal life people are very positive towards me and I usually find success, however, when I play online in competitive games, I get shit on relentlessly and cruelly very often, and to me that has been good, learning to take criticism, when my personal life doesn't offer much, and learning to deal with someone trying to be mean and offensive without taking it to heart or getting aggravated, naturally it isn't the most healthy way to come into contact with negativity, but perhaps if you are ready for it and know how to handle it, it can be beneficial, at least for me it was.

[@SavagePrisonerSP]

@@felipedias4205 That's a solid beneficial thing that I've also noticed from online comp. Dealing with negativity is good. But there gets to a certain point where, yes you can "deal" with the negativity consciously, but subconsciously, it will take a toll on your mental and internal well-being. Shit, even if no one is being negative, you can still FEEL it coming. You come to expect it. And when you expect it, your body is primed for it. Meaning you're stressing yourself out simply by existing in a competitive environment, whether you're aware of it or not.

[@saraklavier3860]

I started gaming with 3 or 4 years and I've been doing it my whole life. Also, I really love to travel, play the piano, walk and socialice, but that's something that I developed with a lot of work. When I was at school I didn't have a lot of friends, so video games felt a safe place for me. I started to believe my life was in a video game that I used to play, and not in the outside. Finally I started to feel the need to change that. When I was at university I met a lot of people and started to go out more often. Without noticing I was feeling really good doing different things. Now, I work as a developer and I really enjoy playing video games when I can. They make me feel happy and forget my problems. But, at the same time I love to meet new people, go to parties, travel and discover new countries and cultures. Every hobbie gives me something different that I really enjoy. Something that helped me a lot to start going outside is to think in something that I need to do, for example, if I want to go for a walk I think in a quest to accomplish (go to a supermarket that is 2 miles away to buy something that I need, walk 5 miles that day, etc) I think video games are really good if you know how to balance. Everything in life is bad if you are addicted to, but it's not if you can make it a part of your hobbies and not your whole life. Also, they make great communities and bring people together. I'm happy to play videogames and I want to do it the rest of my life, living a fullfiled life with friends, music, travels and consoles.

[@mjw2002mjw]

I started hanging out with others outside od work once in a while then my coworker got me into muscle building which really helps me personally get out more i now have a group i hang around with and it is helping me regain my confidence

[@Shibby27ify]

I haven't been a gamer since I was about 20, 21 years ago, before there was even the term "gamer" but I see parallels with other technology addictions, such as internet porn and content addiction

[@Belipe_SSB]

I am so glad I found this video. I feel my life has been on a downwards spiral and even my psychologist could not help me. I feel I have fallen down when I used to be so smart and be able to do so many things. I was smarter and healthier to the point that now, as an advanced university student, can't concentrate when studying and feel like I've become dumber when reading stuff I made in high school. Same thing with looking at pictures of me at 17 vs how I look at 21. I lost so many achievements that now look unachievable and watching this made me realize I can only go up if I know how to look at this. I hope I can revisit this in a year and feel I have accomplished bigger goals in my life and can go back the path I was following before the Pandemic struck me hard. Thank you

[@LDKEdcoree]

Good luck my friend. Update us in a year from now.

[@FavourUnachukwu-qv6zu]

i relate to you i did really get into video games until lockdown, before lockdown i spent most of my time in school and outside biking, playing soccer with friends and playing board games. After the lockdown i felt like a different person i replaced everthing with gaming. i feel like i cant socialize i will try and get back into it tho and see what happens

[@abcd-fs2de]

I feel the same but becoming dumber for 5 or more years. Hopefully we will find our way to live...

[@DooDooDooDoo]

I can relate and more things make sense after watching this video. When i didnt have a job, i would just play video games and when i tried to find a job i felt useless, like i couldn't do it. I saw friends and other people do it and i felt like i was less than them. It even made me feel like in games i cant lead others to victory because im less than them. This channel helps, reflect on the past, present and future. Its amazing, ty

[@pieguy1785]

I have to be honest I am a gamer and I don’t think I’ve ever struggled with the things that this video covers. Not sure what I did to cause that or maybe just got lucky but it even has been the opposite for me in some cases

[@angelswarz8995]

I think it depends on how much importance and what perspective You give and get from gaming. I have played games since I was a Kid, but also dont relate to the problems Dr. K mentions (and, tbh, I do find the scope of gaming he uses to be a bit small and limited) but I also cant really call myself a "gamer".

[@letsreadtextbook1687]

Good for you bro!

[@noxify1122]

I am a gamer of around 10 years. I started when I was 6, on my family PS3 playing terraria/old call of duty’s. And now I’m 16, playing 20+ hours a week. If I don’t work. And I lost myself. But I got into my schools weight room, and realized that I am stronger than 90% of the guys in my class. Once I realized how good I was, I started having fun. Like for example, I hit 305 squat for 2 reps, and felt INSANE after it. Better than gaming has ever made me felt for sure.

[@eggxecution]

The part where you discussed to break down the task into smaller pieces and to keep breaking it down to two pieces without stopping until I finally get to that starting point was a huge help! Throughout my life I often got sruck with questions of "what now? I do not know what to do next." I often find my self procrastinaning without clear goal why am I doing this. However after watching this vid. It is a huge help!

[@s1os2s3]

I have been bullied for 12 years (yes, my main experience with schools is being bullied without going into details) so, I ran to gaming. I am satisfied with who I am, right now. So, the feelings have been burried in the deepest places I could find. Gaming did not cause my feelings to be turned off. Gaming saved me from considering offing myself. Based on my experience feeling lonely is prefered to being hurt. L.E: Also, I am financially independant. I am using gaming for escapism. I am well aware of the real world. I just prefer burying myself in escapism whenever I can. Sadly, devs and politics keep removing escapism from games. My problem is another but I am not in a rush of fixing it. I am addicted to WoW. Can I just drop it with a plan? Yes, absolutely, I just dont want to. It is not worth it.

[@IA-uo6un]

Hey bro, it’s good you have insight that your gaming as an escape, but also realise that the cliche if “I can stop I just want to” does not address the underlying motivation you have for not wanting to stop. You should want to stop, and you need to tell yourself that you should want to stop, regardless of whether or not you actually want to. In another sense, your feelings are irrelevant to your reality, become a good person by taking care of urself and being ambitious, and life will work itself out. Good luck

[@ReizokoRyu]

I agree with the above, brother. It's good you acknowledge it, but you do need to practice some moderation and work on bettering yourself. Build yourself up and be a champion. You can be a king IRL and online! Moderation is key. Trust me, it's hard to start, but when you start accomplishing things , it becomes easier and you start to divide your time better. Good luck!

[@aspenture1087]

Yeah atm for me it’s games (mostly WoW) or wanting to commit suicide as well. I push keys and do mythic raid. I’m proud of myself when I kill new bosses or time a higher key (17% on mythic sark rn). I like levelling and learning alts, I often figure out my own builds and work out how to play toons myself. I don’t often watch guides.

[@Tilley53]

@ReizokoRyu I disagree with this sentiment. I've been playing games since I was like 7? Or so, I'm 25 now. I've had plenty of accomplishments for my age, the only thing I lack compared to the very few of my peers who did accomplish it is a college degree. Mind you I have some college under my belt, and I plan to get a masters in robotics engineering. But besides college, I am financially stable and have been for 2 years outside of my parents house. I also did get higher education and got my caregiving and CNA certifications. I do also have a girlfriend of 3 years and a dog. I work about 48 hours a week occasionally I'll work a bit extra and hit 60 hours in one week. But I tend to work just about the same or more then a majority, while maintaining a healthy relationship and I still find time to game about 24-30 hours a week, while I also buy groceries, clean, take care of appointments, etc. I also will say I have experienced zero of the triats the video mentioned. I have plenty of confidence (sometimes too much) I adapt to situations way better then the average person, I learn faster then the average person, and I can hold social interactions just fine. I have my own goals and a road map I set up myself on how I plan to achieve them. So I'm also capable of planning (which was mentioned gamers can't seem to do) I don't believe you need to practice moderation to be successful. I play more than a casual would and while I play that much I am also a hard-core player that wants to be the best with my limited time. Planning how and when to use your time. And setting goals for yourself is how you become successful. I think the takeaway people should get from this video isn't video games are bad or even a hindrance. It should be to set goals for yourself to get where you are content with your life. The social relationships come and go. Friends come and go. Try to keep connections with friends and family, but if they leave for whatever reason, be content without them knowing there will be other people who come along later

[@ReizokoRyu]

@@Tilley53 this is also true! What I meant is moreso when someone has a genuine problem and gaming (or any other addictive habit) is the root of it. Like they willingly fail a class just so they can get some more gaming in, rather than study, etc. I'll admit, I come from somewhat of the opposite experience you've had. I can do well when I apply myself, but the problem IS getting myself to focus and apply myself, because I'd tend to put studies and etc. on the back burner. Passed on a lot of good opportunities in life cuz of it. Gaming will always be a part of my life, but I just spread it out a little more nowadays so I can commit to my other endeavors, that's all! 😊

[@claudealpha2090]

As you stare at the wall, the wall stares back... 19:34 Love this

[@BusterBeachside]

This literally explains like, almost every major thing that I struggle with in life. I feel like I more watch KZbin (hi) than play games, but I do both. I find it really tough to get up in the morning, arrive to places on time, even really simple things like cleaning the bathroom, doing the dishes, making a phone call. My first game was Super Mario Kart on SNES when I was 2 years old lol. I'll have to try some of the things in this video.

[@MrTomas7777]

Speaking of watching KZbin, something that might help is getting these addictions out of reach. Recently I noticed that when I was bored, I would open my web browser and mindlessly click the KZbin shortcut in the home page. So I decided to remove the shortcut... and now I click another one. But atleast I open KZbin less often.

[@RichardHardslab]

This was kind of wild to listen to. Before lockdown I'd put down a goal to go walking for about an hour on any of my days off and stuck to it for over a year, I was reading a ton of self-help books and such at the time. That all changed when I started to have depressive thoughts during my walks and I was unable to move my mind to more positive things. Less the gaming, and more the books I was reading, led me to worry that such thoughts would be detrimental to my mental well being so I stopped getting the exercise. I've been thinking I need to get back into the walking once more, and knowing this bit about the brain just further convinces me that I need to do so.

[@emergencystoppingonly]

I spent an inordinate amount of time learning to be social and becoming basically a social butterfly, I was insane about how social I was. I also started sports and physical things that were challenging even though I was a couch potato gamer. I went out every single night, and I made something like over 100 real life friends. I used to be a major loner and extreme introvert hiding from the world, so for a long time, going out and meeting people was very hard for me and super scary. Only wanted to stay in and play. But that was a huge challenge in itself to go out at first. Thing was, every single person I met eventually, we were all gamers. We had balance, we had games and we had fun outside of games and we partied. One of the best nights ever, I went out to something like 2 or 3 different parties/events, then I got home at maybe 1am and played a game til 3 or 4 (it was friday so I was ok). The balance is possible, and you can have everything if you want it. I will say this, those long years of my life were the best feeling I ever had, I felt like I was on top of the world. I'm just old and tired now (almost 50) that's why i am not out as much. But if I can do it, and I met hundreds of people who did it, everybody can.

[@enviouswings]

gaming and home working out until my body hurts. Setting goals for myself based off this videos logic, stuff I dont really wanna do but I'll feel accomplished in myself after.

[@Snulge]

This video hits so true. I'm an incredibly outgoing and active person and I love going out. But there are 2 people in this body, the gamer who wants to hermit up in my house and game forever for that dopamine and the adventurer in me that wants serotonin from hiking and activities with friends and when one wins over the other I totally turn into a different person.

[@rolandocastaneda4429]

I'm 49 today. I started playing video games the day my father bought me an Atari 2600 on Christmas 1979 and have played to this day. For being 49 I have played in a total of SIX decades using various consoles and platforms. It is unimaginable to have been so stuck on a cycle so addicting as this. It was always about the next big fix or grind. Now my body is wasted due to inactivity and I became homeless toward the end. Who knows what man I could have been if I had not been playing. All I can do now is become the man I want to be with what I have left in me.

[@musicmeister1313]

gl making changes in your life. you got this💪🏾

[@brunomattesco]

You got this I trust you

[@lowuhs]

don’t give up man. make what’s best left of the time you got with us.

[@porkerpete7722]

Damn on my way to your lifestyle

[@flueepwrien6587]

kudos to you

[@wizarian]

Amazing explanation, thanks. There were some phases in my life where I played videogames too much. Sometimes it helped me, but other times it was an addiction that I had to break to get my life back. As I approach fifty I have found my balance in life, but your scientific explanation clarifies the whole issue on a deeper level.

[@Jeriko251]

I've recently come to grips with the fact that if I want to start doing more with myself, I'm going to have to make the hard sacrifice of cutting video games out of my life completely. Like an alcoholic with booze, my tendencies with gaming are just way too obsessive for me to indulge in them even to the slightest degree. Thank you for this video! It shed so much light onto the nature of my condition, even in ways that I have not fully appreciated until now.

[@flueepwrien6587]

I agree, I am in the same position, I had quit for a month and going strong, I hope I'll never play again

[@chukieeee]

I came to te same conclusion. It's a shame I didnt know this earlier. The video is like describing me. Quit it and make a meaningful life like I try to do.

[@Anonym-yr4qn]

This was released like 10 minutes ago according to KZbin and here i just was, looking for answers about why it appears to be so hard for me, to go outside and start taking actual care of myself again. Perfect timing.

[@naeem-hf7xx]

exactly what i needed - he described me to a tee

[@chaosonreach6434]

I gotta be honest man. When I’m playing competitively and it’s close I get massive adrenaline and anxiety spikes, I also get angry if it goes poorly so I’m not sure my negative emotions get shut off usually.

[@smothimon]

It always amazes me how you manage to explain the issue in a conscise but informative way, whilst providing straight forward strategies to work on yourself. This channel needs to blow up for that AOE healing ❤

[@sweetsomething235]

Fantastic guide to recovery from gaming and solves a lot of stigma. But sometimes, the game is only an excuse to avoid dealing with real trauma that you never want to remember or revisit. After several different substance OD, gaming became the least harmful escape from things.

[@philippain]

Gaming really helped me plus I’m productive

[@elizabethivy1337]

Thank you for this. Video games were the main way I coped with a lot of trauma during my childhood. I have been playing them for 20+ years now and I'm still thankful that I had them during hard times. They were my only way to 'escape' when I was alone and had no other options or tools at my disposal. That being said, I have experienced all of the negative effect you listed to varying degrees. Having the science behind it explained is so helpful to my ability to move forward. There have been a lot of days where I have felt supremely angry, guilty, and frustrated with myself for continuing to game, even when I was very conscious that it was preventing me from moving forward in other areas of my life. Having clear strategies to help me change and break out of these habits has renewed my determination. Gratitude 🙏

[@christianaries1189]

I needed to hear every word of this!!!! My husband and son are gamers and I didn’t understand their brains at all while seeing them struggle with life.