Les jeux vidéo sont-ils dangereux ?

Summary

Michael Stora, a psychologist and psychoanalyst, explores the therapeutic potential of video games, contrasting competitive games like Fortnite with contemplative ones like *Zelda: Breath of the Wild*. He shares insights from working with children struggling with gaming addiction, emphasizing how games can foster emotional expression and resilience. Stora highlights the cathartic nature of gaming, allowing players to engage with their feelings and learn from failure. Through innovative therapeutic applications, he illustrates how video games can serve as valuable tools in mental health care while cautioning against their excessive use without proper context.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michael Stora is a psychologist and psychoanalyst who founded the Observatory of Digital Worlds in Human Sciences.
• 🎮 He has encountered children addicted to the game Fortnite, leading to behavioral issues and concerns about school disengagement.
• 🌿 Stora proposed a contrasting game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, as a therapeutic alternative to competitive games.
• 🧘‍♂️ Zelda emphasizes contemplative play and poetic quests, promoting enjoyment rather than competition.
• 🔄 Through gameplay, children expressed emotions and issues they found difficult to articulate in traditional therapy.
• 📚 Stora believes that video games can teach valuable lessons, particularly about learning from failure.
• ⚔️ Children often feel pressured to succeed and maintain their status as 'heroes' in their parents' eyes, contributing to competitive behaviors.
• 🎭 Video games can serve as a cathartic tool, allowing individuals to channel aggression and emotional responses through avatars.
• 🧩 Stora shared a success story of using a video interface to engage an autistic child, leading to increased awareness and communication.
• 🚗 He also treated a young patient with eczema using a fast-paced game, highlighting the therapeutic potential of video games in various contexts.

Q & A

What is the main concern addressed by Michael Stora regarding children's gaming habits?

Michael Stora expresses concern about children becoming excessively addicted to competitive games like Fortnite, which can lead to behavioral issues and even school dropout.

How does Stora differentiate between competitive games and contemplative games?

Stora contrasts competitive games, which are fast-paced and focused on winning, with contemplative games like *Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, which offer a more reflective experience focused on exploration and enjoyment.

What therapeutic approach does Stora use with his young patients?

Stora uses video games as therapeutic tools, introducing games that encourage self-expression and learning rather than competition, helping children address underlying emotional issues.

How does losing in video games relate to learning, according to Stora?

Stora believes that losing in video games can provide valuable lessons and that it is important for children to experience failure to build resilience and learn from mistakes.

Can you provide an example of a successful therapeutic intervention involving video games?

Stora shares an experience where he used the EyeToy interface with an autistic child, which helped the child realize the impact of his actions, leading to improved communication after two weeks.

What does Stora suggest about the emotional effects of playing video games?

Stora suggests that video games can allow individuals to process emotions such as aggression. For instance, he personally uses *Call of Duty* as a cathartic outlet for his own emotions.

What role do sensory experiences play in Stora's therapeutic approach?

Sensory experiences are crucial; Stora uses simple games to help children develop proprioception, enabling them to understand their actions and surroundings better.

How does Stora view the risk of gaming becoming repetitive or unhealthy?

While acknowledging the therapeutic potential of video games, Stora warns that there is a risk of becoming stuck in repetitive patterns, emphasizing that gaming should serve a constructive purpose in therapy.

Why does Stora advocate for introducing contemplative games to children?

Stora advocates for contemplative games because they allow children to engage in play without the pressure of competition, fostering a more positive emotional experience and personal growth.

What is the significance of allowing children to be 'actors' in their gaming experiences?

Allowing children to be 'actors' in their gaming experiences helps them take an active role in their feelings and choices, promoting self-awareness and engagement in their therapeutic process.