Technology's Impact on Betting Amplifies Obsessive Tendencies: Scientific Forecasts on Intensifying Addiction
Reborn Betting World: The Transformative Power of Technology
The world of gambling has been forever changed by the shift to online platforms, as researchers Philip Newall and Jamie Torrance explain in an article for The Conversation. And it's evident why.
Online betting offers a convenience factor that's hard to resist, allowing users to bet not only on the outcome of games or even the first goal, but also the author of the first goal or the next free kick. Technological advancements ensure that bets are processed swiftly, making bettors feel like they're never missing out on a thing.
Moreover, technology expertly manages perception through a mix of algorithms, data analyses, and immersive digital experiences. Following a loss of $200 and a win of $150, a player may feel like a winner, thanks to the system's congratulations. The triumphant "fanfares" and bright visual congratulations merely serve to fuel an urge to return to betting, without much reflection on their financial losses.
The future promises even more changes, with companies like Apple and Samsung actively working on integrating augmented reality into various fields. This technology is expected to make the online betting world even more vibrant, offering a feeling of maximum realism and immersion that encourages bettors to feel like they're participants, not just spectators.
Furthermore, the development of artificial intelligence will create an illusion of expertise, reducing doubts, especially for inexperienced bettors. Online betting also fosters a sense of competition, as players vie for the top spot in online tournaments, feeling pressured to bet more to avoid ridicule. Consequently, it becomes increasingly challenging for compulsive bettors to disengage.
It's essential to note that technology profoundly influences and manipulates perception in online betting by exploiting the principles of reward, normalization, and marketing strategies. AI and AR only serve to intensify these tendencies, making betting more personalized, engaging, and realistic. In turn, this creates a paradoxical yet powerful allure: the more sophisticated the technologies, the more immersive, captivating, and addictive the betting experience becomes.
Looking ahead, advancements in AI and AR will provide increasingly sophisticated and immersive betting environments, blurring the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds. Ethical challenges related to addiction, informed consent, and fairness will become even more pressing as technology deepens the manipulative aspects of online betting. The choice is ours: to embrace the evolution of the gambling industry or to engage in critical discussions on how to protect consumers from unintended consequences.
Sources:
- Griffiths, Mark D. (2016) Internet Gaming Disorder: An Evolving Concept. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 14(4), pp. 379-382.
- Liu, Yang, et al. (2017) Examining the Effects of Technology on Gambling: A Social Cognitive Theory Perspective. Journal of Gambling Studies, 33(3), pp. 839-855.
- Wyatt, Jon. (2019) The Evolution of Augmented Reality in Online Gambling. Gambling Insider, June 03.
- Sharma, Deepak. (2020) Artificial Intelligence in the Gambling Industry. Business Today, March 12.
- Korn, Gary, et al. (2017) An examination of technology adoption and behavioural integration in daily fantasy sports markets: Implications for industry growth, marketing campaigns, and responsible gambling policies. Journal of Gambling Issues, 41, pp. 21-42.
In the future, companies like Apple and Samsung will integrate augmented reality (AR) into online betting, making the experience more immersive and realistic. This development in technology will create an even stronger illusion of expertise with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), potentially leading to increased engagement for inexperienced bettors.
