Leveling Up Mental Health: Tackling Gaming Toxicity and Cybersecurity Burnout
In this episode of Breaking Badness, Tricia Howard of Akamai joins Kali Fencl and Ian Campbell to dive deep into the intersection of gaming culture, mental health, and cybersecurity. Tricia shares her journey from theater arts to cybersecurity research, her love for gaming, and her experiences tackling emotional toxicity in digital spaces. The episode covers the concept of “mind patches,” the role of community in digital wellness, and how gaming and workspaces mirror each other in their challenges with mental health and collaboration. Tune in to hear her thoughts on reducing stigma, creating safe digital spaces, and embracing vulnerability for a healthier cybersecurity community.
Introduction: From Theater to Cybersecurity
Tricia Howard’s unconventional journey from a theater arts degree to a career in cybersecurity is a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability. As she puts it:
“I got into security by accident. I started in sales, moved into content creation, and discovered cybersecurity through integrators. It felt like being in a Marvel movie—real-life superheroes!”
Her vibrant personality and unique perspective have made her a standout voice in cybersecurity research at Akamai. This episode explores her insights on gaming toxicity, mental health, and building inclusive digital spaces.
Gaming and Mental Health: Toxicity, Gatekeeping, and the Brain
Tricia’s love for gaming dates back to the days of Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64. However, she candidly discussed how toxicity in gaming communities can stem from deeper psychological issues:
“A lot of us are unaware of how our brains are wired in ways that aren’t helpful. If we game to escape and enter toxic spaces, it can amplify negative behaviors.”
She emphasized the parallels between gaming and work environments, particularly in how they handle stress and collaboration. Tricia also shared insights from her blog post, “Battling Emotional Toxicity in Games,” which offers practical tips for fostering mental wellness in digital spaces.
“You Can’t Secure What You Can’t See”: Mental Health in Cybersecurity
A key takeaway from Tricia’s story is how the cybersecurity industry mirrors gaming in its challenges with mental health. She explains:
“Insecurity isn’t just about systems—it’s about us too. You can’t secure what you can’t see, and that includes your mind.”
She discussed the stigma surrounding therapy in the cybersecurity field and encouraged professionals to prioritize their mental health. Tricia also highlighted the importance of taking leave when needed, sharing her personal experience of burnout and recovery.
Breaking the Digital Divide: The Future of Community in Gaming
Dr. Kimberly Voll, a renowned expert in gaming psychology and AI, was a significant influence on Tricia’s recent blog post. Dr. Voll argues that:
“We need to stop separating physical and digital spaces. This is where people hang out now, and we should treat them with the same care as we do community parks.”
Tricia expanded on this idea, urging developers and community managers to focus on creating safe, inclusive digital environments. She also recommended resources like Thriving in Games, an initiative co-founded by Dr. Voll, for building healthier gaming communities.
Practical Advice: Combatting Burnout and Fostering Collaboration
For cybersecurity professionals struggling with burnout, Tricia shared actionable advice:
- Be Honest with Your Team:
“Let your manager know if you’re struggling—it helps to know someone else is aware.” - 2. Take Micro-Breaks for Dopamine:
“Play a quick game of Tetris between meetings. Your brain craves dopamine, so give it what it needs.” - Leverage Body Doubling:
“Work alongside a colleague virtually—it’s great for accountability and simulates the office environment.”
Resources spoke about during the episode
- Tricia’s Blog – Battling the Emotional Toxicity Within Games: How to Digitally Thrive
- Dr Kimberley Voll – Brace Yourself Games
Watch on YouTube
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*A special thanks to John Roderick for our incredible podcast music!
