Jo Iacovides, Senior Lecturer, Computer Science
Jo is a Senior Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of York.
She has a BSc in Psychology (University of Nottingham), an MSc in Human Centered Computing (University of Bath), and an MRes and PhD in Educational Technology (Open University).
Her research has focused on exploring how games and playful technologies can be used for a range of applied purposes, such as education and behaviour change. She is also interested in the beneficial impacts of gaming on wellbeing.
email: jo.iacovides@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Jo:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
My research has examined the role of gaming during difficult life experiences, and is exploring how and when games are able to support wellbeing in positive ways. Much of the work has involved understanding current experiences of players, but I have also been investigating how games can be designed to support reflection on work-life balance.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
Hearing from players about their experiences of how gaming has helped them through some really difficult times in their lives, whether through offering respite by much needed break, or through helping them process what they have been going through.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
Moral panics around the potential negative effects of games. While gaming can have problematic effects, these are usually much rarer, where the prevalence of such discourses can make it harder to communicate more positive effects.
What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?
I hope this work can contribute to a more a nuanced understanding of the ways in which games affect players, as well as helping us to better to consider how we can design applied games to support particular forms of wellbeing.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
Don’t feel guilty about spending time on the things you enjoy, including video games! These activities are necessary for helping us detach and recover from day-to-day stresses.