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Have you noticed how seemingly everything we do—from cleaning, to learning a language, to talking to your friends—has an app that turns it into some sort of quest?
It’s called gamification. Things that don’t have to be competitive are turned into a game to improve user engagement. Is it something that helps us be more productive? Or is it ruining our brain’s reward system?
Gamification relies on our brain’s reward circuit. When we accomplish something, the brain releases dopamine, which makes us feel rewarded. Small things like beating a game level, maintaining a playing streak, or some kind of digital badge triggers this dopamine release so that even something small or mundane seems rewarding.
It can be a positive way to break up large tasks into smaller steps. Instead of feeling like we get nothing done until we complete the big project, we get rewarded frequently along the way.
Triggering the dopamine release and the reward system isn’t inherently a bad thing. The issue arises when the game becomes the goal.
You’re no longer making an undesired task desirable, you’re cutting corners to feel that rush. You’re not necessarily being more productive, you’re just focused on moving on to the next step. Gamification doesn’t build good habits, it preys on our need for external motivation.
If we only use the game to trigger the reward system, it leads to the stress that you originally sought out to relieve. Breaking a streak and dropping current tasks to get on the app so you don’t break a streak can lead to anxiety.
It’s possible to mindfully harness the powers of gamification. Using apps to help you track tasks or study is an incredibly efficient way to stay on top of your to-do list.
It’s important to remember that these game apps are tools, not hard and fast rules. You’ll still get things done even if you break a streak. You don’t need a badge to learn a language. Keep the reason you started using this app or playing the game at the front of your mind. If you find that the gamification isn’t working anymore, it might be time to move on.
Sometimes you just need to step away from the software. Use a pen and paper to-do list. Ensure that some accomplishments aren’t tracked in an app. Celebrate milestones on your own, or use a reward that isn’t attached to technology.
If you feel like you’re having trouble getting things done, talk to Inner Balance. We can help you find the reasons that you turn to gamification so often and talk about whether that’s the best track for you. Our counselors have years of experience helping people struggling with mental health and neurodivergency live the lives they’ve always wanted.
Reach out today to schedule a phone call.
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