JRE #694 – Jane McGonigal

9/8/2015

This podcast delves into the mind of game designer and author Jane McGonigal, known for advocating the use of technology to foster positive attitudes and collaboration. She shares her personal journey of recovering from a brain injury through a game she created, and explores the potential of gameful thinking for overcoming challenges in life. Provocative topics include the realities of post-concussion syndrome, the power of positive emotions, the influence of dopamine in our brains, and the complexities of online interaction. Underlying themes focus on the potential of gamification for personal growth and self-efficacy, the importance of challenging our comfort zones, and the surprising benefits of embracing vulnerability.

Podcast Topics:

1. Jane’s Brain Injury and Recovery:

• McGonigal sustained a concussion from a simple, yet impactful, incident of hitting her head on a cabinet.
• She experienced the debilitating symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, including sensitivity to light and noise, headaches, nausea, and even suicidal thoughts.
• The importance of cognitive rest in the initial stages of concussion recovery, emphasizing the need to avoid strenuous mental activities.
• The potential dangers of pushing oneself too quickly, as the brain can still be vulnerable even after initial symptoms subside.

2. The Gameful Approach to Recovery:

• McGonigal’s unique approach to recovery involved creating a game with rules and strategies to guide her healing process.
• The game incorporated elements like power-ups, bad guys, and quests, all designed to stimulate positive emotions and create a sense of progress.
• She emphasizes the importance of confronting challenges head-on, rather than avoiding triggers, to facilitate true recovery and prevent chronic disability.
• The game’s success led to clinical trials at Ohio State University, confirming its effectiveness in reducing post-concussion symptoms.

3. The Neuroscience of Dopamine and Self-Efficacy:

• McGonigal explains how dopamine plays a crucial role in motivation, learning, and goal achievement.
• Video games, with their constant feedback loops and anticipation of success, provide a powerful source of dopamine, boosting self-efficacy.
• She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the effortful actions required to reach a goal, rather than just visualizing the outcome, for maximizing effectiveness.
• The concept of self-efficacy, as opposed to self-esteem, involves feeling equipped with the skills and resources to achieve a desired outcome.

4. The Dangers and Benefits of Online Interaction:

• McGonigal highlights the phenomenon of dehumanization in online games, where lack of physical presence can lead to increased aggression and reduced empathy.
• She recommends limiting time spent engaging in competitive online gaming to minimize the potential for negative social impacts.
• Conversely, the concept of mirror neurons suggests that watching someone play a game you know how to play can trigger similar brain activity, potentially fostering a sense of community and engagement.
• The rise of Twitch and YouTube gaming provides an opportunity to explore the potential for positive social connection, even without direct physical interaction.

5. The Role of Games in Addiction and Recovery:

• McGonigal discusses the dangers of using games for escapism, particularly when they are employed to avoid dealing with uncomfortable emotions or challenges.
• The key to overcoming game addiction lies in shifting focus from avoiding problems to using games for personal growth and development.
• She stresses the importance of diversifying activities and interests to prevent hyper-focusing on a single source of dopamine and satisfaction.
• She shares a personal anecdote about her own struggle with pool addiction and how she overcame it through a broader approach to life.

6. The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health:

• McGonigal emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, highlighting how depression can hinder brain healing after injury.
• She advocates for embracing physical challenges, even after injuries, to prevent chronic disability and maintain a healthy mindset.
• She shares insights into the potential benefits of cold therapy, particularly cryo helmets, for reducing inflammation and promoting recovery.
• The conversation touches on the importance of understanding the body’s natural healing mechanisms to avoid impulsive behaviors that may hinder progress.

7. The Power of Perspective and Compassion:

• McGonigal discusses how embracing vulnerability and recognizing our shared humanity can foster empathy and understanding.
• She encourages stepping back from narrowly defined perspectives and embracing a broader view of life’s complexities.
• She challenges the notion of “trigger warnings” as a means of avoiding discomfort, advocating for developing resilience and managing reactions to difficult situations.
• The conversation highlights the importance of navigating social change with empathy, recognizing that those who resist change often do so out of fear and a desire to protect their existing frameworks.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “I’m gonna kill myself, or I’m gonna turn this into a game.” – This statement, made during the darkest moments of her recovery, encapsulates McGonigal’s unique and determined spirit.
• “You don’t wanna get on that course towards seeing yourself as kind of chronically disabled.” – This powerful message emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself within the boundaries of safety during recovery, to prevent limiting beliefs from taking root.
• “The more dopamine you have in your reward pathways, the more you focus on the positive outcome, and the less you think about the effort required.” – This insightful explanation of dopamine’s role in motivation and goal achievement highlights the importance of finding rewarding activities to fuel our drive.
• “It’s not just a matter of saying, I’m gonna pay attention now. You have to be priming your brain to increase the dopamine in your reward pathways.” – This crucial point underscores the importance of actively engaging in activities that stimulate dopamine production, rather than relying solely on willpower.
• “It is psychologically distressing to have somebody else tell you we’re playing a different game.” – This profound statement captures the emotional turmoil that accompanies societal change and the difficulty of adapting to new rules and perspectives.