Are You Being PLAYED

Over the past couple of weeks, while Year 11 has been preparing for Building Good Men, the rest of Hodges have come together, taking the chance to reflect on the usage of online games and discuss the potential downsides of today’s connected, technology-based society. 

By viewing the Four Corners documentary “Are You Being PLAYED?”, we have gained insight into the inner workings of popular video game titles and the strategies implemented by game designers to increase engagement.  We have also discovered how manipulative marketing techniques can lead to addiction and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.  One of the things that surprised us the most was the sheer amount of time we dedicate to the internet and how much of our time can potentially be wasted as a result.  By shedding light upon contrasting perspectives surrounding computer usage, this documentary has challenged Hodges boys to reflect on how we spend our time and given us valuable knowledge into the possible consequences of such an interconnected world in which we live.

A link to “Are you being PLAYED?” can be found here.

Oscar Kanaley (10HS)