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Hi Joshua, great write up. As an educator, you mentioned that you openly discuss gaming and its psychological tactics with your students. How do you believe the education system can play a role in promoting awareness of these manipulative practices and fostering critical thinking among young gamers?

Also, the Skinner box and operant conditioning are based on the principle of rewards and punishments to shape behavior. Do you see any potential positive applications of these principles in gaming, such as fostering learning or skill development, rather than solely profit-driven motives?

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Hi Kavindu, great to hear from you!

I think education around freemium tactics has a place in PSHCE or similar in schools. It appears to be part of the landscape and not going away. Currently the major strategy is "exploit the ignorance" of the consumer, and awareness can do a lot to help, hence my writing this article. Many people, more aware of the tricks can't fall for them. They "choose" them at that point. It isn't so black and white but I think you appreciate my point.

In terms of positive applications:

- There are plenty within parenting, positively rewarding good behaviour. Both reward and punishment have a place in parenting, in my opinion. Its really important to note I've said behaviour here and not outcomes. Rewards for children should not be based on "goal achievement" like grade outcomes or sports results, but instead on "behaviours" like, handing in your phone to your mum and dad while you complete homework and study in the evening, or attending clubs and being involved at school, etc.

- Animal training is built on these principles, and I've often joked that young boys aren't so different from puppies!

- The army uses principles of behaviourism throughout its recruit training programs.

I hope all is well with you!

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Hi Joshua, thanks for your well wishes and for sharing your insights here. The examples of parenting, animal training and the military do definitely highlight the versality of these techniques. Wishing you all the best!

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