How is Digitization Influencing Gambling Addiction?
Dr. Tobias Hayer has been researching the topic of gambling addiction for many years.
Dr. Tobias Hayer has been researching the topic of gambling addiction for many years and explains how the digital transformation is affecting gaming behavior and why online gambling such as sports betting and virtual slot machine games are becoming increasingly popular.
The new faces of gambling addiction
Young people, often male and with a migrant background, are among the risk groups. The discussion makes it clear how advertising and influencer marketing specifically address these target groups and what risks this entails.
From the arcade to the internet: new entry points
A central topic of this episode is the change in the paths to gambling addiction. Where slot machines used to be found in pubs, online offers now provide an easy way to gamble anytime, anywhere. Dr. Hayer describes how young people get used to gambling mechanisms through digital games and so-called “loot boxes” and how the transition to real gambling is often fluid.
Challenges in the protection of minors and prevention
Dr. Hayer criticizes the lack of up-to-date data on the gaming behavior of young people in Germany and calls for representative studies to better understand the effects of digitalization.
He also highlights the difficulties that exist in prevention and education in the digital age, where conventional approaches are often no longer sufficient. Support for those affected: What help is available?
Despite the growing problem, Dr. Hayer is optimistic about the support structures in Germany. He reports on everything from traditional outpatient counseling centers to new digital services such as online self-help groups and chat-based counseling. These can be an important source of support, especially for young people.
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