The 'freaky and unpleasant' world when video games leak into the physical realm
a year ago
- #Mental Health
- #Virtual Reality
- #Gaming Psychology
- Game Transfer Phenomenon (GTP) is a condition where video game experiences spill over into real life, causing disorientation and involuntary actions.
- GTP can manifest as seeing game elements like health bars in real life, involuntary physical actions, or altered perceptions of reality.
- Angelica Ortiz de Gortari, a psychologist, coined the term GTP and studies its effects, noting it can cause distress, confusion, and hyper-vigilance.
- GTP is more common with realistic and immersive games, especially role-playing, simulation, and first-person shooter games.
- Extended playtime (over four hours) increases the likelihood of GTP, and regular breaks can help mitigate its effects.
- Some gamers may hide GTP experiences due to fear of being labeled 'crazy,' but awareness is growing.
- GTP can be compared to earworms or binge-watching effects but is more intense due to gaming's impact on brain areas linked to control inhibition.
- Personality traits, sleep deprivation, stress, and anxiety may increase susceptibility to GTP.
- The gaming industry is urged to address GTP, possibly through warnings or research, given its impact on players, especially children.
- While GTP can be unsettling, most gamers report positive mental health effects from gaming, such as relaxation and community connection.