In this episode of Doing Well, we explore the research behind video games and their relationship with digital social connectedness. While video games are often portrayed negatively in traditional media from claims of promoting violence to enabling harmful online interactions — this conversation focuses on their positive impact. Our guest, Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D., sheds light on how gaming can foster connection, creativity, and wellbeing in meaningful ways.

Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D. is a researcher and educator specializing in video games and wellbeing, popular culture, and cultural geography. After spending most of their career in academia, they shifted to applied work in gaming, including serving as a Wellbeing Researcher at Lumi Interactive and now working in video game market research. Outside of work, Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D. enjoys hiking, spending time with pets, and playing classics like Skyrim and Oblivion.

Throughout the episode, Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D. and host Sarah discuss how gaming can build social confidence, provide a sense of belonging, and even replicate “third spaces”, those comforting in-between places like cafés or libraries that offer community beyond home and work. They touch on the balance between enjoyment and overindulgence, noting that journaling can help players stay mindful of their emotions before, during, and after gaming. Together, they remind us that video games, when used intentionally, can be powerful tools for connection and joy.

Connect with Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D. via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hcgunderman/

Resources recommended by Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D.:
Digital third spaces in cozy video games via Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds: https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/jgvw_00108_1
Digital third spaces in cozy video games via Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds (free version): https://osf.io/ejv7m/.

Talk on toxic positivity in emotional well-being games via GDC Vault: https://gdcvault.com/play/1035101/Thriving-Players-Summit-Avoiding-Toxic
Toxic Positivity in Games for Emotional Well-Being via Digital Thriving Playbook: https://digitalthrivingplaybook.org/big-idea/toxic-positivity-and-how-to-avoid-it-in-games-for-emotional-well-being/

Emotional naming apps recommended by Hannah Gunderman, Ph.D.:
Kinder World: https://www.playkinderworld.com/
How We Feel: https://howwefeel.org/

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