Firmly held beliefs about video games helping or hindering mental health have always existed. While many people may view video games as antisocial, and something that negatively affects mental health, is this truly accurate? John and Steph discuss how video games have affected their own mental health, whether there is a point where games become unhelpful, and the many factors that affect where that tipping point lies. 

Research used for this episode: 

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/cyber.2021.0252 

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/12/18/national/social-issues/video-game-addiction/

https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h00599/amp/

https://www.ipe.com/current-edition/briefing-japan-emerging-from-its-invisible-lockdown/10049837.article

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_lockdowns_in_Italy

http://matthewbarr.co.uk/bartle/

https://www.verywellmind.com/coping-with-emotions-with-distraction-2797606 

https://www.psychologyofgames.com/2016/07/why-do-achievements-trophies-and-badges-work/ 

https://stars.library.ucf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2826&context=etd 

https://ludogogy.co.uk/achievements-in-games/ 

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cyber.2020.0027 

https://games.jmir.org/2021/2/e26575   

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This podcast was created by employees of the University of Adelaide for the University, however the views and opinions expressed on the show are those of the individuals, not the University itself.