The Cognitive Science of Video Game Addiction

I explain why video games are compelling to us.
References:
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi - Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
John Vervaeke - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis

[@rush6837]

What a quality content

[@someones_daughter_]

This was hella cool, I've never played video games as a kid, no matter my pleas for a console or gameboy :') Instead I was left to drawing in my room almost my whole childhood. I also did classical music school as a kid. ( I love classical but a lot of working class people still consider it snobby, so I learned to hide that lol) Now I'm almost 30 and people ask ALL THE TIME how I got 'skilled' at drawing and what I find so relaxing about it. Turns out all of them were gaming in the same evenings and holidays I was drawing. Its not like I profited from the arts and sometimes it feels painful, realising I cant make a profit yet its become an intrinsic part of me, this makes it impossible to detach from it.. However, I've always found the gap between my peers and me - the difference being the lack of video games - to be extremely fascinating. This video was very coherent yet profound, as it brought quite a few new perspectives to ponder on further.. Sometimes I felt alienated, not knowing about the gaming experience, but learning about it from a distance brings me closer to my peers in an unexpected way ^^

[@Alaska-mk4ok]

High quality content like yours is rare these days thank you

[@a_naotenhonome780]

I noticed some things you said in the video before, I also think it's cool to add the escapism factor too, sometimes people use video games as escape valves from the stresses of real life,on video games the problems tend to be solved easier like for example when you kill a boss and you advance unlike irl where problems are much more complex (And in addition there are simulation games like Stardew valley, animal crossing for example). but anyway your channel is amazing i hope the youtube algorithm help you

[@cr6nk]

I understood alot of this material already, however, the way you spoke about co op games and active participation made me realize why I get bored playing single player games sometimes. Cool video 😊

[@rararasputin2.090]

Hey dude, just found your channel. High quality content my man, keep it up.

[@ajarofpotential]

I very much enjoy your informative style of narrating. Looking forward to more of your videos 😊

[@theonethatprotectsyoufromt9271]

Great video, you've earned a subscriber! Kudos for Ratatat as well!

[@duncanclarke]

Thanks man! Ratatat is probably one of my favourite bands of all time

[@TheChromePoet]

@@duncanclarke Great video. However, the Qur'an says we did not evolve from animals, and it claims to be free from all errors and contradictions.

[@EwanWatt-qe1wt]

you deserve more views man Theas videos are amazing theyre just like idk good in a way that is not explainable to me

[@shaahnii]

this is 2 years old why are there only 9.6k views this is gold

[@jaffa3717]

When I was in school, I'd spin a pen around my fingers, and sometimes think about how crazy it is how I'm moving my fingers in a really complex pattern to spin the pen, completely automatically, without really thinking about it or doing it actively. My brain just knows exactly what movements to do in what pattern and timing so I can spin the pen. Got me thinking as a kid

[@jyesthachavan3584]

This video is soo good!

[@Laotzu.Goldbug]

Virtualization is always inferior to manifestation. Anything you can learn in a video game or practice in a virtual environment you can do better somewhere else. There are no exceptions, there are just short cuts of convenience. (e.g. Even the best flight simulators are never going to train a fighter pilot as well as when he is in the cockpit, but considering the potential costs of Crossing, it makes sense to give novices a little time in front of the screen before you put the stick in the hand. But for the average person who in any way convinces himself they are learning important skills by playing video games, and not just embracing the brutal reality that it is entertainment for them and absolutely nothing more, is only lying to themselves.)

[@sonofaglitch7549]

Fighting Do I need to say more?

[@Laotzu.Goldbug]

@@sonofaglitch7549 yes, you do

[@sonofaglitch7549]

@@Laotzu.Goldbug if you spend time fighting fighting like in the games as you spend time playing combat centric games Martial arts won't be enough and the world will be more violent

[@Laotzu.Goldbug]

@@sonofaglitch7549 I'm not quite sure exactly what you saying, but are you somehow suggesting that playing a fighting video game - or some kind of fighting simulation in general - is going to make one a more competent fighter than actual physical practice? If so, I do have to question your life experience

[@sonofaglitch7549]

@@Laotzu.Goldbug no, I mean that you can't satisfy the appeal of combat games enough

[@Jhordanshmu]

Can't recommend the channel BdobbinsFTW enough Mr Duncman. Specifically the two (long) videos "Why Games Like Call Of Duty Are Bad For You, But Games Like RuneScape Are Good For You" and I'll especially recommend "Why Everyone Is Quitting Their Job to Play Call Of Duty" Those two videos are arguably the best I've seen on KZbin and they essentially elaborate on what you're talking about here but in much greater depth due to their length

[@attroenergizer8115]

I used to love playing video games but then trough life(i am 26 now )i just couldnt play them anymore but i wish i could like in the old days as a kid.It happened when i was around 18 19 that i just once of a sudden stopped playing video games with that burning healing desire

[@atro-city]

A video game is just a job that you have to do, a good game is a creative, interesting job, a gamer is basically someone who wants someone else to give them something to do, that's it. It taps into our slave mindset that makes us forget the harsh realities of life by busying ourselves,. Even workaholics do this, they over extend their shifts, because that is better to do than being at your flat all alone with nothing to do. Bosses at the office exploit people like these by making them dream of "progress, self improvement, success" and encouraging them to work extra hours. Training modules literally teach bosses how to manipulate their team with a reward based system (like a video game) which is not entirely a bad thing if employees enjoy it but it is the video game principle. Games that are more "immersive" and "challenging" are considered better because they make you work harder while being interesting (take up more of your time). It's all work in the end. Humanity throughout the ages can be divided into Slavers and Slaves, even today, being a slave is our instinct somewhere, we do not WANT freedom on some level, that's why UI design that gives people too many options is considered bad design, a restaurant menu that has too many options gives us a headache. We love to be told what to do, a thing our slavers love to exploit (now we're not talking about games anymore but it is this instinct within us that loves games).

[@gregoryshortale]

Writing here because I don't know where else to ask. How do you write the scripts for your videos? Do you have a process? Or is it just what comes to mind? Thx.

[@duncanclarke]

I probably don't have the best advice, since I'm still fairly new to this, but my process basically goes like this: 1. Think of a topic 2. Research the topic, taking notes 3. Come up with some list of interesting points/concepts to get across 4. Figure out how those will flow together 5. Write a script getting that material across in a conversational tone, as if I were describing it to a friend or something 6. Record narration 7. Edit 9. Upload I just took a look at your channel and it seems like you have some cool ideas. Definitely going to check it out when I get the chance. Good luck man!

[@gregoryshortale]

@@duncanclarke what is making the script flow? Thx for the response.

[@duncanclarke]

@@gregoryshortale I basically approach it the same way I would in a paper for university. Just trying to segue from one point to another as smoothly as possible. Sometimes I need to re-arrange my points for this to be doable

[@kirinp1088]

"Project" It is also true in Chinese. In Chinese "目" meaning eyesight, "標" meaning target, together meaning project.

[@alifahimi2874]

This vid is underrated

[@graysonjd5624]

Something I’ve wondered about games with progression systems, that also have the usual difficulty curve, is how developers balance that? If enemies start out easier, and you start out less capable, and the difficulty increases in conjunction with your level increasing (better equipment, stats, XP gains), is the game getting more difficult, or in the case of games where you face old enemies, do those previous enemies just become easier? Is there any increase in difficulty if your artificial capability increases at the same rate? Maybe I’m missing something.

[@ncedwards1234]

You can't beat the final boss with base stats, so it limits you. If you get stuck, you can pass where previously you failed, because you can be a higher level than before. So they slow you down or push you forward depending on which extreme you were tending toward. Ever notice games have embedded wait time for certain processes? They know that gambling is addictive not in spite of the unpredictability of it, but because of the unpredictability of it. Your choices follow the predicted behavior given your environment and standard human cognitive machinery, so what even is freedom anyway? Fatigue keeps me from running this idea indefinitely, another feedback mechanism to keep life in equilibrium.

[@taticatnineland]

This was interesting, and I like where you were going with this, but the embodied cognition-based discussion of project/object was a little weak and sounded like more of a etymological shoehorning than a justified perspective.

[@gamzerfarsi5467]

Do you know the song that plays at 4:47 ? , i couldn't find it anywhere.

[@crosforus]

the birth of the goat

[@blaman2012]

playing DDR gets me into flow state easy

[@plushloler]

I think the best video games are not addictive. They can still trigger flow and be great experiences, without being exploitative.

[@MinkuMilo]

I treat video games as the real world and not playing video games achieves nothing in games Edit: I have no idea what this means

[@todayisokay4075]

This is why the evolution fo games is the hijack of the them by the education system. We played with the idea of educational games but never perfected them. We just assumed that only deep lessons of rote memorization could be applied to them. Think of Kerbak space program but on so many more subjects and at different degrees of complication. I think the future will be very interesting and ultimately fun for the people experiencing pastime learning through these means.

[@martinalonso96]

you should try the talos principle

[@todayisokay4075]

Thanks, I'll check it out @@martinalonso96

[@jackman00110101]

0:28 StarCraft hell yeah

[@CalzoneCalzone0616]

🎉

[@macieja7067]

Hi, what's the song from 12:04 to 12:10?

[@Chris-yi9gc]

video game make monkey brain go brrrrrrrrrr

[@NatanAurelius]

I think video games are not just a way to enter flow state or throw things, but they're actually the highest form of art possible right now, a well-written game with a deep sence of immersion gives you such an experience that you can't get from any other form of art. Just look at games like Bloodborne, Metal Gear Solid, Hotline Miami or Pathologic, these are not just games, but deep emotions that often change peoples lives forever.

[@user-jw3cp2tu2v]

13:25

[@tjdriii]

Someone's been listening to Vervaeke

[@malakiblunt]

for the algorithm

[@taticatnineland]

chick-sent-mee-HAIL-yee

[@t.gatsby1160]

Dark souls be like: say what, balance?!

[@Moto_Medics]

Ratatat fucking rules, That is all…

[@chiled0g]

Im sorry, but this is ridiculously dumbed down. I'm an addiction specialist and the information about addiction here is something i would credit to a highschool understanding of the psychology, biochemistry, genetics. Every conclusion sounds about as intelligent as "blasting cigs". I would suggest reading books, instead of opinion pieces written by psych 101 teachers aids. If you'd like a list of any number of virtual stacks of info to correctly understand addiction models, modes, interfaces or hey... Just go to your local rehab.

[@primtaketv2338]

Many people around the world are engaged in (video) gaming and gambling behaviours ,which are recognized as addictive behaviours, but usually do not result in any significant health consequences. However, a small proportion of people engaged in such behaviours may develop disorders due to addictive behaviours associated with functional impairment or distress. Video gaming is highly prevalent in modern culture, particularly among young people, and a healthy hobby for most users. However, in recent years there has been increasing global recognition among public health professionals and academics that particular patterns of video gaming may lead to marked impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and psychological distress for a significant minority of players. People who partake in gaming should be alert to the amount of time they spend on gaming activities, particularly when it is to the exclusion of other daily activities, as well as to any changes in their physical or psychological health and social functioning that could be attributed to their pattern of gaming behaviour. Gambling in many countries and jurisdictions is considered a form of entertainment, characterized by betting/wagering mechanics and monetization features. Like gaming, repetitive gambling behaviour can potentially lead to gambling disorder associated with distress or impairment. In recent years, there has been an increasing convergence between gaming and gambling on various platforms, significantly aided by the Internet. This convergence may give rise to migration from games to gambling and co- occurrence of the two disorders.

[@Vollzer]

OK for a first video, but some of your arguments are just hanging, like the throwing concept, Yes project = projectile and so on, but that is English, there are more languages than just English my dude. Just because your argument somewhat fits with English, doesn't mean its a good one

[@happytrees6484]

Lol im glad someone else thought that

[@user-be2tw4xg7x]

I speak 5 languages and i can confidentally say that all of them use throwing metaphors excessively

[@zachemorgan]

Skateboarding

[@ivan5844]

Video games are fun because they were created by god.

[@draco_1876]

What?

[@yuy2375]

lame. u can replace that with anything, like sex lol

[@ivan5844]

@@yuy2375 I was being stupid dude, I was bored at this time

[@legitbuzhuh]

@@ivan5844 lmao

[@alexdewhurst2064]

Duncan plays League of Legends. Unsubscribed.

[@duncanclarke]

Unfortunately, it's true. I haven't queued ranked in many years though. Just the occasional casual game with some old friends.

[@alexdewhurst2064]

@@duncanclarke I too subject myself to a similar fate. League is a form of mental asceticism if you will.

[@duncanclarke]

@@alexdewhurst2064 I've found that dealing with league toxicity is a genuinely good way to practice stoicism lol